Dali Sonik 1 vs Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3: which standmounter speakers are best for you?

The quality of passive standmounter speakers has increased significantly over the past few years. With Award-winning offerings from Dali, Bowers & Wilkins and Acoustic Energy, the category has seen fine-tuned tech steadily and continuously upping the sonic standards.

Back in 2023, the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3, was a hit with our test team, resulting in back-to-back What Hi-Fi? Award wins. In this side by side comparison, we will be putting our hero of old up against a more recent five-star offering from Dali: the smallest standmounter in its Sonik series, the Sonik 1.

These speakers have different sonic characteristics, but they compete in the same 'entry-level' market from both brands. Both are highly capable standmount speakers at this price, and we've tested them against each other to help you make your choice.

Dali Sonik 1 vs Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3: price

The Dali Sonik 1 cost £449 / $900 / AU$849, while the B&W 607 S3 will set you back £599 / $1000 / AU$1149. The 607 S3 have been on the market for significantly longer than the Sonik 1, though, and we have seen their price fall as low as £449 / $900 / AU$1039 during sales events, bringing them closer to the Dali's ballpark.

The difference in price might not seem too dramatic across regions, but at this level, even a £50 / $100 / AU$200 disparity is enough to put the Dali Sonik 1 in the lead.

**Winner: Dali Sonik 1 **

Dali Sonik 1 vs Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3: build & design

The Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3 and the Dali Sonik 1 are of a similar stature. As such, neither of these speakers is going to dominate your listening space. While their relatively compact size might tempt you to use them on a shelf or desk, we suggest placing these speakers on dedicated stands, where you will be able to make the most of their sonic talents.

Both of these speakers have their own styles and are broadly on a par in terms of build quality. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, though, so we suggest taking a good look at the photos or see them in person, to choose your own aesthetic winner.

The B&W 607 S3 come in three vinyl finishes: black, white or oak, the last of which has a contrasting white front panel. Our test pair have a sturdy feel, and we are pleased by their overall design.

But they aren’t just a pretty face. Inside, the 607 S3 feature a host of trickled down technology and concepts from B&W’s more premium ranges, as well as features unique to the 600 Series.

The 607 S3 use a 25mm titanium dome in their tweeter. The tweeter assembly is decoupled from the front baffle to prevent vibrations from the mid/bass driver distorting the tweeter’s output.

Previous 600 Series models used aluminium domes, but B&W claims that titanium allows for better detail in high frequencies, alongside improved refinement.

The tweeter also features a rear tube-loading system to prevent unwanted standing waves from affecting its frontal output, as well as a grille design taken from Bowers & Wilkins’ high-end 800 Series.

The 13cm mid/bass driver is made from Bowers & Wilkins’ woven ‘Continuum’ material and loaded with a dimpled rear-firing port. Its motor-assembly design is inspired by the step-up 700 S3 range.

The drivers are positioned closer together than on previous 600 Series models, which the company claims improves driver integration.

Visually, the Sonik 1 are somewhat less flashy than the 607 S3, but those understated looks mean they shouldn’t draw too much attention to themselves, if subtlety is what you’re after in a pair of speakers.

Their MDF cabinets are clad in a smooth laminate, which, paired with the tweeter’s aluminium trim and the clean front panel, gives these speakers an attractive, sleek appearance.

So, what about the tech?

For drivers, the Sonik 1 use a 13cm mid/bass driver, alongside a 29mm soft-dome tweeter. The mid/bass driver is made from Dali’s proprietary mix of paper pulp and wood fibre, which the company claims provides rigidity, improved damping and light weight. The speaker’s tweeter is made from woven fabric.

The Sonik 1 also employ Dali’s patented SMC (Soft Magnetic Composite) technology in the mid/bass driver’s motor system to reduce distortion, while optimising detail and dynamic performance. Unlike the 607 S3, the Sonik 1’s drivers are connected through a single-wired crossover.

Both of these standmounters include proprietary technology in their designs, have pleasingly solid designs and come in similarly compact packages, so for this section, it’s going to have to be a draw.

**Winner: draw**

Dali Sonik 1 vs Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3: compatibility

In terms of their positioning, neither of these speakers is particularly fussy. The Dalis are more comfortable when positioned up against a wall, but both give their most balanced performance at a distance between 20cm and 40cm from our listening room’s rear wall.

One key difference is that the Sonik 1 have been designed to face straight out into the room, rather than the more conventional angling towards the listening position, which B&W suggest for the 607 S3. Indeed, we find that both speakers provide their strongest stereo image when we adhere to the manufacturer’s suggestions.

In terms of partnering equipment, the Dali Sonik 1 are highly adaptable and respond well to a variety of price-compatible amps, such as the Rotel A8 (30 watts per channel) and the Arcam A5+ (50 watts per channel), but they are also talented enough to make the most of more expensive amplifiers, such as the Arcam A15+ (80 watts per channel).

Sources such as the Rega Planar 2 turntable, Marantz CD70 CD player and the Cambridge Audio MXN10 music streamer will all work well with both sets of speakers.

The aforementioned amplifiers will work well with the 607 S3, too, but overall, they require a bit more care when pairing. This is because the 607 S3 have a more enthusiastic treble delivery that lacks the refinement of the Sonik 1, meaning they will sound better with smoother-sounding electronics.

Dali Sonik 1 vs Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3: sound

Right off the bat, the Sonik 1 impress us with an intricate, expressive sound. For speakers of their size, these standmounters are capable of conveying a serious sense of scale, both sonic and emotional.

Across their well-balanced frequency range, textures arrive with clarity and precision. Thanks to their “lush” midrange, vocal parts are delivered with a pleasing degree of presence and warmth.

Treble is expertly handled, and resists veering into harsh territory even when we blast The Smiths’ jangling classic, This Charming Man. But these speakers also handle bass well, and pack more than enough low-end kick when we play hip-hop tracks such as A Tribe Called Quest’s Show Business.

Rhythmically, the Sonik 1 are responsive and punchy across genres. Their nuanced dynamics really shine when listening to classical music, where the decays of instruments are conveyed with sensitivity and grace.

In our review, we say that the Sonik 1’s stereo image “retains focus and clarity throughout testing” and has “a satisfying sense of depth”.

Being a previous What Hi-Fi? Award winner, it goes without saying that the B&W 607 S3 have plenty of talent.

What we find particularly striking about these speakers, however, is how “entertaining, zippy and musical” they are, melding dynamic expression with a sophisticated, open sound.

Basslines land with tautness and impact, drum beats are “terrifically crisp and tightly marshalled”, and vocals, such as Bruce Springsteen's lead on Terry’s Song, “exude warmth and grit and crackle with emotion”. In other words, these speakers put in an impressive performance across the frequency range.

However, these standmounters aren’t as refined as the Sonik 1 in the treble, and poorer recordings or bright electronics will leave them sounding a little brash. Their drivers aren’t quite as well integrated as with the Sonik 1, either.

That said, the 607 S3 certainly extend a little deeper in the bass and have a snappier rhythmic performance than their rival.

**Winner: Dali Sonik 1 **

Dali Sonik 1 vs Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3: verdict

As reviewers, our job is seldom so exciting as when a new pair of speakers comes up against a previous What Hi-Fi? Award winner. Within their price range, both of these speakers shoot for the moon – and to great effect.

The Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3 are still a wonderful pair of speakers. They have a clear, lively and impactful sound and remain worthy of serious consideration. However, as time goes on, standards keep improving, and the Dali Sonik 1 are a great example of that.

As such, for a more mature, well-balanced and texturally detailed sound, we recommend the Dali Sonik 1.

**Overall winner: Dali Sonik 1**

MORE:

Read our Dali Sonik 1 review

And our Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3 review

Then, why not check out our best bookshelf speakers 2026: top standmounts for every budget tested