Bowers & Wilkins ASW608 Subwoofer Review. ***READ THE PINNED COMMENT*** 

A shame you're so far away, I'm selling my 608 right now :(. If you have a little bit more space I would recommend you consider the REL HT1003. I sounds just as good but has more power so will grow with you for many years to come where as you may outgrow the 608 as soon as you move to a bigger place.

Hi - great review and just what I was looking for. I have some older B&W DM303 bookshelf speakers that I’m wanting to add some low-end for music only. Given you comments that it is fast, tight and accurate - it would seem to fit the bill perfectly. This is for my home office set up which includes a NAD C338 integrated amp. So my space is limited. My question is: Is this still your recommendation based upon all of the above? It would seem so.

@@geoffreysmith4618 So while the ASW608 is still fantastic the REL 1003 makes the 608 seem like a bad deal at this point. I would say if you listen at lower volumes and simply want a matching system the 608 might be right for you but if you want a sub that has all the same qualities but will have the potential to play louder and grow with you the REL 1003 is the better choice. Granted if we're talking used prices the 608 can be found for as little as $250 and at that point it's a great option!

Hi, I really like your reviews. As im exactly the guy with a child in college my budget is limited . I liked your review for the b&w asw608 and I noticed that since you suggested the rel 1003. My initial question was, I could get hands on a good deal, whether it would be worth spending extra £100 on the B&W ASW610 brand new compare to £345 for the ASW608. I found out i could get the rel ht1003 for £399. What would be your choice please? It is predominantly for a TV sound set up.with an external Amp. Unfortunatelly, odd shaped room which is about 6m long x 3.4m wide x 2.4m high. Any opinion greately appreciated. Regards Jan (North Wales, UK)

@@shlinomaz I like the BW ASW range but it's old and very limited in output so it's really hard to recommend unless you're finding them on the used market around $250 so the 1003 is always the better option with it's larger driver and nearly triple the power it's just a no brainer. Don't even look back at the asw.

hell yeah brother, glad you like it :)

that's awesome, i'm happy it's working out well for you!!

Hi Tomas! would this be a good match for Kef LSX or should I be looking at the Kube 8? music only. Thanks !

oh yes, some of us like crazy volume, some of us like really good SQ, and many people like a good balance of both, ultimately we're all different and that's why i get so frustrated when i see some audiophiles are so stubborn and narrow minded like only 1 way is the right way but it's not true at all. Personally 75db-80db is loud enough for me so i like quality and low powered sub is okay.

@@NemoPropaganda Thanks for this video. I was agonising/obsessing and now I have finally made the decision. Nice work mate.

Nice dude, a pair should give some more headroom!!

Glad you're enjoying the content!

Thank you!

excellent choice.

oh yeah, that's a big price difference.

Have you heard the rel?

My pleasure 😊

Nice! Did you read the sticky comment though?

Yeah, i just wish they made a 12" :(

that's a damn good price, great find!

That's a great deal!! Let me know if you have any questions setting it up. Make sure to read the directions.

@@NemoPropaganda It might not come with the directions for the price, but I'll look for it online. I'll let you know if I have any questions. Thanks!

@@NemoPropaganda Does the subwoofer cable really make any difference? Some audiophiles say a quality cable is better, while others say any cheap RCA cable is just as good.

@@dystoniaify for a subwoofer, I would use any decent quality cable with good shielding. Just stay away from the really cheap stuff like fospower, their cables don't even stay on they are so loose and have hardly any shielding.

@@NemoPropaganda Damn. I just let the $324 open box 'satisfactory ' condition go because I was winning one on Ebay for $154! But someone swooped in last second. Best buy still has a ton of their excellent condition open boxes on ebay (or the store, but eBay has a$10 coupon) for $399. But I have seen almost new asw610s on ebay go for 330 or less WITH shipping. There's one now for $330, but I'm in a tiny apartment. I'm debating on taking the plunge on the best buy 608 for $390, including shipping and the 2 year warranty or holding out for another ebay deal. But for some reason the 610s seem to be selling more,and for less than the 608. I don't really have much cash, but I'm depressed in my lockdown and want it so bad.

That sounds like an awesome combination of gear, i LOVE the DBR62!!

Thank you, keep in mind this review is over 1 year old now and things change. If you like the idea behind this subwoofer but can accommodate something larger my new SQ recommendation at this price point for North American consumers is the Rythmik L12 and for European customers the REL HT1003

Thanks Leroy, it's hard to know these days what gear will last and what gear will not. The ASW608 is a great sub as long as you're okay with using it within it's limits and it's possibly the most full range subwoofer of it's size.

Than you sir i appreciate that!

Thank you sir, I appreciate the kind words

REL HT-1003 is the one you want.

@@NemoPropaganda thanks for the fast reply!

Than you for the fantastic comment :)

Awesome, i hope it's a good fit!

As long as you know they are severely limited in output they are a decent option, just don't pay full price for them. Way too many better options.

@@NemoPropaganda Some used on ebay for 300ish...(I'll probably change my mind again)

It's good, if you have a little more space the REL 1003 is a better option though it's a bit larger.

@@NemoPropaganda Thanks for your advice! I'll definitely check it out. Sadly I'm really tight on space, but we'll see :) However, does the ASW608 come with metal spikes for decoupling?

@@moritz.braeuer.leisureaccount Yes, it comes with both metal spikes and hard plastic footers.

​@@NemoPropaganda I think in the next month, or two I'm ready to spend some money on a sub. You recommended the REL HT1003 as an alternative to the ASW608. So here are my two last questions, I promise :D 1.: I never went beyond 90db with music and movies - How do their sound signatures differ below this volume? (As a reminder, I am looking for deep, fast and detailed bass) 2.: In case the REL is the clear winner over the B&W - I prefer the looks of the B&W a lot. Am I at least able to change the horrible feet of the REL to something more understated? :D

if you are in the USA I would recommend the Rythmik L12 instead, it's only $69 more but a lot better. If you are in EU i recommend the REL HT-1003. The 608 is good but with it's limited power it's hard to recommend in todays market. The other two subs I mentioned are just as good but offer more power.

This review is over 1 year old now and things change. If you like the idea behind this subwoofer but can accommodate something larger my new SQ recommendation at this price point for North American consumers is the Rythmik L12 and for European customers the REL HT1003.

hmmm, it really depends on the size of the room, if it's a smaller room and you really only want a little bit more bass this should be fine. If it's a larger room or you want a lot more bass i would instead consider the emotiva SE8 or aperion bravus 8D.

no problem bro, just make sure to read the pinned comment if you're in the market.

@@NemoPropaganda Thanks

yes, unless you are getting a crazy good deal trust me and just buy a REL 1003 MK2 instead. The price of this sub is too high in todays market.

@@NemoPropaganda Hey thanks for the quick response! Would you say the T5x is better quality while the 1003 has lower extension? I can get the 1003 here in the UK for £100 less than the T5x.

@@taichiworld yes but both are good, I think you will prefer the 1003 MK2, it has a lot more output & force and still sounds very good!

This review is fairly old now as is this specific model and things change. If you like the idea behind this subwoofer but can accommodate something larger my new SQ recommendation at this price point for North American consumers is the Rythmik L12 and for European customers the REL HT1003. If you don't need as much output the REL T5X is outstanding if you're looking for something very small but extremely high quality with respect to performance.

only if the price is low otherwise I'd get the REL T5X instead :)

Yes as long as you watched the part of the video where i talked about who this is for, if that sounds like something you like then yes :). Essentially you are giving up power and high volume bass for amazing sound quality, that's what this sub is all about. If you have a tube amp I'm guessing you're already willing to give up maximum power for quality so i would say yes :)

@@NemoPropaganda I bought the 608 and have had it about one week so far. Absolutely love it! Your review helped me pull the trigger on it so thanks again. It is very musical and blends amazingly well with my 602s. There are frequencies on my LPs and CDs I never knew existed. There are also a ton of control options to help dial in the optimal crossover frequency and volume. Its just a fantastic unit. Cheers! Frank

Oh I know, their DB 12" just landed at my doorstep :D

@@NemoPropaganda That's great. I look forward to the review. They were way ahead of the curve on producing powerful accurate musical subs and their HGS line set the standard at the time. 20+ years later, mine still sounds great. How did ye come to posses the DB 12 for review?

@@willbrink UK distributor sent me one.

that's a greta deal!

Hi Chait, yes I am certain. All B&W subwoofers are rated in peak power. It's very apparent in real world use and I've spoken to them about it.

Hi Peter, that's very kind of you to say, thank you for tuning into the my channel :) more reviews are coming very soon!! SVS SB2000 Pro is the next sub i will be reviewing along with 3 ultra budget bookshelf speakers.

You are correct but that is when you should use the roll off switch. DB2D is too expensive but if you want matching BW sub I'm sure it's really good.

@@NemoPropaganda great conversation....right about the price of the db2d.

@@NemoPropaganda Thank you I will look into it. My other problem is a Sonos Amp because it has arc so I can have good music and TV sound. Problem is when I connect a sub the amp applies a crossover and also changes the sound to the worse. If I let the amp play without a sub connected and then group another Sonos amp and let that amp handle the sub it sounds great. I wish I could turn off the crossover all together and then adjust the crossover in the sub instead. I found no good subs with high level inputs so I guess I am stuck with having another amp just for the sub.

@@NemoPropaganda I have the Sonos sub but it is boomy and not thight. The weird crossover eq setting does the same thing when I enable the Sonos sub as when I connect a sub with wire. My plan is to take an old connect amp and use it for sub out. I am very frustrated with Sonos but I am also very happy to hear music where ever I go. I will go and listen to some subs. Thanks for the tips.

Update I have a B&W DB4S demo unit at home now. It blends perfectly and the control is great. My o ly problem is the before mentioned Sonos issue and the price. Is the better bass worth 1700? I have learned how well the 707 S2 sound alone when no sub is connected.

Hi brother, my problem with the ASW 608 and 610 is they each only have about 100 or so honest watts behind them so they run out of steam quickly which is okay if they were more affordable but at the price they command it's just a bad deal. If they're cheaper in Japan the 610 could be worth it but personally I wouldn't pay more than a $350-$450 for that sub on the higher side.

@@NemoPropaganda appreciate it, thanks bud!

$599 here :/, you may be in a different region.

@NemoPropaganda for the $240 price it has to be ordered in the store, online will show full price Also has to be the black color

@@detractioncontrol okay, that's cool, $240 is a very fair price.

@@NemoPropaganda Thank you so much for your response. The living room is about 5×8 meters. With the sound system setup centrally on the back wall of the 8 meter wall. I only have two "mid" sized speakers from DSL Sweden. Very similar to Dali I believe. I mostly listen to pop music; Depeche Mode, White Lies, George Michael and New Order to name a few.

yes but the price is very high and I don't have any relationship with them so no way to get a review sample.

Per the pinned comment I would run a REL 1003 instead.

ewwww don't watch my old content, i talk way too slow in these older vids lol.

@@NemoPropaganda gotta start somewhere! At least your “first” shit was your “worst” shit

Yes I am sometimes amazed that this brand is not better known among the music reviewers. The secret of Rel is mainly in the processing I believe and the response times. Rel actually advised me too use two t5i’s with my S400’s instead of one t7i, because of overall soundstage and better coverage/coherence. Spec wise, the frequency range, however, is not so far apart from the S400. So maybe it will not add a lot on the frequency range itself, but more on the fullness of the sound of those frequencies. Hope you will get a test example :)!!

Yes i think it would be a good match :)

Ehhh, I don’t recommend it. Much better movie options at this price like a REL HT1003.

I would not recommend this subwoofer in todays market. My updated recommendation around this price is the Rythmik L12, it's better in every way.

i had it paired with my 606 s2 ae, it's more than enough especially on my 32 sqm condo unit.

I'm not familiar with used prices for that gear but you can see how much they sell for on ebay and that should give you an idea on if its a good deal or not.

i havn't had this sub for many years now but I don't recall any issues with the auto on function.

thanks......................@@NemoPropaganda

I made a video for that: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-aZbzvanu3vA.html

I don't recommend this sub anymore per the pinned comment.

@@NemoPropaganda well I didn't ask you if you recommend it. I asked you if you would say the same positive things about the 610 as you did the 608. Regardless, after about 10 minutes of tweaking I am beyond thrilled with the 610. In my humble opinion it outperforms the SB3000 by a lot. To be fair I only listen to 2 Channel and I wanted the lower octaves without knowing I had a subwoofer if you know what I mean. A nice Channel you have and I'm a subscriber. I appreciate the responses, some folks would not bother

@@randycook6500 Hey Randy, I haven't heard the 610 but I'd venture to guess it'd be really similar to this unit while offering up more output. Being lower in power handling is of course bad for maximum output but it has the benefit of lighter moving mass which adds up to better sound quality characteristics which is why you may prefer this to the SB3000. If you had a larger room, a theater focused system, or just different taste in bass you might have preferred the SB3000, it's a competent subwoofer but more geared towards playing at full tilt! That's when it really struts its stuff where as the ASW range is the total opposite and are at their best at lower volumes. At the end of the day most subs these days are pretty good in the right hands. I do wish B&W would update this range and give us some painted finishes without raising the price though :).

My room is 12x10 so we are very similar here. So yes this subwoofer is good for that room size and yes it will sound amazing with home theater and music BUT depending on how loud you watch movies you may need to adjust the bass roll off switch to position B or even C so the subwoofer does not distort because it does not have very much power. If this is a theater room only a ported subwoofer like the SVS PB-1000 will be a better option and it has 3x the power. Let us know how it turns out :)

Emotiva SE8 is the best one I know of, $299, has 200w RMS, and sound very good and even has high pass filters for easy setup.

I don't have any experience with magnepan personally as my room is too small but based on conversations with owners they seem to get the best results from non-dsp models like REL or Rythmik. Hope that helps.

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-rEz03XkcslI.html

This review is fairly old now as is this specific model and things change. If you like the idea behind this subwoofer but can accommodate something larger my new SQ recommendation at this price point for North American consumers is the Rythmik L12 and for European customers the REL HT1003. If you don't need as much output the REL T5X is outstanding if you're looking for something very small but extremely high quality with respect to performance.

Thank you!! Did you see the 3 subwoofer comparison video? Also i will be revieweing the svs sb2000 pro very soon. Definately look at the 3 subwoofer video, 3 really good subwoofers to consider.

I have not heard the KEF Kube but maybe one day.

@@NemoPropaganda Well, In the other review you have said that KEF KC-62 bass is just in the Golden spot, in between the SQ & SPL types...so, that just triggered my interest over these AFFORDABLE Kubes, as KC-62 ..not all can afford

@@rudran65 yeah, that's true, KC62 is very expensive, I have a lot of stuff to review right now so I just want to set realistic expectations, I probably won't get to another KEF Sub for a few months but I really will try.

@@NemoPropaganda thats right; Thanks dear

I do not recommend the ASW range anymore as they are very underpowered and overpriced in todays market. Unless you are getting a crazy good deal I would highly suggest any of the REL options you've listed instead.

Underpowered:)))) So you recommend rel sub zero at 38 hz :))))) You re Rel paid​@@NemoPropaganda

Buy the REL T5X instead.

@@NemoPropaganda I saw your comparison. Very informative. But i'm still very interested by Rel because everybody swears it is the king for music. I have a small room so i'm really looking for the maximum quality and resolution. I like the fact that the BW is very affordable and everything you said is what i'm looking for but the bug in my head will kill me if i don't do a compareason before buying. :)

@@NemoPropaganda I live in Paris, France. I just saw them both on son-video.com. I think i'm gonna buy both and return what suit less my room. I'l keep you posted.Thanks

@@NemoPropaganda I will for sure. I just hope with this covid19 situation the delivery time is not too long :( and the return process easy :)

I'm back after a long time because the delivery was a nightmare. I got both only 1 week ago but i'm starting to get a feel of them in my room. The B&W wins for me. Not because of the sound because the Rel if i'm honest digs deeper and is more define but i can't stand their high level connection. It is a nightmare to use, specially when you want to change amps. You have to be carreful of what you associate them with. Plus there is less output and you can't change modes like the ABC position with the B&W. It is ideal when you want to watch movies. You need real pressure and the B&W gives me that option. I have to admit the Batman vs superman BO was amazing with both, Hans zimmer's music need real subs to shine. The Rel digs deeper and it is a little bit cleaner but not that much and frankly the little difference doesn't justify the price difference for me. I'll probably keep the B&W but i need more time with them. I just regret buying a focal cub evo 7 month ago for 250 euro. If i knew 100 euro more was the difference... Thank you for putting me on. I really appreciate your approach toward hi-fi. i'm currently exploring speakers and diving deep into crossovers. I upgraded 2 speakers to try : The elac debut 2 b5.2 (i prefer smaller sizes too) and the Triangle Borea br02. The results were more than amazing. I'm starting to believe every speaker need a crossover upgrade. It's a little bit messy and not fun sometimes but the gain is mind..... We made comparison with friends who have more expensive speakers and they heard the difference. Sure their speakers dig deeper in the bass or had more extension in the trebble but the modification brought more clarity, definition in the mid bass, amazing coherence. They didn't feel like small speakers anymore. I'm getting carry out of subject but it is our passion. I hope everything went well for you and your loved ones.

@@NemoPropaganda I just saw the SE crossover, i'm pumped ! They did exactly what i've done. Jantzen Cross Cap Capacitor, Jantzen Superior Z-Cap, i put Mills Resistors, atohm zef mini cables with another cable more suited for the tweeter. All ofc coper with silver, occ core. The only thing i haven't change is the coils (i don't know yet how to mesure them but i'm learning). Nemo believe me it is a necessity and you should do it yourself. The gain is really substantial. I've watched and study on the side before deciding and i know now that only the most expensive speakers, 6k, 10k and more have this kind of attention in the crossover. And often it's brands like buchardt who brings real value to the table at those lower prices. It's another layer that gets pealed in the sound. I brought my modified triangle today at my local shop and man they were all amazed. They already knew something was weird when it sounded better than the Emit 10. way better in it's particular presentation. They're different speakers but the smoothness the triangle showed was from something that cost way more. I'm sure with the same treatment the emit will take back the crown but the value was there for the triangle. I can say with 3 speakers upgraded now :) it's a 15% to 30% gain. Which is enormous considering the kind of device we played with earlier at the store. It reminded me the difference when you put real power behind speakers which need it. The impression that everything open up and is more free. The bass becomes more define and detailed. Everything is cleaner and effortless. The feel that the woofers can really express all they have to give. I'm using a lot of superlative but it's the joy. I go back and forth with my opinion too but i'm sure of this fact. I've been playing with the modified elac for 2 months now and with the lock down i've played my records 2 or 3 times now. Every time having the impression of rediscovering my favourite ones. And my conclusion was i felt like for the first time my speakers could compete with my mid-rannge headphones like the HIFIMAN he 400s or the Sennheiser HD 660s. And for a 300 euro speaker to give me that level of performance just with a crossover upgrade. I can't imagine what the buchardt will give you. Ok, i stp my sell's speach lol

as long as you're okay with the output limitations of this subwoofer as mentioned in the video then yes :) however my new SQ recommendation for this price is the Rythmik L12.

@@NemoPropaganda thank you for your reply. Unfortunately I have not seen Rythmik subwoofers anywhere in U.K. 😒

@@mhopsfield3001 Ah yes, the shipping costs will make them less popular outside of the USA.

Sorry I don't use nor trust audioquest products.

@@NemoPropaganda would you mind briefly sharing your reasons.. and what cables do you recommend

@@johnwoods7891 I'd rather not get into it but the information is out there and easy to find if you're interested. Personally I use Maze Audio Ref4 cables for power & speakers and Analysis Plus Oval One for RCA.

why not buy this ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-KUrFQKJg-HA.htmlsi=SbDaQZAgMT0I54Ci

The KEF KUBE 8 has a lot more power but i don’t know what it sounds like. I would imagine it’s good though.

I enjoy classical but i don’t understand the songs, like there is the same song but in “E” or “D” minor and major, what does that mean?

If you're looking to save more money the Emotiva SE8 is rather good at $300 but if you're willing to spend the $500 my new recommendation at that price is the Rythmik L12, it's like a bigger and more powerful asw608 and still remains tonally articulate and a pleasure to listen to all while being able to play loud when called upon or dig deep for those times you want to watch a movie.

Sorry and to answer the question no i don't it's crazy to spend more on a sub at this price point but if you had $4,000 speakers and a $8,000 sub while that would be weird it would probably still sound great. There are no rules in this hobby, just fun and personal taste my friend :)

@@NemoPropaganda Thanks for responding and I will be buying a sub now it just depends on how I'm feeling at the time of purchase weather or not I spend 300 or 500. Keep up the good work!

@@TheSweetloudo1 I totally know that feeling. Good luck my friend, i hope it works out either way!

Thank you bro.

a single rca cable should work just fine.

REL is the perfect match for Dali speakers, has your wife seen a REL sub with the grill on? A T7X for example with the grill on is very small and looks very nice in the room, I think you need to go back and have a little chat but don't get a divorce over a subwoofer :). Second best match would be B&W ASW608 though they do not have very much output so as long as that's okay the 608 sounds great. Lastly SVS SB1000 Pro is my favorite SVS sub, it will not be the best match with the dali but it will play tremendously louder and lower than either REL or B&W sub.

@@NemoPropaganda well, trust me, I've tried it all but she says they look tacky. I even tried to show her how small they are, yet no 😄 I'll see If I can borrow a ASW608 from my retailer and test at home! 🙂👍🏻 Have a beautiful day!

Hello, the line volume is to be used if your sub is connected to your amp via an rca cable (modulation cable). the speaker volume is to be used if your sub is powered by the speaker output (not rca). So you only use one button depending on the connection. Have pleasure with your sub.

it's hard to say if it'll expand the soundstage or imaging, i know some people say a subwoofer can do that but i would argue they're describing the presentation in an odd way that's not entirely correct. It's more overall depth that's added with a subwoofer and perhaps some peoples brains/ears interpret that differently but personally I've not heard a subwoofer change imaging. Since you listen to orchestral i would step up to the ASW610 or even ASW610xp model as that kind of music has some very low bass notes and the 8" could easily run out of steam. Speed is not an issue however. If you do consider the XP model you might as well start looking at REL and Rythmik also. Most important is try to buy from somewhere that allows for a review period just in case it's not your cup of tea.

I read that you recommend REL HT 1003 instead ASW608, but they are a bit pricey here in Estonia, 650€.

@@sepikmees oh man, 650 euro is too much for the 1003. I like the ASW608, as long as you are okay with it's limited power output it is a fantastic subwoofer! The Dali I havn't heard as they're not very popular here int he USA :( but per the spec it looks to have a little bit more power.

@@NemoPropaganda Thank you for quick reply! I think, I’m going with the ASW608. It has more features, especially this EQ feature for bad placement. Who knows what kind of sorcery is this :) I have a question about RCA line in connections. Why is there R and L line in? Do I need Y cable? User’s manual shows connection cable between LFE and L line in only. Sorry, I’m newbie in hi-fi world :)

@@sepikmees If the manual specifies 1 cable from LFE to the L input then do it that way. Bass is mono so that is correct. Some subwoofers don't specify which input to use for LFE and in that case you can use a Y cable but if the manual specifies then I would follow the manual :). The L and R input is there for guys like me who don't have an LFE output. Instead I use L and R preouts from my preamplifier so I need both cables. So basically it just depends what kind of gear you have since you have LFE output you would use the single cable for guys like me that have pre out we have to use 2 cables but there is no real difference either way it just has to do with the kind of components we have.

thank you!

it doesn't really work that way as there are too many factors but 50hz is where I usually start my initial settings.

@@NemoPropaganda just to give some feedback: for the price i paid i'm very happy with it. I'm using it mainly for music listening and i only listen to low/ moderate volume levels in a small/ medium sized room so I don't need a lot of output...excellent fit for me. Love the possibilities for customization in the back and the sound quality is very good. Tight, controlled and textured bass. You can very easily distinguish all the different notes. Build quality seems great too. And love the fact that it's small and discreet. For someone that doesn't need a lot of output and uses a sub mainly for music i think this is (still) a very good option in the used market. Great bang for the buck! I'll buy a second one if i can find another one at a similar price.

HT1003 is better for sure unless the 610 is a lot cheaper.