In this review, we will be comparing 606 S3 and Synchrony B600, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Bowers Wilkins and PSB. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of B&W 606 S3 and PSB Synchrony B600 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the B&W 606 S3 and PSB Synchrony B600 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 S3 and PSB Synchrony B600 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 S3 and Synchrony B600 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
B&W 606 S3 |
PSB Synchrony B600 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
606 S3 features a 1" Titanium Decoupled Double Dome Titanium Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Continuum Woofer . On the other hand, the Synchrony B600 features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Carbon fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2200Hz.
Frequency Response
606 S3 has a frequency range of 52-28k Hz whereas Synchrony B600 has a frequency range of 55-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 52Hz, the 606 S3 can go slightly deeper then the Synchrony B600's min frequency of 55Hz.
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 S3 is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the Synchrony B600 which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.
On the other hand, they have the same sensitivity of 88 dBdB.
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 S3 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 606 S3 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 30 watts less than the Synchrony B600.
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 S3 and Synchrony B600 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
B&W 606 S3's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
PSB Synchrony B600's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both 606 S3 and Synchrony B600 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 S3's and PSB Synchrony B600's external dimensions. B&W 606 S3 has external dimensions of 344.0 x 189.0 x 328.0mm ( 13.6 x 7.4 x 12.9inch) whereas PSB Synchrony B600 has external dimensions of 402.0 x 232.0 x 345.0mm ( 15-13/16 x 9-1/8 x 13-9/16inch) .
PSB Synchrony B600 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 43mm wider, 58mm taller and 17mm deeper than B&W 606 S3.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of B&W 606 S3 and PSB Synchrony B600 in scale.
Comparison image of B&W 606 S3 and PSB Synchrony B600 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 S3 is approximately 619.9cm2 / 96.1inch2 and base area of the PSB Synchrony B600 is approximately 800.4cm2 / 124.1inch2. The 606 S3 requires 23% less surface area than the Synchrony B600 which gives it a small advantage 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 S3 and PSB Synchrony B600 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 S3 weighs 7.05kg / 15.5lbs and the PSB Synchrony B600 weighs 10.45kg / 23lbs. This makes the Synchrony B600 48% heavier than the 606 S3.
Here is a comparison of how 606 S3 and Synchrony B600'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 S3?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of 606 S3:
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 PSB Synchrony B600?
Here are the items that come with the Synchrony B600:
Bookshelf loudspeakrGrille2 Binding-post jumpers (pre-installed)Owners ManualWarranty Card
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Low Frequency Response |
52 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
344mm
vs
402mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
619cm2 (189x328mm)
vs
800cm2 (232x345mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1100USD
vs
2500USD
|
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 |
 Minimum Impedance |
4 ohms
vs
3.7 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
| General |
Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 |
PSB Synchrony B600 |
| Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
PSB |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
30-120 watts |
15-150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
88 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.7 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
52-28k Hz |
55-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Continuum |
Carbon fiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Decoupled Double Dome Titanium |
Hard-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2200Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
344.0mm (13.5") |
402.0mm (15.8") |
| Width |
189.0mm (7.4") |
232.0mm (9.1") |
| Depth |
328.0mm (12.9") |
345.0mm (13.6") |
| Weight |
7.05kg (15.5lbs) |
10.45kg (23lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
MDF/Lacquer |
| Available Colors |
Matte Black, Matte White, Oak, Red Cherry |
Gloss Black, Satin Walnut |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
24-26" |
| 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 |