In this review, we will be comparing 606 S2 AE and Sib-T, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Bowers Wilkins and Focal. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of B&W 606 S2 and Focal Sib-T first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the B&W 606 S2 and Focal Sib-T 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 Sib-T are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
B&W 606 S2 |
Focal Sib-T |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
.75-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 5.125-inch
|
606 S2 AE features a 1" Aluminum Decoupled Double Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Continuum Woofer . On the other hand, the Sib-T features a .75" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.125" Polyflex Woofer .
Frequency Response
606 S2 AE has a frequency range of 52-28k Hz whereas Sib-T has a frequency range of 80-20kHz. 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 Sib-T's min frequency of 80Hz.
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 is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the Sib-T which has a nominal impedance of 4 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Sib-T can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. 606 S2 AE sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the Sib-T's is rated at 90 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Focal Sib-T a more sensitive speaker compared to B&W 606 S2, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
606 S2 AE features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Sib-T has a Spring posts which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
B&W 606 S2's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Focal Sib-T's Spring posts terminals
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 Focal Sib-T'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 Focal Sib-T has external dimensions of 64.0 x 143.0 x 170.0mm ( 2-1/2 x 5-5/8 x 6-11/16inch) .
B&W 606 S2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 48mm wider, 283mm taller and 156mm deeper than Focal Sib-T.
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 Focal Sib-T is approximately 243.1cm2 / 37.7inch2. The 606 S2 AE requires 156% more surface area than the Sib-T 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 Focal Sib-T weighs 2.60kg / 5.7lbs. This makes the 606 S2 AE 165% heavier than the Sib-T.
Here is a comparison of how 606 S2 AE and Sib-T'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 Focal Sib-T?
Here are the items that come with the Sib-T:
One 100V/4-ohm commercial speakerAdjustable mounting bracket (installed)3 Drywall anchors w/ 2 screws5mm Allen key (attached to mounting bracket)User manual
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.125 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
52 Hz
vs
80 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
 Height |
64mm
vs
347mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
243cm2 (143x170mm)
vs
622cm2 (191x326mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
698USD
vs
999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition |
Focal Sib-T |
| Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
Focal |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Sensitivity |
88 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.7 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
52-28k Hz |
80-20kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.125" |
| Woofer Composition |
Continuum |
Polyflex |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Not given |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
.75" |
| Tweeter Type |
Decoupled Double Dome |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
347.0mm (13.7") |
64.0mm (2.5") |
| Width |
191.0mm (7.5") |
143.0mm (5.6") |
| Depth |
326.0mm (12.8") |
170.0mm (6.7") |
| Weight |
6.90kg (15.2lbs) |
2.60kg (5.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
Plastic |
| Available Colors |
Matte Black, Matte White, Oak, Red Cherry |
White |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
Yes |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
2-1/2" |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |