Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK vs Klipsch SCW-1
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Choosing between the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK and Klipsch SCW-1? Both compete in the Speaker (L/R) segment. Here’s how they compare across the specs that matter most for your home theater.
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Looking at overall performance dimensions: The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK scores higher in value. The Klipsch SCW-1 leads in audio quality, volume/SPL, form factor, room fit.
For speaker performance, the Klipsch SCW-1 is more sensitive at 92 dB vs 90 dB. 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.
The Klipsch SCW-1 holds an advantage across more performance dimensions, but the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK may still be the better pick depending on which specs matter most to your setup. See the detailed comparison table below for the full breakdown.
For most home theaters, the Klipsch SCW-1 is the stronger choice — it leads in 4 of 5 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
Klipsch SCW-1
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | N/A | N/A |
| Driver Config | 3-way | — |
| Sensitivity | 90dB | 92dB |
| Impedance | 8Ω | 8Ω |
| Freq Response Low | 29Hz | 65Hz |
| Freq Response High | 33000Hz | 20000Hz |
| Crossover | — | 2100Hz |
| Bi-Amp Capable | No | No |
| Rec. Power Min | 30W | — |
| Rec. Power Max | 150W | — |
| Mounting Type | tower | in-wall |
| Mounting Depth | — | 3.1" |
| Cutout Diameter | — | — |
| Cutout Width | — | 10.8" |
| Cutout Height | — | 6.8" |
| 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 | — | 12AWG |
| 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 Klipsch SCW-1 at 65Hz. 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 Klipsch SCW-1 at 20000Hz
- Sensitivity: Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK at 90dB vs Klipsch SCW-1 at 92dB. 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.
- Driver Config: Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK at 3-way vs Klipsch SCW-1 at —. 3-way speakers use dedicated drivers for bass, midrange, and treble, reducing crossover interference. Coaxial designs (KEF Uni-Q) mount the tweeter inside the woofer for better time-alignment.
- Crossover: Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK at — vs Klipsch SCW-1 at 2100Hz
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
Choose Klipsch SCW-1 if you want:
- + better sensitivity — higher sensitivity means your receiver works less hard, leaving more headroom for dynamic peaks in movie soundtracks
See Where These Rank
Check our editorial rankings to see how Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK and Klipsch SCW-1 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.
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