In this review, we will be comparing 606 S2 AE and Demand D11, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Bowers Wilkins and Definitive Technology. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of B&W 606 S2 and Definitive Demand D11 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the B&W 606 S2 and Definitive Demand D11 speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the B&W 606 S2 and Definitive Demand D11 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both 606 S2 AE and Demand D11 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
B&W 606 S2 |
Definitive Demand D11 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
606 S2 AE features a 1" Aluminum Decoupled Double Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Continuum Woofer . On the other hand, the Demand D11 features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
606 S2 AE has a frequency range of 52-28k Hz whereas Demand D11 has a frequency range of 61-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 52Hz, the 606 S2 AE can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Demand D11's min frequency of 61Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
606 S2 AE and Demand D11 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. 606 S2 AE sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the Demand D11's is at 90 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Definitive Demand D11 a more sensitive speaker compared to B&W 606 S2, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
606 S2 AE can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 606 S2 AE has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 80 watts less than the Demand D11.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Both 606 S2 AE and Demand D11 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
B&W 606 S2's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare B&W 606 S2's and Definitive Demand D11's external dimensions. B&W 606 S2 has external dimensions of 347.0 x 191.0 x 326.0mm ( 13-5/8 x 7-1/2 x 12-13/16inch) whereas Definitive Demand D11 has external dimensions of 332.0 x 186.0 x 329.0mm ( 13-1/16 x 7-5/16 x 12-15/16inch) .
Definitive Demand D11 is 5mm narrower and 15mm shorter than B&W 606 S2 but it is also 3mm deeper.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the B&W 606 S2 is approximately 622.7cm2 / 96.5inch2 and base area of the Definitive Demand D11 is approximately 611.9cm2 / 94.8inch2. The 606 S2 AE requires 2% more surface area than the Demand D11 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The B&W 606 S2 weighs 6.90kg / 15.2lbs and the Definitive Demand D11 weighs 8.64kg / 19lbs. This makes the Demand D11 25% heavier than the 606 S2 AE.
Here is a comparison of how 606 S2 AE and Demand D11's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of B&W 606 S2?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of 606 S2 AE:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 2 Two-piece foam port plugs 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet 4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed) Manual Bowers & Wilkins brochure Warranty Information
What's in the Box of Definitive Demand D11?
Here are the items that come with the Demand D11:
Left bookshelf loudpseakerRight bookshelf loudspeaker2 Grilles4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)Cleaning clothOwners Manual
 Low Frequency Response |
52 Hz
vs
61 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Height |
332mm
vs
347mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
611cm2 (186x329mm)
vs
622cm2 (191x326mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition |
Definitive Technology Demand Series D11 |
| Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
30-120 watts |
20-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
88 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.7 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
52-28k Hz |
61-22k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Continuum |
Polypropylene |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Decoupled Double Dome |
Hard-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
347.0mm (13.7") |
332.0mm (13.1") |
| Width |
191.0mm (7.5") |
186.0mm (7.3") |
| Depth |
326.0mm (12.8") |
329.0mm (13") |
| Weight |
6.90kg (15.2lbs) |
8.64kg (19lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
MDF/Aluminum |
| Available Colors |
Matte Black, Matte White, Oak, Red Cherry |
Gloss White,Piano Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
24-28" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |