I own a pair these 603 s2 Anniversary Editions and have coupled them with a REL t/7x in my 16' x 14' media room and these are ridiculously excellent. I have them paired to quality electronics for sure, but they punch far above their weight. Instead of answering the OP's direct request, other posters told us all about their equipment.
The OP listened to many speakers and decided that the Focal Chora 826's and the B&W 603 s2 Anniversaries were his choice. Well, I have 4 full kits which include KEFs and the Focals, but I love the B&W's with the REL t/7x. The apparent clarity ("sharpness" as some have referred) of the tweeter and mid-range are balanced nicely by the REL subwoofer. Listening to my set-up (approximately $3,300 for the trio) versus some $5,000 offerings makes me smile every time I listen to classical, jazz or complex rock music.
Bottom line: speaker recommendations are subjective, but I prefer the 603 s2 anniversaries to the Focal (who also have a REL sub attached) because of the balance. I listened to the 704 s2 and the 702 s2s. At $5,000, the distinction between the 603 s2 Anniversaries is largely based on a slightly more cohesive mid-range and lower detail. I could live without a subwoofer with the 702 s2 but the 603 Anniversaries with the new REL are 95% there.
The 702 s2's benefit from a more efficient delivery (90db vs. 88.5) so at similar listening volumes, the 702's are clearer. Are they thousands of dollars clearer? Not to my ears.
The Focals are nice all arounders but at loud levels they boom more and become muddy on the top -end. Again my subjective listening viewpoint.
You will be pleased with whatever you buy.
My audiophile buddy looking over my shoulder while I tap this out at work said I should include what my kit driving the B & W's is so here it goes:
McIntosh MA 5300, Rotel CD14, Rega Planar 3 with upgrades (Ania Cartridge, Groovetracer Delrin Platter, Reference sub-platter, ziconia ball, neo psu, & MCM aluminum/sorbophane feet). Is there better? For sure, but this combination is amazing...for me.
The OP listened to many speakers and decided that the Focal Chora 826's and the B&W 603 s2 Anniversaries were his choice. Well, I have 4 full kits which include KEFs and the Focals, but I love the B&W's with the REL t/7x. The apparent clarity ("sharpness" as some have referred) of the tweeter and mid-range are balanced nicely by the REL subwoofer. Listening to my set-up (approximately $3,300 for the trio) versus some $5,000 offerings makes me smile every time I listen to classical, jazz or complex rock music.
Bottom line: speaker recommendations are subjective, but I prefer the 603 s2 anniversaries to the Focal (who also have a REL sub attached) because of the balance. I listened to the 704 s2 and the 702 s2s. At $5,000, the distinction between the 603 s2 Anniversaries is largely based on a slightly more cohesive mid-range and lower detail. I could live without a subwoofer with the 702 s2 but the 603 Anniversaries with the new REL are 95% there.
The 702 s2's benefit from a more efficient delivery (90db vs. 88.5) so at similar listening volumes, the 702's are clearer. Are they thousands of dollars clearer? Not to my ears.
The Focals are nice all arounders but at loud levels they boom more and become muddy on the top -end. Again my subjective listening viewpoint.
You will be pleased with whatever you buy.
My audiophile buddy looking over my shoulder while I tap this out at work said I should include what my kit driving the B & W's is so here it goes:
McIntosh MA 5300, Rotel CD14, Rega Planar 3 with upgrades (Ania Cartridge, Groovetracer Delrin Platter, Reference sub-platter, ziconia ball, neo psu, & MCM aluminum/sorbophane feet). Is there better? For sure, but this combination is amazing...for me.
