In this review, we will be comparing 606 S2 AE and GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Bowers Wilkins and GoldenEar. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of B&W 606 S2 and GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the B&W 606 S2 and GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor 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 GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor 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 GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
B&W 606 S2 |
GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 7-inch
|
606 S2 AE features a 1" Aluminum Decoupled Double Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Continuum Woofer . On the other hand, the GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor features a " Folded Ribbon Tweeter and 1 x 7" Polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
606 S2 AE has a frequency range of 52-28k Hz whereas GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor has a frequency range of 38-35k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 38Hz, the GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the 606 S2 AE's min frequency of 52Hz.
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
GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor
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 GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor 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 GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor's is at 90 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor a more sensitive speaker compared to B&W 606 S2, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor
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 250 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 606 S2 AE has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 130 watts less than the GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor.
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
606 S2 AE features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor has a 5-way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
B&W 606 S2's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor's 5-way post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both 606 S2 AE and GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
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 GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor'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 GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor has external dimensions of 356.0 x 229.0 x 281.0mm ( 14 x 9 x 11-1/16inch) .
B&W 606 S2 is 38mm narrower and 9mm shorter than GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor but it is also 45mm 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 GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor is approximately 643.5cm2 / 99.7inch2. The 606 S2 AE requires 3% less surface area than the GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor which gives it a small advantage 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 GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor weighs 6.82kg / 15lbs. This makes the 606 S2 AE 1% heavier than the GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor.
Here is a comparison of how 606 S2 AE and GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor
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 GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor?
Here are the items that come with the GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor:
Bookshelf loudspeaker
Key-hole hanger
2 Screws
Owner's Manual
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Height |
347mm
vs
356mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
622cm2 (191x326mm)
vs
643cm2 (229x281mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
250 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
7 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
38 Hz
vs
52 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
 Passive Radiator |
two 8-inch side-mounted
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
| General |
Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition |
GoldenEar Aon 3 |
| Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
GoldenEar |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
30-120 watts |
10-250 watts |
| Sensitivity |
88 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.7 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
52-28k Hz |
38-35k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
7" |
| Woofer Composition |
Continuum |
Polypropylene |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
- |
| Tweeter Type |
Decoupled Double Dome |
Folded Ribbon |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
347.0mm (13.7") |
356.0mm (14") |
| Width |
191.0mm (7.5") |
229.0mm (9") |
| Depth |
326.0mm (12.8") |
281.0mm (11.1") |
| Weight |
6.90kg (15.2lbs) |
6.82kg (15lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
MDF/Lacquer |
| Available Colors |
Matte Black, Matte White, Oak, Red Cherry |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
Yes |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
24-26" |
| 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 |