Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK vs Perlisten A3T
Prices updated hourly. Check retailer for current availability.
Choosing between the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK and Perlisten A3T? 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 Perlisten A3T leads in audio quality, volume/SPL, form factor, room fit. They score similarly in value.
For speaker performance, the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK is more sensitive at 90 dB vs 87.7 dB, and impedances of 8Ω vs 4Ω. 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. 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.
The Perlisten A3T 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 Perlisten A3T is the stronger choice — it leads in 4 of 5 scored dimensions. The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK makes more sense if budget is the primary constraint.
Performance Overview
Scores based on specs and category benchmarks (0–100 scale)
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | N/A | N/A |
| Driver Config | 3-way | 2-way bass reflex |
| Sensitivity | 90dB | 87.7dB |
| Impedance | 8Ω | 4Ω |
| Freq Response Low | 29Hz | 31Hz |
| Freq Response High | 33000Hz | 27000Hz |
| Crossover | — | — |
| Bi-Amp Capable | No | No |
| Rec. Power Min | 30W | 50W |
| Rec. Power Max | 150W | 300W |
| 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
- Impedance: Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK at 8Ω vs Perlisten A3T at 4Ω. 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.
- Rec. Power Max: Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK at 150W vs Perlisten A3T at 300W
- Rec. Power Min: Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK at 30W vs Perlisten A3T at 50W
- Driver Config: Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK at 3-way vs Perlisten A3T at 2-way bass reflex. 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.
- Freq Response High: Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK at 33000Hz vs Perlisten A3T at 27000Hz
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK if you want:
- + better sensitivity — higher sensitivity means your receiver works less hard, leaving more headroom for dynamic peaks in movie soundtracks
- + 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 Perlisten A3T 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
Perlisten A3T
vs Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3-MOCHA
Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK
vs Focal THEVA CENTER-LIGHT-WOOD
Perlisten A3T
vs Focal THEVA CENTER-LIGHT-WOOD
Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3-OAK
vs Focal Aria Evo X No.2-BLACK HIGH GLOSS
Perlisten A3T
vs Focal Aria Evo X No.2-BLACK HIGH GLOSS
Perlisten A3T
vs Bowers & Wilkins 704 S3-WHITE
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. Learn more