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B&W 606 S2 Anniversary Edition Stand Mount Speaker Review

Introduction

When it comes to high-fidelity audio, Bower & Wilkins (B&W) has consistently stood out for their superior craftsmanship and dedication to sound quality. The 606 S2 Anniversary Edition, a stand mount speaker from B&W, is yet another addition to their remarkable line of audio products. This B&W 606 S2 Anniversary Edition review delves deeply into the performance, build quality, and overall value of these speakers based on my personal experience and the collective opinions of other users. This review aims to be as balanced and informative as possible to help potential buyers make an educated decision.

Sound Quality

Let’s start with the core of any speaker review—the sound quality. After weeks of usage, I can attest that the B&W 606 S2 Anniversary Edition delivers on its promise of superior audio performance. The clarity, sound field, and musical spaciousness are truly noteworthy. One user comment encapsulates it well, stating, “The clarity, sound field, and musical spaciousness provided by these small speakers are astounding. The bass output from these speakers is outstanding!” I’ve experienced similar results.

The bass response, despite the small size of the 5-inch woofers, is surprisingly robust. For a speaker of this size, B&W has achieved remarkable bass depth. The mid-bass is tight and well-defined, providing a solid foundation to the overall sound. Several users have noted the same, with one stating, “The bass response is good even without subs.” However, if you crave those deep lows only a subwoofer can provide, you might want to pair the 606 S2 Anniversary Edition’s with a subwoofer.

As for the mids and highs, the B&W 606 S2 Anniversary Edition excels. Vocals and instruments are clearly separated, making for an immersive listening experience. One user praised this quality: “Music stage is very clear, and all instruments and artists are distinctively placed.” This clarity holds up across various genres, making these speakers a versatile choice for both music and movies.

Build Quality and Design

B&W has always been known for their attention to detail and the 606 S2 Anniversary Edition is no exception. The build quality is robust, and the design is elegant yet functional. Several users have commented on their satisfaction with the physical attributes of these speakers. “Pleasantly surprised with the sound of the speakers. We have Bower & Wilkins stand-up speakers; that’s why we chose these smaller ones for another room,” said one reviewer.

Value for Money

One of the most appealing aspects of the Bower & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition is its price point, especially given the sound quality and build integrity. Many reviews highlighted the excellent value these speakers offer. “Huge discount over when they first came out. Sound awesome for the price. Very happy,” mentioned one buyer. Another user stated, “At almost half price, it was a real deal, glad that I didn’t miss it.” Such sentiments are common among people who managed to snap up these speakers at a discounted rate.

Performance in Various Settings

The B&W 606 S2 Anniversary Edition performs admirably in different room sizes and configurations. In my personal experience, these speakers filled my small to medium-sized room effortlessly. One user shared a similar observation, “My office is 10×12, and these little speakers fill the space.” However, if you plan to use them in a larger room, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to handle the lower frequencies, especially for movie watching.

Moreover, these speakers seem to pair well with various types of amplifiers, both new and vintage. “I added a B&W sub and paired with a vintage Sansui 7070 for an entry-level audiophile experience,” mentioned a satisfied buyer.

Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition Speakers

Break-in Period

It’s important to note that the B&W 606 S2 Anniversary Edition requires a break-in period to achieve its full potential. In my case, these speakers started to shine after about 20 hours of conventional wiring, followed by bi-wiring. One reviewer highlighted this necessity, “But don’t judge till they are broken in. Quality is what I expected.” If you find the sound initially underwhelming, give it some time; you may be surprised by the transformation.

Drawbacks

No product is without its downsides, and the Bower & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition is no exception. One potential drawback is its relatively low efficiency. A fairly powerful amp is recommended to drive these speakers. “The only negative is the relatively low efficiency, but with a fairly muscular amp, this is not really a problem,” noted one user. If you have a lower output amp, you might find that it struggles to fully power these speakers.

In addition, personal preferences can play a significant role in how someone perceives the sound quality. One reviewer mentioned, “The sound of the speaker is not to my liking. Even though I’m using it in my bedroom, thus a small space, I’m just not satisfied with it. I find the sound thin and lacking authority.” While most reviews are positive, it’s worth considering that sound is subjective, and these speakers may not be for everyone.

Conclusion

Overall, the Bower & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition stands out as a high-quality, versatile stand mount speaker. With excellent sound quality, robust build, and good value for money, they offer a compelling option for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Though they have a few minor drawbacks, such as the need for a break-in period and their relatively low efficiency, these issues are generally manageable. The majority of users, myself included, have found the 606 S2 Anniversary Edition to exceed expectations.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros:
    • Excellent clarity and sound field
    • Surprising bass response for their size
    • Robust build quality
    • Good value for money, especially at discounted prices
    • Versatile; performs well in various settings
  • Cons:
    • Relatively low efficiency, requiring a powerful amp
    • May require a break-in period for optimal performance
    • Sound may not meet everyone’s personal preferences

Uniqueness in the Market

Comparing the B&W 606 S2 Anniversary Edition to other bookshelf speakers in its category, these speakers hold their own quite well. While there are many competitors out there, B&W has a longstanding reputation for quality that is evident in this model. Although other brands may offer slightly different sound signatures or features, the combination of clarity, build quality, and value found in this speaker makes it a unique offering in the realm of stand mount speakers.

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Bass Response
8.5
For their size, the 606 S2 Anniversary Edition speakers deliver a surprisingly solid bass response. Several users noted that while a subwoofer would enhance the low-end further, it's not strictly necessary for smaller rooms. This makes them a versatile option whether you're using them alone or as part of a larger setup.
Treble Detail
8
The high frequencies on these speakers are well-detailed and clear, making music sound vibrant and alive. While one reviewer found the speakers to be a bit 'bright,' most users enjoyed the treble performance, citing excellent clarity and precision in the high-end frequencies.
Midrange Clarity
8.8
Midrange performance is one of the strong points of the 606 S2 Anniversary Edition. Multiple reviewers cited that the midrange is very clear and well-defined, making vocals and instruments stand out. This clarity contributes significantly to the overall sound quality and listening experience.
Design
8
The design of the 606 S2 Anniversary Edition is pleasing to most users. While the looks weren't a primary focus in many reviews, the comments made indicate that they are visually appealing and well-built. They also seem to perform better without the covers, which is something to keep in mind.
Sound Quality
9.2
Users consistently praised the sound quality of these speakers, mentioning their ability to bring out fine details in music and offer a spacious sound stage. Some even stated they could listen to them all day without fatigue, which speaks volumes about their audio performance.
Value for Money
9
The Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition offers impressive value, especially at discounted prices. Multiple reviewers mentioned purchasing these speakers at a significant discount, and they were all very pleased with the quality relative to the price they paid. Given that these speakers have been rated highly in terms of sound quality and overall performance, it’s hard to argue against the value for money they provide.
8.6
Total Score
Rating Summary
The Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition speakers have quite a bit to offer, particularly if you manage to snag them at a discounted price. We were impressed with the value for money, as users frequently highlighted how much bang they got for their buck. The bass response was surprisingly good for the size, although hard-core bass enthusiasts might want to add a subwoofer for that extra low-end thump. The highs are crisp and detailed, and the midrange clarity is a standout feature, making vocals and instruments sound really good. The overall sound quality leaves little to be desired, with many users citing that they could listen to these speakers for extended periods without feeling fatigued. Design-wise, they are easy on the eyes, though they perform best without the covers. In summary, these speakers deliver strong performance across the board, with very few downsides, making them a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their listening experience without breaking the bank.