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B&W 606 vs Wharfedale EVO4.2 Comparison

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B&W 606

Passive Bookshelf | 52-28k Hz

Bowers & Wilkins 606
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Wharfedale EVO4.2

Passive Bookshelf | 54-22k Hz

Wharfedale EVO4.2
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B&W 606 B&W 606
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Wharfedale EVO4.2 Wharfedale EVO4.2
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B&W 606
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Wharfedale EVO4.2
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B&W 606 vs Wharfedale EVO4.2 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing BW 606 and EVO4.2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Bowers Wilkins and Wharfedale.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of B&W 606 and Wharfedale EVO4.2 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

B&W 606 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
  • 6.5" Continuum Woofer
  • 52-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 88 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:30-120watts
  • Weight:6.90kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 345.0" x 7-1/2" x 12-13/16"( 345.0 x 190.0 x 324.0mm )

Wharfedale EVO4.2 Key Specs

  • 3-way Design
  • 1.18x2.36" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter
  • 2" Midrange
  • 6.5" Kevlar Woofer
  • 2" Midrange
  • 54-22k Hz Frequency Response
  • 88 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:25-120watts
  • Weight:13.40kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 455.0" x 9.8" x 13.7"( 455.0 x 250.0 x 350.0mm )

What size room are the B&W 606 and Wharfedale EVO4.2 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:

Listening Environment* B&W 606 Wharfedale EVO4.2
Near-field Poor Poor
Small Room Average Average
Mid-size Room Good Good
Large Room Average Average
Very Large Room Poor Poor

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the B&W 606 and Wharfedale EVO4.2 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

One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that BW 606 is a 2-way design whereas the EVO4.2 is a 3-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.

Driver B&W 606 Wharfedale EVO4.2
Driver Setup 2-way 3-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1.18x2.36-inch
Midrange - 1 x 2-inch
Woofer 1 x 6.5-inch 1 x 6.5-inch

BW 606 features a 1" Decoupled Carbon Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Continuum Woofer . On the other hand, the EVO4.2 features a 1.18x2.36" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter , a 2" Midrange and 1 x 6.5" Kevlar Woofer .

Frequency Response

BW 606 has a frequency range of 52-28k Hz whereas EVO4.2 has a frequency range of 54-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 52Hz, the BW 606 can go slightly deeper then the EVO4.2'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

BW 606
EVO4.2
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

B&W 606
Wharfedale EVO4.2
Min
Average
Max

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

BW 606 and EVO4.2 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 88 dB.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

BW 606
EVO4.2
Min
Average
Max

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.

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 BW 606 and EVO4.2 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.

B&W 606 Terminals
B&W 606's Post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring

Cabinet Type and Port Position

BW 606 has a rear firing port whereas EVO4.2 has a bottom firing ports. Wharfedale EVO4.2's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to B&W 606 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's and Wharfedale EVO4.2's external dimensions. B&W 606 has external dimensions of 345.0 x 190.0 x 324.0mm ( 13.5 x 7.4 x 12.7inch) whereas Wharfedale EVO4.2 has external dimensions of 455.0 x 250.0 x 350.0mm ( 17.9 x 9.8 x 13.7inch) .

Wharfedale EVO4.2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 60mm wider, 110mm taller and 26mm deeper than B&W 606.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of B&W 606 and Wharfedale EVO4.2 in scale.

B&W 606 vs Wharfedale EVO4.2 Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of B&W 606 and Wharfedale EVO4.2 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 is approximately 615.6cm2 / 95.4inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale EVO4.2 is approximately 875.0cm2 / 135.6inch2. The BW 606 requires 30% less surface area than the EVO4.2 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:

B&W 606 vs Wharfedale EVO4.2 Size Comparison on a Media Console
Size Comparison image of B&W 606 and Wharfedale EVO4.2 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 weighs 6.90kg / 15.2lbs and the Wharfedale EVO4.2 weighs 13.40kg / 29.5lbs. This makes the EVO4.2 94% heavier than the BW 606.

Here is a comparison of how BW 606 and EVO4.2's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
B&W 606
Wharfedale EVO4.2
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of B&W 606?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of BW 606:
  • 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 Wharfedale EVO4.2?

    Here are the items that come with the EVO4.2:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles
  • 4 Jumper-bars (pre-installed)
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Pair of white cloth gloves
  • User Manual

  • Reasons to choose Bowers & Wilkins 606 over Wharfedale EVO4.2
    Low Frequency Response 52 Hz vs 54 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 28k Hz vs 22k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Height 345mm vs 455mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 615cm2 vs 875cm2 Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 899USD vs 1199USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

    Reasons to choose Wharfedale EVO4.2 over Bowers & Wilkins 606

    Driver Setup 3-way vs 2-way Have a dedicated mid-range driver
    Minimum Impedance 4 ohms vs 3.7 ohms Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier
    B&W 606 vs Wharfedale EVO4.2 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Bowers & Wilkins 606 Wharfedale EVO4.2
    Brand Bowers Wilkins Wharfedale
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range 30-120 watts 25-120 watts
    Sensitivity 88 dB 88 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Impedance 3.7 ohms 4 ohms
    Frequency Response 52-28k Hz 54-22k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 6.5" 6.5"
    Woofer Composition Continuum Kevlar
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 1.18x2.36"
    Tweeter Type Hard-Dome AMT (Ribbon)
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No 2"
    Firing Direction rear bottom
    Suggested Break-in Period allow up to a week for the temperature effects to stabilise and 15 hours of average use for the parts to attain their intended design characteristics. n/a
    Physical Specs
    Height 345.0mm (13.6") 455.0mm (17.9")
    Width 190.0mm (7.5") 250.0mm (9.8")
    Depth 324.0mm (12.8") 350.0mm (13.8")
    Weight 6.90kg (15.2lbs) 13.40kg (29.5lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF/Vinyl MDF/Wood-veneer
    Available Colors Black, White, Oak Walnut,Black,White
    Mounting Bracket No No
    Recommended Stand Height 24-26" 18-22"
    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

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