Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK vs ELAC ARF51
Prices updated hourly. Check retailer for current availability.
Choosing between the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK and ELAC ARF51? Both compete in the Speaker (L/R) segment. Here’s how they compare across the specs that matter most for your home theater.
Pricing for both models is currently unavailable. Check the retailer links below for current deals.
Looking at overall performance dimensions: The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK scores higher in value. The ELAC ARF51 leads in form factor, room fit.
Speaker performance depends on room acoustics, placement, and amplifier pairing. The specs below provide a starting point, but audition both in your space when possible.
These two Speaker (L/R) options trade wins across different dimensions. The right choice depends on which specs matter most for your room and listening preferences — review the detailed table below to decide.
For most home theaters, the ELAC ARF51 is the stronger choice — it leads in 2 of 3 scored dimensions. The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK makes more sense if you prioritize the 1 dimension where it leads.
Performance Overview
Scores based on specs and category benchmarks (0–100 scale)
Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK
ELAC ARF51
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | N/A | N/A |
| Driver Config | 3-way | 3-way |
| Sensitivity | 90dB | — |
| Impedance | 8Ω | — |
| Freq Response Low | 29Hz | 43Hz |
| Freq Response High | 33000Hz | 28000Hz |
| Crossover | — | 2200Hz |
| Bi-Amp Capable | No | No |
| Rec. Power Min | 30W | — |
| Rec. Power Max | 150W | — |
| Mounting Type | tower | tower |
| Mounting Depth | — | — |
| Cutout Diameter | — | — |
| Cutout Width | — | — |
| Cutout Height | — | — |
| Wall Thickness Min | — | — |
| Wall Thickness Max | — | — |
| Back Box Included | No | No |
| Back Box Required | No | No |
| Mounting Mechanism | — | — |
| Installation Type | — | — |
| Stud Spacing | — | — |
| Paintable Grille | No | No |
| Magnetic Grille | No | No |
| Grille Shape | — | — |
| Connector Type | — | — |
| Wire Gauge Max | — | — |
| Angle Adjustable | No | No |
| Pivot Angle | — | — |
| Treble Attenuation Switch | No | No |
| LCR Capable | No | No |
| Coaxial | No | No |
| IP Rating | — | — |
| Moisture Resistant | No | No |
| UV Resistant | No | No |
| Salt Spray Rated | No | No |
| Enclosure Material | — | — |
| Grille Material | — | — |
| Bracket Type | — | — |
| Bracket Included | No | No |
| Dual Voice Coil (SDI) | No | No |
Key Differences
- Freq Response Low: Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK at 29Hz vs ELAC ARF51 at 43Hz. Determines how much bass a speaker handles on its own versus relying on a subwoofer for low-end support.
- Freq Response High: Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK at 33000Hz vs ELAC ARF51 at 28000Hz
- Sensitivity: Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK at 90dB vs ELAC ARF51 at —. Higher sensitivity means your receiver works less hard, leaving more headroom for dynamic peaks in movie soundtracks. A speaker rated 3 dB higher in sensitivity needs half the amplifier power to reach the same volume.
- Impedance: Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK at 8Ω vs ELAC ARF51 at —. Lower impedance draws more current from your receiver. A 4-ohm speaker needs a receiver rated for that load, or you risk thermal shutdown during loud passages.
- Crossover: Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK at — vs ELAC ARF51 at 2200Hz
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK if you want:
- + better freq response low — determines how much bass a speaker handles on its own versus relying on a subwoofer for low-end support
See Where These Rank
Check our editorial rankings to see how Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK and ELAC ARF51 compare to the rest of the field.
Best Speaker (L/R) RankingsRelated Calculators
Specifications sourced from manufacturer datasheets and verified against retailer listings. Prices updated hourly from authorized retailers. Scoring uses our open methodology — products are never ranked, promoted, or suppressed based on affiliate commission rates.
Related Comparisons
Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK
vs Focal KANTA CENTER-HIGH-GLOSS-WALNUT-IVORY
ELAC ARF51
vs Focal KANTA CENTER-HIGH-GLOSS-WALNUT-IVORY
Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK
vs Focal Aria Evo X No.2-BLACK HIGH GLOSS
ELAC ARF51
vs Focal Aria Evo X No.2-BLACK HIGH GLOSS
Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK
vs Focal THEVA CENTER-LIGHT-WOOD
ELAC ARF51
vs Focal THEVA CENTER-LIGHT-WOOD
CinemaConfig may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. See our affiliate disclosure.