In this review, we will be comparing SX-60 and 706 S2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Cambridge Audio and Bowers Wilkins. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Cambridge SX-60 and B&W 706 S2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Cambridge SX-60 and B&W 706 S2 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 Cambridge SX-60 and B&W 706 S2 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 SX-60 and 706 S2 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Cambridge SX-60 |
B&W 706 S2 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
SX-60 features a 1" Silk Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Treated paper Woofer . On the other hand, the 706 S2 features a 1" Decoupled Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Continuum Woofer .
Frequency Response
SX-60 has a frequency range of 41-22k Hz whereas 706 S2 has a frequency range of 50-28k 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 706 S2's min frequency of 50Hz.
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
SX-60 and 706 S2 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. SX-60 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the 706 S2's is at 88 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Cambridge SX-60 a more sensitive speaker compared to B&W 706 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.
SX-60 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas SX-60 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 20 watts less than the 706 S2.
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
706 S2 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.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
SX-60 has a front firing port whereas 706 S2 has a rear firing ports. Cambridge SX-60's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to B&W 706 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 Cambridge SX-60's and B&W 706 S2's external dimensions. 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) whereas B&W 706 S2 has external dimensions of 340.0 x 200.0 x 301.0mm ( 13.5-inch x 7.8-inch x 11.-inch) .
B&W 706 S2 is 2mm narrower and 2mm shorter than Cambridge SX-60 but it is also 24mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Cambridge SX-60 and B&W 706 S2 in scale.
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 Cambridge SX-60 is approximately 559.5cm2 / 86.7inch2 and base area of the B&W 706 S2 is approximately 602.0cm2 / 93.3inch2. The SX-60 requires 7% less surface area than the 706 S2 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:
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 Cambridge SX-60 weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs and the B&W 706 S2 weighs 8.05kg / 17.7lbs. This makes the 706 S2 61% heavier than the SX-60.
Here is a comparison of how SX-60 and 706 S2's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Cambridge SX-60?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SX-60:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 8 Self-adhesive feet 2 Foam port inserts Installation Guide
What's in the Box of B&W 706 S2?
Here are the items that come with the 706 S2:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles2 Two-piece foam port plugs8 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Jumper-straps Manual Bowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty Information
Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Low Frequency Response |
41 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
Base Surface Area |
559cm2 (202x277mm)
vs
602cm2 (200x301mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
299USD
vs
1999USD
|
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 |
High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Height |
340mm
vs
342mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
General |
Cambridge Audio SX-60 |
Bowers & Wilkins 706 S2 |
Brand |
Cambridge Audio |
Bowers Wilkins |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
20-100 watts |
30-120 watts |
Sensitivity |
89 dB |
88 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
n/a |
3.7 ohms |
Frequency Response |
41-22k Hz |
50-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Treated paper |
Continuum |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Decoupled Soft-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
342.0mm (13.5") |
340.0mm (13.4") |
Width |
202.0mm (8") |
200.0mm (7.9") |
Depth |
277.0mm (10.9") |
301.0mm (11.9") |
Weight |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
8.05kg (17.7lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
MDF/Wood Veneer |
Available Colors |
Black |
Rosewood, Gloss Black, Satin White |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
24-26" |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |