In this review, we will be comparing 606 S2 AE and L52 Classic, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Bowers Wilkins and JBL. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of B&W 606 S2 and JBL L52 Classic first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the B&W 606 S2 and JBL L52 Classic 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 JBL L52 Classic 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 L52 Classic are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
B&W 606 S2 |
JBL L52 Classic |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
0.75-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
606 S2 AE features a 1" Aluminum Decoupled Double Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Continuum Woofer . On the other hand, the L52 Classic features a 0.75" Titanium Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Pulp Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2800Hz.
Frequency Response
606 S2 AE has a frequency range of 52-28k Hz whereas L52 Classic has a frequency range of 47-24k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 47Hz, the L52 Classic 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
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 L52 Classic 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 L52 Classic can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. 606 S2 AE sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the L52 Classic's is rated at 85 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the B&W 606 S2 a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL L52 Classic, 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 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas L52 Classic has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS, 45 watts less than the 606 S2 AE.
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. L52 Classic has a Five-way gold-plated binding posts which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
606 S2 AE has a rear firing port whereas L52 Classic has a front firing ports. JBL L52 Classic's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to B&W 606 S2 with its rear-firing port.
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 JBL L52 Classic'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 JBL L52 Classic has external dimensions of 332.0 x 199.0 x 221.0mm ( 13-1/16 x 7-13/16 x 8-11/16inch) .
JBL L52 Classic is 15mm shorter and 105mm less deeper than B&W 606 S2 but it is also 8mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of B&W 606 S2 and JBL L52 Classic in scale.
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 JBL L52 Classic is approximately 439.8cm2 / 68.2inch2. The 606 S2 AE requires 42% more surface area than the L52 Classic which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
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 JBL L52 Classic weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs. This makes the 606 S2 AE 38% heavier than the L52 Classic.
Here is a comparison of how 606 S2 AE and L52 Classic'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 JBL L52 Classic?
Here are the items that come with the L52 Classic:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 GrillesOwners Manual
Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
75 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
24k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Price per pair* |
999USD
vs
1000USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Low Frequency Response |
47 Hz
vs
52 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
Height |
332mm
vs
347mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
439cm2 (199x221mm)
vs
622cm2 (191x326mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
General |
Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition |
JBL L52 Classic |
Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
JBL |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
30-120 watts |
10-75 watts |
Sensitivity |
88 dB |
85 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
4 ohms |
Impedance |
3.7 ohms |
n/a |
Frequency Response |
52-28k Hz |
47-24k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
Continuum |
Pulp |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
0.75" |
Tweeter Type |
Decoupled Double Dome |
Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2800Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
347.0mm (13.7") |
332.0mm (13.1") |
Width |
191.0mm (7.5") |
199.0mm (7.8") |
Depth |
326.0mm (12.8") |
221.0mm (8.7") |
Weight |
6.90kg (15.2lbs) |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
MDF/Wood veneer |
Available Colors |
Matte Black, Matte White, Oak, Red Cherry |
Walnut |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
22-26" |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |