In this review, we will be comparing 607 S2 AE and M16, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Bowers Wilkins and Revel.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of B&W 607 S2 and Revel M16 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | B&W 607 S2 | Revel M16 |
|---|
| Brand | Bowers Wilkins
United Kingdom · founded 1966 | Revel
United States · founded 1996 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Decoupled Double Dome | 1" Dome |
|---|
| Woofer | 5" Continuum | 6.5" Anodized aluminum |
|---|
| Frequency response | 52-28k Hz | 55- Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 84 dB | 86 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 6 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 30-100 watts | 50-120 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 4.70kg / 10.3lbs | 7.27kg / 16lbs |
|---|
| 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 | 14-7/8" x 8-11/16" x 11"
378.0 x 221.0 x 280.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the B&W 607 S2 and Revel M16 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 |
Revel M16 |
| 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 M16 are 2-way speakers.
B&W 607 S2Revel M16
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 |
Revel M16 |
|
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 M16 features a 1" aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Anodized aluminum Woofer.
Frequency Response
607 S2 AE has a frequency range of 52-28k Hz whereas M16 has a frequency range of 55- Hz. With a minimum frequency of 52Hz, the 607 S2 AE can go slightly deeper then the M16's min frequency of 55Hz.
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 M16 which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. 607 S2 AE sensitivity is rated at 84 dB and the M16's is rated at 86 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Revel M16 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.
M16 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS, whereas 607 S2 AE has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 20 watts less than the M16.
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. M16 has a 5-way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
B&W 607 S2's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both 607 S2 AE and M16 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
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 Revel M16'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 Revel M16 has external dimensions of 378.0 x 221.0 x 280.0mm (14-7/8 x 8-11/16 x 11inch).
Revel M16 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 55mm wider, 77mm taller and 48mm deeper than B&W 607 S2.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of B&W 607 S2 and Revel M16 in scale.
Comparison image of B&W 607 S2 and Revel M16 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 Revel M16 is approximately 618.8cm2 / 95.9inch2. The 607 S2 AE requires 38% less surface area than the M16 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 Revel M16 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 Revel M16 weighs 7.27kg / 16lbs. This makes the M16 55% heavier than the 607 S2 AE.
Here is a comparison of how 607 S2 AE and M16'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 Revel M16?
Here are the items that come with the M16:
- Bookshelf loudspeaker
- Grille
- Owners Manual
 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 |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Height |
301mm
vs
378mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
385cm2
vs
618cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
799USD
vs
990USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
120 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 |
6.5 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| General |
Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition |
Revel Concerta2 M16 |
| Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
Revel |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
30-100 watts |
50-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
84 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.0 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
52-28k Hz |
55- Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Continuum |
Anodized aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Decoupled Double Dome |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
301.0mm (11.9") |
378.0mm (14.9") |
| Width |
166.0mm (6.5") |
221.0mm (8.7") |
| Depth |
232.0mm (9.1") |
280.0mm (11") |
| Weight |
4.70kg (10.3lbs) |
7.27kg (16lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
Wood/Lacquer |
| Available Colors |
Matte Black, Matte White, Oak, Red Cherry |
Gloss Black,Gloss White |
| 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 |
A generation apart: B&W 607 S2 is the newer design, against a 2015 model. Newer is not automatically better, but the older one is more likely to be discounted or near run-out.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | A | B&W 607 S2 digs deeper - 52Hz against 55Hz. A subwoofer would even that out. |
| Amplifier needs | B | Revel M16 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. |
| Headroom | evenly matched | Similar power handling (100W vs 120W). |
| Size | depends | B&W 607 S2 is easier to place; Revel M16 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 $990, about 19% less. |
A B&W 607 S2 B Revel M16
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 is the easier recommendation: it leads on most of the measured areas and costs less. Take Revel M16 if its size, looks or fit in your room suit you better. Match it to your room: we rate B&W 607 S2 the better fit for near-field listening and a small room, and Revel M16 for a mid-size room and a large room. In a large or open-plan room, Revel M16 has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, B&W 607 S2 is the easier speaker to get right.
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.