In the world of audio, the Bowers and Wilkins 606 S3 speaker has garnered significant attention and praise for its performance. Today, we will provide an in-depth analysis of this speaker, bringing together insights from different sources to paint a complete picture. Read our Bowers and Wilkins 606 S3 Review.
Contents
Design and Features
The Bowers and Wilkins 606 S3 is a part of the updated 600 series, which includes various models such as the smaller 607 stand-mount speaker, the larger 603 tower, and the center channel speaker HTM6. With a rich history dating back to the mid-90s, the 600 series has a reputation to uphold.
The speaker’s design incorporates a 1-inch titanium dome tweeter, a 6.5-inch Continuum mid-woofer, and improved crossover components. Bowers and Wilkins claims this new tweeter is designed to deliver a smoother and more refined sound without compromising resolution. The design also incorporates mounting hardware and the tweeter grill from the 700 and 800 series, promising improved imaging.
The back panel features a large bass port, with the option to fine-tune the bass using an included foam plug. The binding posts, laid out horizontally, have been updated from the previous series. The 606 S3 is available in three finishes: black, white, and light oak.
Specifications
This new tweeter sits above a 6.5-inch Continuum mid-bass driver, which is positioned closer to the woofer for better coherence and to address the issues that affected the speaker’s mid-range and treble response in the previous model. The cabinet has undergone improvements with better bracing, and the speaker terminals are no longer connected to the rear-facing port.
Despite these significant physical changes, the new S3’s reported specifications, such as its frequency response, sensitivity, and impedance, remain the same, featuring a response of 52 Hz to 28 kHz, a sensitivity of 88 dB, and an impedance of 8 ohms (dipping to as low as 3.7 ohms). Like all Bowers and Wilkins speakers, it is recommended to pair them with a quality amp or receiver comfortable with a 4-ohm load. For true full-range playback, the addition of one or two subwoofers is recommended.
Setup and Placement
To maximize the 606 S3’s performance, proper placement is crucial. It is recommended to position the speakers about 26 inches from the wall and experiment with different electronics. Additionally, given the speaker’s impedance characteristics, it’s important to ensure your amplifier can handle 4-ohm speakers.
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See also TOP 10 Subwoofers
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I experimented with different electronics, moving from a Denon integrated amplifier to a higher-end setup with a separate preamplifier and power amplifier. They also briefly touched on the benefits of bi-wiring the 606 S3.
Sound Performance
This speaker has received praise for its performance in the midrange and treble. I have noted the improvements in the top end, making it less punishing compared to the previous model. The alignment of the new tweeter with the mid-range results in a smoother transition and improved coherence, creating a more natural sound.
Comparisons with other speakers, such as the 607 S2, KEF LS50 Meta, and Klipsch RP 600M Mark II highlight the 606 S3’s strengths in the midrange and treble, offering good clarity, bass definition, and overall sound quality. It has been found to perform well across various genres, showcasing its full, warm sound that makes most recordings sound better.
Conclusion
In the end, I found the Bowers and Wilkins 606 S3 to be a well-balanced speaker that held its ground against other strong contenders in its size and price range. They praised its build quality, sound quality, and overall design.
The Bowers and Wilkins 606 S3 has received significant upgrades, addressing the concerns of its predecessor and offering a more balanced and natural sound. It may not be the ideal choice for highly compressed pop music but excels with well-recorded music, providing an expansive soundstage, excellent imaging, and impressive focus.
The 606 S3 stands out among its competitors, offering a well-balanced sound, excellent build quality, and an appealing design. Bowers and Wilkins’ commitment to evolving and delivering high-quality audio solutions is evident in this speaker.
In conclusion, the Bowers and Wilkins 606 S3 is a speaker worth considering, especially if you value a speaker with some treble emphasis and are open to speakers that may not be ruler-flat. It delivers a refined and engaging listening experience that caters to a wide range of music genres and can serve well in both music and home theater setups. Your own listening preferences are the ultimate factor in determining the right speaker for you. Happy listening!
Best Bowers and Wilkins 606 S3 prices in the US ?
Best Bowers and Wilkins 606 S3 prices ?
See also TOP 10 Subwoofers
