As we get older (sorry, it happens to us all) the acuity of our hearing does go down. Have you noticed your speaker preferences changing as you’re getting older (I know, I know, you’re still young. 😄)?
@@thomass.9167 I was discussing this subject with some other reviewers. Almost all of them report that their tastes tend to change over time. Mine on the other hand, haven't altered *one bit* since I was a kid. This isn't to say that I'm escaping the cruel hands of time. It's more to say that I'm one extremely stubborn mofo.. :).
@@ZeroFidelity Or, perhaps that more laid back/musical/less forward sound has always appealed to you? You’re a Harbeth guy, right? Perhaps others start out with that same category of speakers and then, as they get older and their hearing decline, seek out more forward type speakers to compensate? Caveat: I’m throwing wild ideas out there with nothing to back it up.
@@ZeroFidelity it’s so refreshing seeing you use the term mofo. Love it. And thanks for the Vid. Ps: kind of sounds like b&W is taking the opposite route of Dynaudio with their evoke line. Interesting to see a comparison with their new Emit Line. Cheers
I thought I was getting the 607 anniversary edition S2 when I went in to buy speakers at my local HiFi shop. I ended up buying the 606 versions and they're INCREDIBLE! I can't wait for them to come in.
I was looking at a pair of 607 s2's, but the Epos M5's I had have a 5" driver too, and I wanted something with a little more dynamic bass. Fortunately, I found a pair of B&W 606 s2's open box on Crutchfield for $800, and I pulled the trigger. The 606 s2 is what I call a perfect "dad" speaker. Yes it has elevated treble, but it sounds about perfect to my 59 year old ears.
I've had a set of 601's for around 25 years so I'm used to the B&W sound but was long overdue a new pair of compact bookshelf monitors. I have had these 607 S2's for nearly 3 years now and they never fail to amaze me. They certainly suit my taste in music (Electronic, Trance, Breakbeat, Deep House), and paired with my TEAC A500 amp (bi-wired), sitting on a set of Atacama Moseco stands they are more than enough to create an impressive soundstage in my modest living room. When I have visitors they cannot beleive the sound these tiny units can produce, they are so engaging to listen to. Great review, well balanced comments and I'm glad I tuned in.
I just got a pair of 607 S2s. They are amazing. Soundstage is exquisite, bass is excellent, dense music spreads out across the room. Could not be happier.
I've heard these speakers with my friend's system and thought they were just fantastic! The detail was incredible and so was the imaging, soundstage and musicality. Great speakers for $700..Great Job Sean👍😀
I have the 607's (non-anniversary edn) and they are spectacular. Amazing resolution and I do not think the treble is obnoxious or too forward, not at all. I sold a pair of Paradigm Atom (v7 I think it was) and replaced w/ these - I don't regret it for a second.
Sean, I like this thought format for your reviews. I am convinced that the major characterizations of speakers are: 1. What kind of music you want to sound 'good to you,' and 2. Your room and typical level of SPL. Without knowing these about yourself, it just has to be nearly impossible to calibrate a reviewer as to whether we'd like the thing. Is it a piece that drops readily into the puzzle of our preference, or does it have to be 'force fit' and end up uncomfortable? By addressing these factors, in the review, you do go a way toward offering useful information. As an aside, you have clearly warned me off these, because they fit crosswise to my tastes. That doesn't make them bad speakers. You have helped explain who and why they fit well.
I use these as desktop speakers for my gaming PC, and they're awesome in that respect. I have a 12" sub connected too, but hardly ever feel the need to use it with these. Best part is, for someone who also has a $20 000 main stereo, I'm still able to enjoy music very much when listening to the 607 S2's. A lot of value for your money with these.
Off axis performance is IMHO way too overlooked and I like that you mention it. When I listen I'm not glued to a narrow sweet spot, sometimes by necessity, but mostly by choice. I think that's the case for many people and it's a factor that I weigh heavily.
I listened to these last Winter and was very impressed....almost bought them on the spot. However, I then listened to a pair of Kef Q350's and heard what had been missing from the B&Ws. Mid-bass, midrange and the respective soundstage and imaging came alive with the Kef's. For me, the larger box and 6.5" woofer made all the difference. I bought the Q350's and thoroughly enjoy them.
Live in the mountains in Colorado in a cabin with limited space.....have had the M-1 speakers for about a year and absolutely love what they are able squeeze out my vinyl....although someday with upgrade to the real B&W speakers 🙏🙏🙏🙏 Love all your reviews...👍
I had the 685 S2’s and they were great speakers. I bet the new version and the anniversary edition in particular are outstanding sounding speakers. I’d like to hear them with a crossover upgrade and no rez on the inside
I heard these for forty-five minutes and that was enough. Like an early CD player. Can you not hear the screaming treble? Bought Focal Chora 806's for my bedroom system, very happy.
Did you not catch the part of this review where I talk about the treble, mention how it can get quickly out of hand if its paired up to the wrong gear, and about how most people won't like the sound in that instance? So yeah, I covered that. Glad you're happy with the Focals. Those aren't exactly polite either, but are certainly less lively than the 607's.
@@ZeroFidelity yes I did. You deserve a medal for sticking to these for so long. With a Naim 5i and Naim CD player they were shrill. The Chora’s are lively too, but never trip up into screech.
Bowers and Wilkins most virtuous attributes can be summed up in two words: harmonic resolution. I've had so many speakers over the years and recent put together a cheap and cheerful office system. I tried all the usual suspects at the price point and was amazed how B&W has really brought things back to when I feel like they were really on top of the game 20 or so years ago. B&Ws failing has always been producing speakers at a reasonable price point that require electronics that are beyond the use case at a cost to perform as expected. They may have some coloration and sizzle in the top end but they always capture the harmonic energy of music in way that is accurate and engaging and few other speakers achieve this. People love to hate B&W, and I'll agree the last couple of generations of speakers as a whole were a bit "meh" but these are really great for the money.
in audio there is an incredible amount of snobbery. B&W comes in for quite a bit of stick, Probably because they tend to be a little commercial. I dont have the 607s but the 606s. The 606s which I have are really great bookshelf speakers. Yes they tend to be a little on the bright side but who wants dull sounding speakers ? Still I wouldn't buy these if my room or other equipment was bright. But given the right source and amp B&W speakers can be brilliant. Sure I have the black version and it isn't really pretty. They look purposeful though. I also have a set of LS50s too. In many ways the sound is pretty similar. The B&Ws minutely brighter but with better bass. For the price I would give these 8 out 10. With 2 points knocked off for the pretty basis looks. Soundwise top marks..
I found them a little too forward, prefer the balance of the older yellow cone, though that one is slightly more coloured. Also tried them with active crossover directly to the drivers. Made them smoother and easier on the ears, but more conventional sounding. Fun fact : the continuum cone is translucent to light, so you may get sunlight through the rear port onto the driver, or, you could add LEDs onto the woofer frame inside the cabinetand turn it into a party rave speaker lol
B&w is fantastic to me, have always loved their sound, bought 683 s2 as my first hifi speakers set up in 2015 very fun speakers to listen to, now i got 702 s2, crazy good speakers, detail and clarity is just a big 🤩 i never heard this amount of detail, paired with Hegel h190 i am in audio heaven, they have drawbacks, they are powerhungry takes some power to get those 6 bass drivers to get under controll, they are very revealing so they don’t answer good to poor recordings but with good recordings they are truly unbelivable 👍
I'm sure that the Hegel H190 will handle those 6 Bass driver's like a dream especially with a Damping Factor of 4000! Hegel has exceptional control and one of the best neutral sounding amplifiers out there.
I have a pair of Bower and Wilkins 685 S2 paired with a 1994 Rotel power amplifier and preamplifier. Awesome sound. They retailed for about 600.00 in 2016
I had the 606 S2 and then tried the Elac Carina (a much more expensive flatter speaker). Found the Elac dull and boring. Preferred the B&W for its lively flavour. Sold the Elac and the guy who bought them absolutely loved them. Different strokes…
You probably would have liked them too. Acclimation is a fact. Your ears do the "breaking in". But at the price the Elac DBR62 or the new UNIFI Reference range are extremely competent and balanced speakers.
I don't mind a little tipped up treble, but I detest the suckout in the presence region that almost ALL 600 series bookshelf speakers have suffered from, which is why I sold the 601S3 and kept the less expensive 303, because the 303 didn't have that midrange suckout. The 602S3 didn't have it either, but they were just too loud and bassy for my small room
thank you - i bought these based on steves review but never even listened - now i love them as i use them on a bookshelf in my bedroom and with vinyl and a Marantz amp but just last week another reviewer dumped on the 707 and 607 and i base my opinion on what i hear not the specs i love these speakers - jazz at the pawnshop comes alive. thanks again
I had the 607 s1 and they are very good. Ive heard the s2 and its similar but better. I dont think you need to upgrade from the s1. Yes they are enjoyably fun speakers. Great as an entry to audio
This is a great take! I have the 606 S2 matched with NAD C368 and I think they pair well. Some people look at the frequency response curve first and dismiss Bowers and Wilkins immediately. I also have the older 606 model and the S2's sound "cleaner" in the treble and has more definition in the bass. Still very similar sound though.
@@halfgerardodaniel Not apples to apples, but I found my 683 s2 to be less bright in the mids and treble compared to 606. Could be accentuated due to the extra woofers.
I'm glad you said that they are not for someone looking for accuracy with their huge suckout between 2-3khz and exaggerated highs that at least are low on distortion.
Nice review Sean! I recently auditioned the 606 S2 and the 603 S2, paired with the Nad M10 streaming amp. I loved them both but ended up going for the 603's because of their extra authority in the bass, which to my ear was as tight and clean as the mids and trebles were detailed and revealing. They are my first pair of high end speakers, and I preferred them to the Kef LS50 Meta, the Dali Oberon 7 and the Kef R3's. Hey, it all comes down to personal taste in the end, right? Keep up the great work, I really enjoy your reviews.
I`ve ordered a pair of these exact speakers.I wasnt paying the original price of £500 but they were on offer for about a third off so i but an order for them.Can`t wait to get them.Nice lowdown on these speakers btw.
Your going to love tham stay about 5 to 6 feet away from them ear at tweeter height tow them in just a little bit and be prepared for jaw dropping sound
I think the 700 series are similar to the 607s regarding amplifier matching. I tried a pair of 702s2 and they did sound a tiny bit dry sometimes with my Hegel. They did so many things well, but the overall character just wasn't for me. I prefered similarly price Monitor Audio Platinum's and Klipsch Cornwall IV which is what I purchased. Would be interesting to see a review on Monitor Audio Silver bookshelves. I have great respect for that brand and that line in particular.
Thats intresting i have hegel h190 and 702 s2 with very good result not tiny at all, they can sound shrill and tiny before they gets runned in, i think they are match made in heaven with Hegel, but we all different tastes, for me the detail of 702 s2 is truly unbelivable, of you after big sound and very deep bass, its not the best pick
Thanks for the great review! I just purchased these speakers! You mentioned the importance of pairing it with the right amp, my current amp is the Yamaha A-S501. Is this amp the right pairing for these speakers?
I bought the 607 1st edition on a discount and absolutely love them. They are my first pair of nice speakers and do a fantastic job paired with the Denon PMA-600NE (bought them after I saw Steve Guttenberg speak highly of them and I needed an integrated amp for my small appartement). I use them for everything, vinyl, tv, movies, gaming and sometimes bluetooth. Although, just ordered the Arylic S50 pro+ for the streaming part.
Excellent review Sean, you were so spot on with B&Ws sound with their anniversary 607 S2s. Some will love em (which I do), while others won't. The definitely have that forwardness to them (they ain't shy).I've heard them before to demo, but I myself have the B&W 703 S2 towers which carry a similar sound signature, but obviously the sound quality is taken up multiple notches by having two dedicated bass drivers and one midrange driver, and carbon tweeter, and overall just being bigger and more powerful. The Hint 6 and B&W 703s are a beautiful match and couldn't be happier. Any chance you paired the B&W 607s with the Musical Fidelity M6si and if so how'd it sound? (my guess is too energetic?)
I've owned quite a few pairs of B&W speakers over the years. My favourite were the 602 S3. The CM5s are quite good too, but I found the CM10s disappointing. At the end of the day you can't judge a speaker by it's brand, you really need to listen to them before you buy.
The 602 S3 was, IMO, the best 600 series 2 way they ever made, because it didn't have the midrange suckout that the others all have. It needed to be played loud before it came to life though, and it was too big and bassy and too loud for my small room. So, I sold them and got the 601 S3, which were very disappointing, because they had that big suckout in the mids, which made vocals sound very distant. Now, I have the Wharfedale Diamond 9.1, which has a much more balanced sound than the 601 S3, and sounds very good at low volume levels too, because the 601 S3 also needed to be quite loud before they came to life
@@DougMen1 I agree about the 602 S3 needing to be driven a bit hard to get the best from them. I'm currently listening to Buchardt A500s and I must say even at levels around 50-60dB they sound pretty awesome to my 60 year old ears.
Sean, how come nobody reviews the 706 S2? Many people actually want to know what you get for twice the money. After your insight on the 607 S2, how about a good peek into the 706 S2? This is pushing many people's budget, but the speakers are highly praised and I guess many would like to know that they are getting their money's worth, or they should look elsewhere.
I haven't heard the S2, but the original 607 is one of the few speakers that is a hard pass from me. When you first listen to them they sound great. Detail in spades. Absolute clarity. Big WOW factor because you are hearing things you might not have picked up on before. Then as the minutes go by your ears get a little perturbed. Hmm what is that tickle? You listen longer and you start to wonder where the wow went because it is replaced by unrelenting treble. Tiny ice picks assault your ears. The presentation is also incredibly dry sounding. Like someone crinkling paper right next to your ears. There is no lush. Any warmth something might have had is dialed back. You wonder where that classic B&W sound went? You sigh because you realize it's lost to the Continuum. Is this what you lower range has come to B&W? You realize these are speakers meant to sell themselves in 15 minutes or less of listening time at a Best Buy.
@@asm200sx I heard these on 3 different integrated. It was modest to high end. Cambridge Audio, Rega, and finally PMC. Nothing could save these speakers from themselves. They only got worse the more detailed the integrated was. The PMC was a scalpel.
I have to say one of the best reviews of B & W’s I’ve watched. I totally agree the PM-1 was one of the best sounding B&W speakers they have done! Great review!
The Motions will have a particular sound with voices because of the tweeter. More of a live venue than a studio recording is how I hear it, and I generally like it. The B&Ws should have better detail and resolution IMO. Side by side, the differences are noticeable. Having had the Motion 15s...the were efficient for their size but couldn't play loud without breaking up. I don't know how well the B&Ws would hold up at louder volumes. Cannot say one is better or not, just different.
Thank you for your review and for making comparisons. It gives context to your observations. My first quality speakers were B&W DM640i back in 1999. I still miss them and i always thought that they sounded better than anything B&W made later. I auditioned the CM series once and it was a disappointment. The latest 800 series though made me pick up my jaw from the floor.
When I was shopping for some new equipment, several months ago, I purchased the KEF LS50 Metas. For the most part, I really liked them. But, the rolled off high ends kept presenting itself and I ended up returning them. B&W wasn't really on my radar...due to opinions I had formed many years ago. However, I saw a number of videos and read some write-ups on the 805 D3s. I visited a local HiFi shop for a listen and ended up buying them. They sounded even better in my home and with my amp. As Sean mentioned about amp pairing with the review speakers, I believe the same applies with the 805 D3s. Jaw dropping? Absolutely! Listening now, several months later, I'm still amazed by these speakers. It is interesting that a bias I had, from years ago, caused me to not initially consider B&W. But, I'm glad I questioned that bias.
I just wanted to add. If anyone has ever been to a live concert you will know that live instruments are not all warm an cuddly. We have a German piano in our living room made by Seller and it can sound really bright. This is a bit how B&W voices their speakers. For realism. They make a recording piano sound like a piano, or a violin sound like a violin, or a sax sound like a sax. Not many speakers can do that..
Hi Sean, I enjoyed your review and have been thinking about upgrading? to these. I have the 686 S2 on B&W stands about 9’ apart connected to a Denon 2400 receiver. They sound similar to what you described for the 607s. I wonder if they would deliver any meaningful improvements given the specs. Love the look of these new ones and the Anniversary aspect tempts.
So I need some advice here. I listen to most of my music through a pair of Sennheiser HD650s and recently decided to get a stereo set up in the living room. I went for a Marantz PM7000N, Project Debut Carbon EVO and the 607 S2 anniversary editions. One reason for the speaker choice is size restrictions. The cabinet they have to go on is only 13.5inches deep (606s are JUST too big unfortunately). I am a drummer and like to focus on that. When listening to "play" by David Grohl for example via Tidal I get lots of beautiful clarity on the cymbals, the bass drum is nice and punchy. BUT the bass guitar and toms almost sound off in the distance, not present. So questions: - do I need these speakers to be loud to get the full sound for the bass guitar and tom toms? - should I expect it to sound like there's something missing in the low end? - Would a subwoofer hit the range I think I can't hear well? - Are my ears just used to headphones and no speaker can meet what my ears are used to? Thanks in advance for replies
Hey...nice review...how would it pair with a Marantz NR 1200 which is supposed to be slightly dark sounding, do you think it is going to balance the treble issues? Thanks.
Proving the importance of listening to a speaker in-person and not relying on video reviews when making a buy decision. The right store will allow you to compare and get the sound that appeal to you. BTW- I own the original 607's and have enjoyed them in a home theater setup, with a subwoofer.
@@ZeroFidelity So why, then, does nearly every audiophile company restrict online sales? Most only permit their largest dealers to sell anything online, and even limit that to "opening price point" products. EG: try to purchase any B&W 800-series speakers online? How about a video about antitrust violations from such distribution restrictions? Don't get me wrong- a good A/V store is crucial to making a good buy decision, getting the right setup, even calibration and help using everything. But the industry is living in the Paleozoic period.
@@johnhymanful - I'm not exactly sure where you're coming from. Most Hi-Fi companies allow their products to be sold online. Be it direct or through distribution and retail partners. Having said that, yes, there are a number of companies that will limit the sale of their flagship lines to specific retailers who are meant to sell to customers in-person. Usually this occurs with products at or above $10,000 USd. There is absolutely nothing anti-trust about that. It's an exotic product and they want the customer to get the right experience with it. While this may be frustrating for the few people out there who are OK with dropping a significant amount of money on a blind whim, I'll say this: Most dealers I know usually won't turn down 800-series money. Especially if you live in that dealers authorized selling territory. So if you've tried this and have run mostly into a brick wall, that means either the dealers around you are extremely conservative and you may have to get distribution involved - or there was something about the situation that made them feel uncomfortable to move forward with the transaction.
Thanks for your video and sorry for commenting again here. But could you please help me choose between the B&W 607 S2 and the Dali Oberon 3? This speaker would be used in a medium-sized living room for movies and music.
I absolutely loved the 606 S2AEs, even more so than the KS50 Metas. I ended up going with the 705 S2s in the end, but I do sometimes miss the forward nature of the 606 S2AE and the 706’s that I auditioned in my house before the 705 S2s. Great review!
I need to get a set of B&W's I've always heard they are a little bright but maybe in a good treated room that might go away. Definitely on my list of speakers to listen too.
Hi Sean, good day to you. I considering this as an upgrade to my Q Acoustics 3020i. My setup is currently the 3020i connected to the new Rega Brio which is 50w.pwr channel into 8 ohms in my small bedroom. Need your advice if I should upgrade or to stick to the 3020i. I listen mostly on Jazz (both with and without vocals). Thanks and much appreciated for your time in reading this.
I so want to like B&W, I live 30 miles from the factory...but they are just too coloured, a fun listen but not neutral, they have had a "house sound" since the nineties.....Wharfedale Evo 4.2's sound like the adult in the room by comparison at a similar cost.
At lest for me 607 has a compressed lower treble on the classe stack when I was demoing them in the B&W demo room. The 607 I feel do not go well with moden electronic music where speed and separation are more important than boosted bass and treble. I feel that they work better with smooth vocals and melodic instrumentals. Personally I feel that the 606 has a much better tweeter and worth double the cost esp for high res brick wall electronic music. That being said I ended up choosing the BR03 in the end so I guess while fun to listen to I am not really a B&W guy
Its forward yes but not agressive . Old 606 symbols sat back in the mix . These ones symbols sat more forward in the mix bringing the detail to the front . But nice and sweet . Im currently listening to a dance track so you would expect a symbol, there is but its gentle as a butterfly on this specific track . Beutiful.
I have a set of CM1 B&W speakers and I drive them with an old Onkyo TX-2500 MKII receiver and they sound amazing. I want to get a set of these to pair them with my Pioneer SX-780.
I have a pair of Dayton Audio T652 mini towers now and I have the opportunity to replace them with these for $425. Should I make the move or stand pat? My room is 10 ‘ by 11’.
I agree with you on the fact paring B&W 606 speakers to Marantz amplifiers. I bought a Marantz PM7000N streaming receiver and that was a disaster to my ears, why to much treble and pronounced SSS in vocals. I found a pair of speakers namely Amphion Argon one that match perfectly. Ok they cost about 1300 euros a pair. Like you I never heard Bower and Wilkens speakers that I liked. My sister’s husband bought a big pair expensive B&W speakers paired with an Arcam amplifier. I know the sound of Arcam Amps well and I had the same problem with the harsh sounding tweeter. I have an Arcam AV receiver driving a pair of Audio Physic Tempo speakers who are not easy to drive and that’s an awesome match. Buy the way when I bought my Audiophysic speakers I first listened to a pair B&W speakers and I didn’t like them and my dealer agreed with me. Pairing B&W speakers is problem if you want allround speakers who can play all sorts of music. Love your reviews, Greetings Ludo Belgium 62 years old
And yet another reviewer gave them their Product of the Year award. And another publication thinks the *607's* are the best speakers under 1k. On the flip side, you have other reviewers who regard them as one of the worst speakers out there. So how do you navigate that? I'll be talking about this in a separate video.
Im the end reviewers = human beings. The differences in the reviews just echos in what way the „normal audience“ also comes to different conclusions based on their taste. Think the best analogy would be Art. Take one piece of Art and get 10 different opinions. You could even say the same thing about the song itself. Its good this way. Would be a boring world if it wasn’t. Take care
Hi Sean . I know you love the iota for a match. How about the mf or cambridge. Suitable? I have the 706s2 with hegal h190. Great match. The hegel just controls them beautifully.
Great sounding speakers. But they need to be matched to the right amp to maximise their potential. Like Sean said partnering amp is important. You need an amp that is neutral. The hegel h190 suits it beautifully. I reckon the musical fidelity m3 as minimum would be a good match. There's a few reviews on the 706 s2s online
Would you advise to use them as Top Front speakers (like for Atmos setup)? As B&W doesn't have specific Atmos speakers I though to use a pair of these 607 S2 for that...
How is it pairing with Audiolab 6000a? Currently I'm using the amp with Tannoy revolution xt6f and not happy. Missing top end and excessive midbass. What should I do?
All systems needs subs lol. Well not kidding… I think I would own B&Ws again if they would shelve down their treble to flat. The 802D3 does some amazing stuff (soundstage, detail) but wow they are way too bright. Even on McIntosh gear.
Great review. Thanks! You mentioned your familiarity with the old nautilus series. I recently purchased a pair of 802N full range speakers. Do you have any thoughts on the right amplifier pairing for them? I am currently driving them with a classe sigma amp2 stereo amp along with a denon receiver as a preamp.
I had a pair of those. Assuming you're happy with them and don't have any issues with the tweeters, I would say you definitely need a preamp. The change you'll get from swapping out the Denon with a good line stage will be nothing short of a stunning improvement.
@@solarfall2728 thanks. I prefer the sound of their original tweeters to the new diamond ones which are ridiculously expensive too. I have not listened to many other brands too.
@@arunetm1 Just to clarify, I wasn't judging the speaker one way or another. Some people can take metal tweeters, and some can't. It applies to many speakers, not just B&W. I only bring it up because how you approach the upgrade will be very different if you are trying to fix something, as opposed to staying with the same sonic signature. The upside to having a speaker like this is you'll hear the upgrades. That's why I made my first comment. Some systems you have to struggle to hear changes. Not so with your amp and speakers. If you match them with good quality components, you'll be paid back in sound quality.
