Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition Review

B&W 606 S2 Anniversary Edition Book Shelf Speakers 

The Bowers & Wilkins 600 vary is currently twenty-five years old. On paper, the restrained nature of the revisions to the 606 S2s leaves the United States underwhelmed considering the importance of the associate anniversary. Cosmetically, the quantity to the addition of an oak end to travel alongside the present black and white options, and an inscription on the loudspeaker system surround to mark the day of remembrance status. 

The sole performance connected amendment is an upgraded crossover that now options better-quality capacitors, a number of that were originally seen within the recently proclaimed and a lot of premium 700 Signature series.

Given the modest nature of the engineering changes, we tend to weren’t expecting a lot of a distinction within the sound. we tend to were wrong. whereas holding a broadly speaking similar sonic character, the 606 S2 day of remembrance Editions proves considerably a lot of capable than their predecessors.

Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition review.

The stand mounters got the nod as a result of they offered the most effective performance per pound magnitude relation of any speaker we tend to tested last year. therefore it comes as one thing of a surprise that they’ve simply been replaced – particularly as they were introduced solely at the tail finish of 2018. 

To mark the anniversary, B&W has set to upgrade the core models – the baby 607s, the floors standing 603s, HTM6 center, and also the 606s on check here – departure the prevailing 3 subwoofers untouched.

Build.

On paper, the restrained nature of the revisions leaves the United States underwhelmed considering the importance of the Associate in Nursingniversary. Cosmetically, the quantity to the addition of an oak end to travel alongside the prevailing black and white options, and an inscription on the loudspeaker system surround to mark the day status. 

The sole performance connected modification is an upgraded crossover that currently options better-quality capacitors, a number of that were originally seen within the recently proclaimed and a lot of premium 700 Signature series.

Everything else remains unchanged from the previous generation; a check through the specifications shows no technical changes in any respect – sensitivity, frequency response, power handling, all remain the same. Let’s be clear though, that isn’t a foul thing, as testified by the 606’s 2019 Product of the Year Award win.

The 606 S2’s cupboard is nicely-created and appears extremely good within the new oak finish. we have a tendency to compare it with a sample of the last model and therefore the new one marks a tiny low revolution in terms of match and finish.

Compatibility.

While the front is fairly compact, this remains a fairly deep speaker at 30cm, thus the smaller 607 models would be so much higher utterly completely different if you’re stuck foursquare measure. The drive unit combination, unchanged in fact, is massively capable and well evidenced. The speaker is additionally a 25mm bolstered Al dome, and here it’s combined with a 165mm Continuum-coned mid/bass driver. There’s a rear-firing mark reflex port to tune the lows, tho' there square measure foam bungs to dam it if bass starts to dominate. Ideally, you'd prefer to place the speakers a minimum of 50cm into the globe and well far away from aspect walls if potential. Use the bungs as long as you've got ought to, as a result of things a thousand less natural and fluid with them inserted into the speakers. a little fishing towards the listening position helps to arrange the stereo image.

Any stand mounter is heavily obsessed with its support, therefore it pays to want into consideration durable stands. B&W makes a passionate choice named as a result of the STAV24 and its sensible value at £119 ($199, AU$345).

We've got a bent to use the 606 S2s with a spread of apparatus, from our reference set-up of Naim ND555/555 annotation DR music streamer and Burmester 088/911 Mk3 instrumentality all the approach through to Marantz’s tons necessary applicable CD6007/PM6007 electronic equipment and equipment combination, and jointly the speakers work well with it all.

Sound.

Given the modest nature of the engineering changes, we tend to weren’t expecting much of a distinction within the sound. we tend to were wrong. whereas retentive a broadly speaking similar sonic character, the 606 S2 day Editions prove considerably a lot of capable than their predecessors.

The largest variations are detected in the bass. The remake is such a lot more precise ANd controlled during this region. On an initial listen it'd be simple to conclude that the older model has more weight in this area, however, given time it becomes clear that the S2s are cleaner, more perceptive, and have notably more punch. 

Hear the self-titled track from The Scotts and also the enhancements are obvious, with the remake delivering tougher hitting, a lot of bedded lows. The previous model sounds puffed and blurred in comparison. the additional management at low frequencies helps regular drive and agility.

Move up the frequency varies and the steps up in articulation and clarity are striking. Voices return through with larger subtlety, and it’s easier to listen to changes in intonation and phrasing. The Series pair offers a clearer read of the recording and sounds more balanced overall.

The variations between the speakers are even as stark once we play The Road OST from Nick Cave and Warren Ellis. The title track contains a thin piano gap and we’re stricken with simply what quantity a lot of outlined and open the new speakers sound. Their presentation is tauter, and a small amount additional forward than the originals, but in addition sounds more natural and transparent. Tonally, there’s been a shift far away from what currently feels like a rather over-blown bass and excessively made lower midrange to one thing more neutral. we alter to Bizet’s Carmen and love the way the 606 S2s are such a lot of dynamic. They deliver a sound packed with authority and don’t struggle within the face of large-scale crescendos. 

Because the music builds, these speakers have the calm and organization to stay things beneath control. They seldom sound perturbed or stressed regardless of however tight things get.

Alongside the improved muscle, we’re finding it easier to trace low-level instrumental strands and develop in fine detail. The new model conveys instrumental textures with more talent and locates instruments at intervals on the sound stage with larger stability.

Verdict.

The original 606s are fine speakers, however, this redo is clearly higher across the board. Considering the comparatively minor engineering changes that are a true surprise – but a totally pleasant one.

SPECIFICATIONS

Sensitivity: 88 dB/w/m | Driver: Continuum 16.5cm mid/bass, 25mm tweeter | Impedance: 8ohms | Max power handling: 120W | Speaker terminals: bi-wire | Dimensions: 35 x 19 x 30cm (HXWxD)

Pros

Excellent clarity

Agile and articulate bass

Impressive dynamic punch

Cons

Nothing at this price