In this review, we will be comparing 607 S2 AE and Premier 200B, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Bowers Wilkins and Paradigm. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of B&W 607 S2 and Paradigm 200B first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the B&W 607 S2 and Paradigm 200B 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 607 S2 and Paradigm 200B 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 Premier 200B are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
B&W 607 S2 |
Paradigm 200B |
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 Premier 200B features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Carbon-Infused Polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
607 S2 AE has a frequency range of 52-28k Hz whereas Premier 200B has a frequency range of 55-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 52Hz, the 607 S2 AE can go slightly deeper then the Premier 200B'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
607 S2 AE and Premier 200B 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 Premier 200B's is at 90 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Paradigm 200B 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.
607 S2 AE can handle a max power of 130 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 607 S2 AE has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 30 watts less than the Premier 200B.
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. Premier 200B has a Posts which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both 607 S2 AE and Premier 200B 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 607 S2's and Paradigm 200B'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 Paradigm 200B has external dimensions of 342.0 x 199.0 x 328.0mm ( 13-7/16 x 7-13/16 x 12-7/8inch) .
Paradigm 200B is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 33mm wider, 41mm taller and 96mm deeper than B&W 607 S2.
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 Paradigm 200B is approximately 652.7cm2 / 101.2inch2. The 607 S2 AE requires 41% less surface area than the Premier 200B which gives it a small advantage 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 607 S2 weighs 4.70kg / 10.3lbs and the Paradigm 200B weighs 8.18kg / 18lbs. This makes the Premier 200B 74% heavier than the 607 S2 AE.
Here is a comparison of how 607 S2 AE and Premier 200B'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 607 S2?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of 607 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 Paradigm 200B?
Here are the items that come with the Premier 200B:
Bookshelf loudspeaker
Grille
Owner's Manual
Online Registration Card
Low Frequency Response |
52 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Height |
301mm
vs
342mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
385cm2 (166x232mm)
vs
652cm2 (199x328mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
799USD
vs
1000USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Max Input Power |
130 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
84 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
General |
Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition |
Paradigm Premier 200B |
Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
Paradigm |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
30-100 watts |
15-130 watts |
Sensitivity |
84 dB |
90 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
3.0 ohms |
n/a |
Frequency Response |
52-28k Hz |
55-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Continuum |
Carbon-Infused Polypropylene |
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 |
301.0mm (11.9") |
342.0mm (13.5") |
Width |
166.0mm (6.5") |
199.0mm (7.8") |
Depth |
232.0mm (9.1") |
328.0mm (12.9") |
Weight |
4.70kg (10.3lbs) |
8.18kg (18lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
MDF/Lacquer |
Available Colors |
Matte Black, Matte White, Oak, Red Cherry |
Gloss white,Espresso,Black |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
24-26" |
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 |