In this review, we will be comparing 606 S2 AE and M126Be, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Bowers Wilkins and Revel. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of B&W 606 S2 and Revel M126Be first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the B&W 606 S2 and Revel M126Be 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 Revel M126Be compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both 606 S2 AE and M126Be are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
B&W 606 S2 |
Revel M126Be |
|
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 M126Be features a 1" beryllium Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" DCC Aluminum Woofer .
Frequency Response
606 S2 AE has a frequency range of 52-28k Hz whereas M126Be has a frequency range of 54-44k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 52Hz, the 606 S2 AE can go slightly deeper then the M126Be's min frequency of 54Hz.
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 M126Be 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 M126Be's is at 86 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the B&W 606 S2 a more sensitive speaker compared to Revel M126Be, 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 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 606 S2 AE has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 30 watts less than the M126Be.
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. M126Be has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
B&W 606 S2's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both 606 S2 AE and M126Be 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 Revel M126Be'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 Revel M126Be has external dimensions of 388.0 x 212.0 x 262.0mm ( 15-1/4 x 8-5/16 x 10-5/16inch) .
B&W 606 S2 is 21mm narrower and 41mm shorter than Revel M126Be but it is also 64mm 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 Revel M126Be is approximately 555.4cm2 / 86.1inch2. The 606 S2 AE requires 12% more surface area than the M126Be 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 Revel M126Be weighs 10.00kg / 22lbs. This makes the M126Be 45% heavier than the 606 S2 AE.
Here is a comparison of how 606 S2 AE and M126Be'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 Revel M126Be?
Here are the items that come with the M126Be:
Bookshelf loudspeakerGrilleFoam port plugOwners Manual
 Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Low Frequency Response |
52 Hz
vs
54 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Height |
347mm
vs
388mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
999USD
vs
4400USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 High Frequency Response |
44k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
555cm2 (212x262mm)
vs
622cm2 (191x326mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition |
Revel PerformaBe M126Be |
| Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
Revel |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
30-120 watts |
50-150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
88 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.7 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
52-28k Hz |
54-44k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Continuum |
DCC Aluminum |
| 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 |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
347.0mm (13.7") |
388.0mm (15.3") |
| Width |
191.0mm (7.5") |
212.0mm (8.3") |
| Depth |
326.0mm (12.8") |
262.0mm (10.3") |
| Weight |
6.90kg (15.2lbs) |
10.00kg (22lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
Wood/Lacquer |
| Available Colors |
Matte Black, Matte White, Oak, Red Cherry |
Walnut,Black,White,Silver |
| 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 |