Great review. I have a pair these driven by a Rega Brio amplifier. What ever the source I play through these is always a great pleasure. If Anyone is looking to drive these then I can recommend the Rega Brio which gives you a budget system that simply rocks. Then you can play with your sources and fine tune to your liking. If you want to keep it super simple then use a PC/MAC/Smartphone with a Audio Quest Dragon Fly Red. Very complimentary.
I have the 685 S2's & have been considering replacing them with the 606's as I keep hearing all these good things, particularly abt the continuum driver. Appreciate the review.👍🏼
@MAD GRUMPYMAN I am a detail oriented listener, I lean towards the analytical side but I still appreciate warmth. Refinement with a little sparkle in the highs & tight bass is my thing. I know with the 600 series they went from the yellow kevlar to the silver continuum driver with the entire line as far as I know, unless ur referring to the new anniversary edition with the better crossovers. I'm not sure what the FST driver is. I'll have to look that up.
@MAD GRUMPYMAN No sir, appreciate the info.👍🏼 U have a nice setup, too much for my wallet! Lol. To be honest at this point I'll probably end up with a pair of 705S2's, especially since I already have an SVS sub. I really like the 702's but certainly can't afford spending $5,000!
B&W keep pretty consistent now with house sound. Generally: resolving, transparent. The mids are very conservatively voice. they are uncolored to the point where I perceive them as dry and a little lifeless there. Cello, for example, doesn't "bloom". with any warmth at all. There is (as stated here) a little tweeter issue, but it's not bad considering the price and competition.
Im using these speakers in a small room with a denon integrated amp, its kinda a budget setup. And I have to say Im impressed how good they sound no matter low or high volumes. At the moment I have them placed on a TV stand but purchased some stands to test hope they make a difference because at the moment I have the bass port semi plugged with the foam piece. The bass is too strong otherwise. Overall I think they easily compare to loudspeakers costing 1000 and up. Thanks for the review. :)
I recently got this pair (606) and a pair of 603 (floor standing) ... hopefully I'll find a HTM6 (central Channel) discounted/open box...and build my 5.1 Home Theater. What AV Receiver would you recommend to be able to power these speakers. What I want is as best possible quality for music sound (warm, clean, crisp tones) and of course excellent 4k video surround audio effects. I don't thing i'm gonna use more than 5.1. So what do you think about Marantz SR-6013, or Pioneer SC LX701/801... or if you can recommend anything else I would really appreciate it!! Thank you!
Hi Vitalie ! Thank you for your inquiry. The Pioneer LX801 is slightly ahead of the Marantz 6013, but I will also consider Denon models in the same price range. But between the Pioneer and Marantz on sound quality it is a close call. Consider also personal preference such as aesthetics and ergonomics as part of your final decision. Enjoy and congratulations on your selection of the 600 series speakers! I am sure you are going to have many many hours of exeptional sound quality.
@@TheAudioCouple Thank you! It's hard to choose one... I don't want to buy a cheap one and not take advantage of the full potential of the speakers in terms of quality...but I also don't want to pay extra couple hundred dollars for nearly 10% difference in power and quality ( of course if those 10% are really noticeable). Will you recommend an open box/refurbished av receiver? I saw an open box SC-LX801 for $974....do you think it's good deal? Are there any particular models/brands that you would advice to stay away from? Thanks again!
@@vitalieBu Yes it is a difficult decision. I would say the Pioneer will be a good buy, even if an opened box - just confirm all accessories are inside. Between Marantz, Pioneer, Denon, Yamaha, Rotel and Anthem you can go wrong...
Hi Nimrod, I have not listened to any of the B&W entry level bookshelves before, but a set of 685 I've seen at someones home once was constructed very poorly in my opinion. What I mean by that is when I did the "knock" test to the box, it was clear the it was not a very dense, very thick material used to build the box. Not what I expected from such a highly acclaimed brand. Are these better?
Hi Norval came home to confirm these 606 cabinets are very steardy...due to their compact size they are inherently steardy but they made sure they are constructed a such that the cabinet is not adding any colour to the sound 👍
May I throw this out for comments? Using these, would the Marantz PM6006 amp (45 watts) be a better sound option than the NR1200 receiver (75 I think). I am considering the latter as it has more wattage (and a radio!) But sound quality is important...
Hello, I would be grateful if you could give me advice. I intend to replace my old Castle Severn II speakers. Would it be a good idea to choose B&W 606? I've got Roksan K1 mk.III amp, CXC Cambridge Audio transport plus Arcam IrDAC II.My room is about 20 square metres, I listen to acoustic jazz, classical music and English progressive rock from 1970s and 1980s. Do you think Dynaudio Emit M20 is a better option?
Hi Jerzy thank you for your inquiry. It will be a very close call. Both are extremely good loudspeakers. The best advice will be for you to have a listen to them both at your nearest audio dealer. Basically it will come down to personal preference. Please share your impressions if you were able to audition them both. The one thing I can assure you...is that either way...you will not be disappointed.
@@TheAudioCouple A week ago I bought Dynaudio Emit M 20 speakers. They are brand new, so I've been hearing continuous progress and the sound is better now comparing to the day when I plugged them in first time. The shortest definition of their sound could be like this: big, deep and always pleasant, it does not matter if I listen to Mozart chamber music, Chet Baker, Frank Sinatra or British progressive rock from 1970s, each time I feel deeply satisfied. To sum up, I strongly recommend these speakers to music lovers. I'am really thankful for your advice. Cheers!
My question to you and maybe you can help me with this because Bowers And Wilkins does not publicly give a range but what is the crossover range at least in your experience between the speaker and the subwoofer you use for your system? The only reason I ask is to have some sort of a baseline to go by for mine.
Hi Steven for the 606 begin at 55Hz and then work you way upto 65Hz if needed. But it will depend on your room, speaker and subwoofer placement and also the processor you are using. Try it and please let me know the results. Enjoy.
The Audio Couple I use 606 left right run a phantom center and surround I use the 685 s2 and I sub. Move home theater style. I pretty much have it set up in a 4.1 configuration. The size of the room was a factor
@@ballingit 606 have better mids,rp600 have better lows its a toss up in highs which is too bright for my ears,if i have to choose will get the 606,but decided to get the psb image b6 instead and its better overall
Great review. Two questions. How does this speaker compare to Klipsch 600 MP? Very similar price point. Also thoughts about B&W 705s2 For a high end bookshelf speaker .? Using an entry Naim nait 5si integrated amp ? Thanks
Hi Grant, thank you for your inquiry and feedback much appreciated. I think you will be amazed at the performance from the 705S2's...truly outstanding. Together with your Naim it will bring your hours apon hours of musical delight.
Hi! I want to ask you about connecting speaker cables to the bowers 606. I bought QED xt40i single wire with terminated banana plugs. The store where I bought my speakers said that the best way is to insert the banan plugs choosing the top of the terminals and not on the lower. In bowers manual I can see on the picture that they instruct to put single wire cables on the lower terminals. Im confused on the setup. What is the best when having only single wire cables and does it effect sound quality? I dont use any subwoofer only the speakers with the Denon DRA-800h
Hi Pierre M thank you for your inquiry. I normally connect the speaker wire at the bottom connectors or woofer terminals - this typically will have minimum stress on the cables/connectors and in my opinion, produce the best results - typically. The mid/woofer needs the best possible damping from the amplifier thus the reason for the connecting priority for the woofer. Give it a test and let us know. Enjoy!
@@TheAudioCouple thanks for your answer, I have had them plugged in to the HF terminals since I bought them. I will make a change now as u say. Let me just Ask you one more thing though Im going to try as you recommend. Many say that you get balanced sound and it’s noticeable when listening to music if you cross the speaker cables. Having the red + cable at HF and putting the black - cable on the LF terminal. Is it worth a try or does your experience say something else? Happy for your answer 🙏
@@-hm2pu hi again! You are not alone in connecting speakers a such, so if you achieve good results with the connection keep it...a such. I normally connect both the positive and negative to the LF terminals. Enjoy!
Thank you for the review, so different from others. I am looking at a suitable amp. Do you have suggestion? My draft list includes Denon PMA-600NE 45W USD$399 Audiolab 6000A 50w USD$599
Hi Dave. Thank you for the inquiry and support. The Audiolab is a fantastic amplifier thus my first choice. But the value from the Denon is great. Either will make for a good combination. Enjoy!
Hi Bill thank you for your inquiry. From my experience the speakers produce enjoyable sound across a wide variety of music genres, including older tracks. I am actually using them full time in one of my systems because of the ability of the speakers to produce an enjoyable experience. If you reward the speakers with better recordings and or equipment the enjoyment factor also increases. Enjoy the music!
The Audio Couple - thanks a lot for quick response Would marantz sr6013/14 pair well ? Also, does center htm6 blend well with 606 , considering the woofer size differences
Hi @f thank you for your inquiry. These are amazing loudspeakers full-stop. They perform better than most at their price point and if partnered with good ancillary equipment they deliver the goods. The best part is their ability to project the sound into the listing area with both musically and finesse. If you have the opportunity to audition them, I am convinced you will be impressed as well.
Hi Roberto thank you for your inquiry. The recommended power rating for the 606s are 30 to 120 Watts so the Denon should work fine. No worries about that. Enjoy the music!
Hi Kitai thank you for your inquiry. The new cone material use on the mid-woofer of the 606 is extremely good, even better that the already very good cone material of the mid-woofer on the 685 S2. The tweeter of the 606 is also improved - thus I will say the 606 is the winner in terms of overall design and sound quality. But the 685 S2 remains a very decent speaker.
B&W and marantz are a good mix but it depends on what you like in terms of frequencies. I used to own a marantz with the 606 and now I own a Yamaha a-s1200 and there is a huge difference for me. You can choose between a Rotel or a Yamaha, you won't be disappointed :)
@@JollyMan69 Hi Jack! I have owned several Marantz, vintage (the 1122, 1152) and a newer model (PM 6006). First of all, I have to tell you that I really don't like the new Marantz models. The sound is not very detailed and the low frequencies are too present for my taste. However, the 1122 and the 1152 are among the best amps in terms of quality/price. The sound of the 1122 and 1152 is extremely warm and I liked it. Except that with my b&w (the 606 and 705 s2) I was looking for more details and a good balance in terms of frequencies. So I made the move to the A-S1200. In terms of price, I must admit that it hurts (3500 canadian $). The yamaha was able to perfectly drive my B&W's especially in the high and medium frequencies. As for the low frequencies are less present than with my Marantzs, but that's better for me because when the low frequencies are predominant, it can affect the other frequencies, hence it affects the listening experience. If you listen to electronic music or music with a lot of bass, the marantz will give a more "wow" effect, but in terms of details and "real" listening, the Yamaha is by far the winner. All I'm saying is that it's a subjective perception. You have to trust your ears :) . If you have any questions, don't hesitate, it will be my pleasure to answer them.
In several other reviews it was stated that they need some good qualification by a descent amplifier. Will these also sound good when using a mid priced receiver from let's say Yamaha or Denon?
Hi Luuk I am sure they will perform just as good with a mid priced receiver - but as stated before if you apply better ancillary equipment (for example better amplification) these speakers will reward you with excellent sound. Hence they are a good buy if your wish to upgrade the amplification at a later stage...
@@TheAudioCouple Thanks for you reply! I'm not sure if I will upgrade the amplification later, but it always good to look for a receiver with a pre out, so you can upgrade if you want to. These speakers are on my shortlist, as are the Klipsch RP-600m. Just have to take a listen, to make a good decision :-) From what I understand the Klipsch are a little bit easier to drive? But I guess that isn't that big of a factor.
Hi again Luuk it will depend on the size of your room...but from my experience you will get good results from both these two speakers...best will be to audition them also at the dealer if possible, with either you can't go wrong 👍
I would never consider $600+ USD to be entry level for speakers, but that's just me. You can get a tolerable pair of Yamaha for one fifth that, but obviously B&W speakers have been a bit pricier than some of the other players like Polk.
Hi Michael thank you for your inquiry. Indeed $600 are quite a sum of money and here in SA we are feeling it even more, as our currency is not as strong as the US dollar. I actually stated that the 600 series is the entry level range from B&W but at the price not really entry level - but what I can assure you is that at the price-point they are very competitive. I agree one can find speakers at a lower price point with some excellent sonics but if you take the overall quality of the drivers and engineer effort and expertise that went into the 606's they are really a standout product. I actually bought these for myself after considering many other brands and or designs and I am really happy with my decision - even at the price point. Polk audio has some excellent products and I recommend you consider some of their products - especially as the price to performance levels are really good...but if you have an opportunity to audition the 606s I am sure they will surprise you! Enjoy the music!
Hi Noel Yes it is even recommended for 2 channel Denon receivers. These speakers will give you a good platform to achieve improvements as and when you have funds to upgrade ancillary equipment. Enjoy your music!
Hi again Noel both are very good thus it comes down to personal taste. The 606 is more open sounding and thus more music genres will be enjoyed on these speakers...the Klipsch 600 favours more energetic music or music with a good bass-line. In general you will not be disappointed by anyone of two...they are very good...
Im planning to buy the 606 with denons dra-800h 2 Chanel receiver. Is it a good receiver for the speakers and should I Bi-Wire them or just go for regular connection?
Hi Pierre thank you for your inquiry. I am of the opinion that the Denon will be a good match with 606's the Denon is rated at around 100 watts at 8 ohms. I would first use the regular connection and then determine if you are getting good results. If your results are good you can always update to bi-wire at a later stage or even update your speaker cables...later on. Good luck with your plans - I am sure you gona love those 606s. Enjoy the music!
@@TheAudioCouple Thanks for your answer. I think the denon is good equipped it has all inputs/outputs I want and having Hdmi is rare in a 2 channel reciever. First I was thinking of going for a NAD but the lack of all the connections and having airplay 2 and all the good stuff I found it a better choise. it also have dual dacs per chanel so it seems to be a quality product over all. I will do so like u said, go for the single setup connection. Im thinking of buying Audioquest speaker cables, what do you think obout those cables and should I have banan plugs?
Sorry for the intrusion guys. I too have a Denon DRA800H which was first paired with JBL Studio 270 and the setup sounded great. Sold the JBLs a couple of weeks ago due to space rearrangement and have been looking for a decent replacement bookshelf speakers since then. The list of options was as follows: 1. Monitor Audio Silver 50/100; Focal Aria 906 (a boring yet natural trio that produces a very neutral and studio-esque sound) 2. B&W 607/606s (although not considered a good choice for the Denon by a local audioshop assistant due to overly metallic and bright heights, eventually bonded well with Denon - the relaxed and laid-back sound of the latter somehow restrained the sound of the B&Ws thus producing a decent sound for the price) 3. Klipsch RPM-500/600Ms (best sounding IMO (horns up!), but well too overpriced here in Belarus/Russia, $1k+ vs ~$600 for the older model in the EU/US) Eventually looking forward to placing an order for 606 now :D
