In this review, we will be comparing 607 S2 AE and SX-60, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Bowers Wilkins and Cambridge Audio.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of B&W 607 S2 and Cambridge SX-60 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
B&W 607 S2 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Decoupled Double Dome Tweeter
- 5" Continuum Woofer
- 52-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 84 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-100watts
- Weight:4.70kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 301.0" x 6-1/2" x 9-1/8"( 301.0 x 166.0 x 232.0mm )
Cambridge SX-60 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Treated paper Woofer
- 41-22k Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-100watts
- Weight:5.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 342.0" x 7-15/16" x 10-7/8"( 342.0 x 202.0 x 277.0mm )
What size room are the B&W 607 S2 and Cambridge SX-60 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 607 S2 |
Cambridge SX-60 |
| Near-field |
Average |
Average |
| Small Room |
Good |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Average |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
Bad |
(* 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 607 S2 and Cambridge SX-60 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 607 S2 AE and SX-60 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
B&W 607 S2 |
Cambridge SX-60 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
607 S2 AE features a 1" Aluminum Decoupled Double Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Continuum Woofer . On the other hand, the SX-60 features a 1" Silk Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Treated paper Woofer .
Frequency Response
607 S2 AE has a frequency range of 52-28k Hz whereas SX-60 has a frequency range of 41-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 41Hz, the SX-60 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the 607 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
607 S2 AE and SX-60 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. 607 S2 AE sensitivity is rated at 84 dB and the SX-60's is at 89 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Cambridge SX-60 a more sensitive speaker compared to B&W 607 S2, 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.
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
607 S2 AE features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. SX-60 has a Post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
B&W 607 S2's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cambridge SX-60's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
607 S2 AE has a rear firing port whereas SX-60 has a front firing ports. Cambridge SX-60's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to B&W 607 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 607 S2's and Cambridge SX-60's external dimensions. B&W 607 S2 has external dimensions of 301.0 x 166.0 x 232.0mm ( 11-13/16 x 6-1/2 x 9-1/8inch) whereas Cambridge SX-60 has external dimensions of 342.0 x 202.0 x 277.0mm ( 13-7/16 x 7-15/16 x 10-7/8inch) .
Cambridge SX-60 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 36mm wider, 41mm taller and 45mm deeper than B&W 607 S2.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of B&W 607 S2 and Cambridge SX-60 in scale.
Comparison image of B&W 607 S2 and Cambridge SX-60 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 607 S2 is approximately 385.1cm2 / 59.7inch2 and base area of the Cambridge SX-60 is approximately 559.5cm2 / 86.7inch2. The 607 S2 AE requires 31% less surface area than the SX-60 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 607 S2 and Cambridge SX-60 on a Media Console