In this review, we will be comparing 606 S2 AE and Silver 50 7G, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Bowers Wilkins and Monitor Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of B&W 606 S2 and Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the B&W 606 S2 and Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G 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 Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G 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 Silver 50 7G are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
B&W 606 S2 |
Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-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 Silver 50 7G features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" C-CAM RST II Woofer .
Frequency Response
606 S2 AE has a frequency range of 52-28k Hz whereas Silver 50 7G has a frequency range of 47-35k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 47Hz, the Silver 50 7G 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
Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G
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 Silver 50 7G 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 Silver 50 7G's is at 86 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the B&W 606 S2 a more sensitive speaker compared to Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G, 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 Silver 50 7G has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 20 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
Both 606 S2 AE and Silver 50 7G 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 Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G'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 Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G has external dimensions of 283.0 x 167.0 x 274.0mm ( 11-1/8 x 6-9/16 x 10-3/4inch) .
B&W 606 S2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 24mm wider, 64mm taller and 52mm deeper than Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of B&W 606 S2 and Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G in scale.
Comparison image of B&W 606 S2 and Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G Size and External Dimensions
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 Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G is approximately 457.6cm2 / 70.9inch2. The 606 S2 AE requires 36% more surface area than the Silver 50 7G 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:
Size Comparison image of B&W 606 S2 and Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G on a Media Console
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 Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G weighs 5.63kg / 12.4lbs. This makes the 606 S2 AE 23% heavier than the Silver 50 7G.
Here is a comparison of how 606 S2 AE and Silver 50 7G's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G
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 Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G?
Here are the items that come with the Silver 50 7G:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles4 Jumpers (pre-installed)8 Rubber feet2 Foam port plugsHex-keyOwners ManualImportant Safety Instructions
 Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Price per pair* |
999USD
vs
1100USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| Low Frequency Response |
47 Hz
vs
52 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
283mm
vs
347mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
457cm2 (167x274mm)
vs
622cm2 (191x326mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition |
Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G |
| Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
Monitor Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
30-120 watts |
40-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
88 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.7 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
52-28k Hz |
47-35k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Continuum |
C-CAM RST II |
| 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") |
283.0mm (11.1") |
| Width |
191.0mm (7.5") |
167.0mm (6.6") |
| Depth |
326.0mm (12.8") |
274.0mm (10.8") |
| Weight |
6.90kg (15.2lbs) |
5.63kg (12.4lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
MDF/Wood veneer |
| Available Colors |
Matte Black, Matte White, Oak, Red Cherry |
Ash,High Gloss Black,Black Oak,Satin White |
| 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 |