In this review, we will be comparing 607 S2 AE and L100, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Bowers Wilkins and Polk Audio.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of B&W 607 S2 and Polk L100 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | B&W 607 S2 | Polk L100 |
|---|
| Brand | Bowers Wilkins
United Kingdom · founded 1966 | Polk Audio
United States · founded 1972 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Decoupled Double Dome | 1" Ring Radiator |
|---|
| Woofer | 5" Continuum | 5.25" Polypropylene |
|---|
| Frequency response | 52-28k Hz | 57-38k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 84 dB | 85.5 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 4 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 30-100 watts | 30-160 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 4.70kg / 10.3lbs | 7.68kg / 16.9lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 11-13/16" x 6-1/2" x 9-1/8"
301.0 x 166.0 x 232.0mm | 13-11/16" x 7-7/8" x 11-5/16"
348.0 x 201.0 x 288.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the B&W 607 S2 and Polk L100 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 |
Polk L100 |
| Near-field |
Average |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Good |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
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.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both 607 S2 AE and L100 are 2-way speakers.
B&W 607 S2Polk L100
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
B&W 607 S2 |
Polk L100 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
607 S2 AE features a 1" Aluminum Decoupled Double Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Continuum Woofer. On the other hand, the L100 features a 1" Ring Radiator Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2900Hz.
Frequency Response
607 S2 AE has a frequency range of 52-28k Hz whereas L100 has a frequency range of 57-38k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 52Hz, the 607 S2 AE can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the L100's min frequency of 57Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
607 S2 AE is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the L100 which has a nominal impedance of 4 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the L100 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. 607 S2 AE sensitivity is rated at 84 dB and the L100's is rated at 85.5 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Polk L100 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. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
L100 can handle a max power of 160 watts RMS, whereas 607 S2 AE has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 60 watts less than the L100.
Note that higher power handling does not make a speaker louder: that depends mainly on
sensitivity and impedance. The calculator below shows how loud each of these actually plays
on a real amplifier.
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
607 S2 AE features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. L100 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
Polk L100's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both 607 S2 AE and L100 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.
Polk L100 Enhanced Power Port Port
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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 Polk L100'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 Polk L100 has external dimensions of 348.0 x 201.0 x 288.0mm (13-11/16 x 7-7/8 x 11-5/16inch).
Polk L100 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 35mm wider, 47mm taller and 56mm deeper than B&W 607 S2.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of B&W 607 S2 and Polk L100 in scale.
Comparison image of B&W 607 S2 and Polk L100 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 Polk L100 is approximately 578.9cm2 / 89.7inch2. The 607 S2 AE requires 33% less surface area than the L100 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is 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 Polk L100 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 607 S2 weighs 4.70kg / 10.3lbs and the Polk L100 weighs 7.68kg / 16.9lbs. This makes the L100 63% heavier than the 607 S2 AE.
Here is a comparison of how 607 S2 AE and L100'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 Polk L100?
Here are the items that come with the L100:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles
- Cleaning cloth
- Owners Manual
- Online Registration
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Low Frequency Response |
52 Hz
vs
57 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Height |
301mm
vs
348mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
385cm2
vs
578cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
799USD
vs
999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
160 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
86 dB
vs
84 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
|
Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
38k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition |
Polk Audio Legend L100 |
| Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
30-100 watts |
30-160 watts |
| Sensitivity |
84 dB |
85.5 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.0 ohms |
3 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
52-28k Hz |
57-38k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Continuum |
Polypropylene |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Decoupled Double Dome |
Ring Radiator |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2900Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
301.0mm (11.9") |
348.0mm (13.7") |
| Width |
166.0mm (6.5") |
201.0mm (7.9") |
| Depth |
232.0mm (9.1") |
288.0mm (11.3") |
| Weight |
4.70kg (10.3lbs) |
7.68kg (16.9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
MDF/Wood veneer |
| Available Colors |
Matte Black, Matte White, Oak, Red Cherry |
Brown Walnut, Black Ash |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
24-28" |
| 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 |
No single best speaker here - they are built to different priorities, and the right one depends on your room, your amplifier and what you listen to.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | A | B&W 607 S2 digs deeper - 52Hz against 57Hz. A subwoofer would even that out. |
| Amplifier needs | B | Polk L100 is more sensitive (86dB vs 84dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Amplifier match | A | B&W 607 S2 is the easier load at 8 ohms; the other is 4 ohms and wants an amplifier rated for it. |
| Headroom | B | Polk L100 takes more power (160W vs 100W) - more in hand in a big room. |
| Size | depends | B&W 607 S2 is easier to place; Polk L100 is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Expandability | A | B&W 607 S2: bi-amping. |
| Price | A | B&W 607 S2 is cheaper - $799 against $999, about 20% less. |
A B&W 607 S2 B Polk L100
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
B&W 607 S2 has the edge on paper, though the margin is not large. The rows marked "depends" may matter more to you than the score does. If a subwoofer is in your plans, the bass gap largely stops mattering - you would be crossing over above 57Hz anyway, so judge these on the other rows instead. Match it to your room: we rate B&W 607 S2 the better fit for near-field listening and a small room, and Polk L100 for a mid-size room and a large room.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.