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B&W 684 S2 Floorstanding Loudspeaker Review

Introduction

After extensive deliberation and numerous comparisons among various speakers, I finally settled on the Bowers & Wilkins 684 S2 Tower Speaker. As someone who owns a plethora of audio gear, ranging from budget finds to high-end gems, I felt it was time to write an honest, detailed review of the B&W 684 S2. This review is aimed at audiophiles and casual listeners alike, offering a balanced insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the product.

Initial Impressions

Upon unboxing the B&W 684 S2, my first impression was the sheer size of these speakers. They are undeniably big, but if you’re eyeing tower speakers, you probably already expect substantial physical dimensions. In terms of design, the 684 S2 falls somewhere between functional and aesthetically pleasing. The finish is sleek but not overly flashy, making it a good fit for various home decor styles.

Build Quality

The build quality of the B&W 684 S2 is robust. Despite being in the mid-range price bracket, these speakers don’t give off any sense of being “cheap.” They feel solid, and the attention to detail in construction is apparent. Bowers & Wilkins didn’t cut corners here, providing a product that should stand the test of time.

Sound Quality

Sound is where the Bowers & Wilkins 684 S2 truly shines. Compared to the most expensive tower speakers B&W makes, these aren’t the crème de la crème, yet they perform exceptionally well for their price. Let’s break down the sound quality into several components:

Highs and Mid-Range

The highs are clear and well-articulated without being fatiguing. Mid-range performance is also commendable, offering a pleasing balance that’s neither too forward nor recessed. There is a noticeable articulation and separation that makes listening to complex pieces a joyful experience.

Bass

The bass is punchy and deep but doesn’t overshadow the other frequencies, giving you a well-rounded listening experience. While it may not reach the depths of some high-end models, it is certainly sufficient for most users.

Comparison with Higher-End Models

Owning the significantly pricier B&W 804D allows me to draw some interesting comparisons. The 804D certainly offers better sonic separation, crisper highs, and deeper bass. However, do they sound 10 times better to match their price? Not really. The differences, although noticeable, are not as overwhelming as the price gap might suggest. The 804D is more beautiful and has a visual appeal that might justify the additional cost to some, but in terms of pure sound, the 684 S2 impresses mightily for its price.

Price vs. Performance

Priced over a grand for a pair, these speakers aren’t what you’d call inexpensive. Yet, in the world of audiophiles, they are often seen as entry-level, which is somewhat unjustified. The performance-to-cost ratio is solid. For a budget of around $3,000, I’d pair these speakers with a quality amp and preamp and be quite content with the system.

B&W 684 S2 Floorstanding Loudspeaker Review

Downsides

No product is without its flaws, and the B&W 684 S2 is no exception. Here are some of the cons I observed:

  • The speakers are quite large, which could be an issue for those with limited space.
  • While the sound is exceptional for the price, it doesn’t match the precision and separation of higher-end models, though this is expected.
  • Aesthetic appeal is subjective, but these speakers might not wow you visually compared to other more expensive options in B&W’s lineup.

Is This the Right Speaker for You?

If you’re building a system on a budget, the B&W 684 S2 is a fantastic option. They offer impressive sound quality for the price and are versatile enough to suit various musical tastes. However, if your budget stretches beyond $5,000, you might want to consider other models like the B&W 705 S2, which offers an even better performance-to-value ratio.

Final Thoughts

I am genuinely surprised by how much value the B&W 684 S2 offers. For someone who has invested in high-end audio equipment, these speakers hold their own, delivering remarkable sound quality without the hefty price tag. Whether you’re an audiophile looking for a budget-friendly option or someone just beginning to explore high-fidelity audio, these speakers deserve your consideration. Keep their size in mind and manage your space accordingly, and you’ll have a pair of speakers that is well worth the investment.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Robust build quality
  • Clear highs and balanced mid-range
  • Punchy and deep bass
  • Excellent price-to-performance ratio
  • Versatile for various genres of music

Cons

  • Large size may be a space consideration
  • Does not reach the sonic precision of higher-end models
  • Aesthetic appeal might lack for some

Uniqueness Compared to Other Products

When compared to the average quality of products in its category, the B&W 684 S2 stands out for its impressive balance between cost and performance. It’s neither the most expensive nor the most affordable speaker out there, but it offers a middle ground that many will find appealing. While other speakers might excel in one area (such as extreme bass or ultra-detailed highs), the 684 S2 delivers a well-rounded experience that is hard to beat in its price range.

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Bass Response
6.8
In terms of bass response, the B&W 684 S2 does a fair job. The bass is present and discernable, providing a good foundation for most genres of music. However, if you are a serious bass enthusiast, you might find yourself wanting a bit more depth and richness that higher-end systems offer. For most casual listeners, though, these speakers perform admirably well in the bass department.
Treble Detail
7
The treble detail of the B&W 684 S2 is quite satisfying. You get a clean and articulate sound, with enough detail to bring clarity to high-frequency sounds. That being said, it's not the most sparkly treble out there, particularly when compared to premium models. But for the price range, we feel it offers a good level of treble detail without being harsh or causing ear fatigue.
Midrange Clarity
7.2
Midrange clarity is where the B&W 684 S2 stands out a bit more. Vocals and instruments in the midrange spectrum sound clear and relatively detailed, allowing for an enjoyable listening experience. It doesn’t reach the utmost levels of audiophile clarity, but for the price, it's quite commendable and should satisfy most listeners.
Design
6.5
In terms of design, the B&W 684 S2 might not win a beauty contest among speakers but is functional and straightforward. They’re on the larger side, which might not suit every room or aesthetic preference, but the design feels sturdy and well-built. While the design is not the most striking or modern, it doesn't detract from the overall package that these speakers deliver.
Sound Quality
7.3
Overall, the sound quality of the B&W 684 S2 is solid, delivering a well-rounded experience that impresses both casual listeners and those who've dabbled in higher-end audio equipment. Its strength lies in its ability to present music with a balanced sound, making it versatile for various types of music without heavily favoring any specific range. Even if it doesn’t match B&W’s top-tier speakers, it offers a pleasing experience for its category.
Value for Money
7.5
The B&W 684 S2 offers pretty decent value for its price, especially given the quality of sound you’re getting. While they may not be marketed as budget speakers, the performance they deliver for their cost is impressive. Our team found that although they are not the pinnacle of audio experience as compared to B&W's higher-end models, they surely bring a substantial audio performance to the table without breaking the bank. You definitely get your money's worth with these, despite the initial expense.
7.1
Total Score
Rating Summary
The B&W 684 S2 speakers might not be the absolute pinnacle of audio engineering, but they deliver a sound performance that sits comfortably above their weight class in terms of pricing. They offer a satisfying value for most listeners, providing a balanced sound quality with good midrange clarity and respectable treble detail. The bass response is passable, though some may prefer a bit more fullness.

Size and aesthetics might not be for everyone since they are relatively large and somewhat plain in look. They might not compete in design elegance with more aesthetically refined options, but they offer a solid and durable build.

If you're aiming to set up a quality sound system without diving too deep into your pockets, these could be a prime candidate, especially if you’re not chasing the last ounce of performance per dollar. For those accustomed to premium, ultra-expensive audio setups, the B&W 684 S2 won’t replace that top-end tier, but it’s a great introduction to high fidelity that reveals more details in your music than standard entry-level speakers.

Ultimately, while the B&W 684 S2 doesn't perfect any one area, it provides a balanced sound less concerned with compromising for the sake of exaggerated lows or highs and more focused on an enjoyable overall listening experience. So, if you’re thinking about jumping in, they’re definitely worth a listen.