In this review, we will be comparing BP-9040 and 603 S2 AE, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from Definitive Technology and Bowers Wilkins. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive BP-9040 and B&W 603 S2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Definitive BP-9040 and B&W 603 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 Definitive BP-9040 and B&W 603 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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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both BP-9040 and 603 S2 AE are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Definitive BP-9040 |
B&W 603 S2 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
3 x 4.5-inch |
1 x 6-inch |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 8-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
BP-9040 features a 1" annealed aluminum dome Tweeter , a 4.5" Midrange and 1 x 8" Polypropelene Woofer . On the other hand, the 603 S2 AE features a 1" Tweeter , a 6" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Paper Woofer .
Frequency Response
BP-9040 has a frequency range of 22-40k Hz whereas 603 S2 AE has a frequency range of 48-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 22Hz, the BP-9040 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the 603 S2 AE's min frequency of 48Hz.
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 Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
High Frequency
Floor-standing 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
BP-9040 and 603 S2 AE have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. BP-9040 sensitivity is rated at 92 dB and the 603 S2 AE's is at 88.5 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Definitive BP-9040 a more sensitive speaker compared to B&W 603 S2, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing 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.
BP-9040 can handle a max power of 300 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 603 S2 AE has a max power handling value of 200 watts RMS, 100 watts less than the BP-9040.
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
603 S2 AE features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. BP-9040 has a 5-Way post, RCA which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Definitive BP-9040's 5-Way post, RCA terminals
B&W 603 S2's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
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 Definitive BP-9040's and B&W 603 S2's external dimensions. Definitive BP-9040 has external dimensions of 993.0 x 281.0 x 351.0mm ( 39-1/16 x 11-1/16 x 13-13/16inch) whereas B&W 603 S2 has external dimensions of 1055.0 x 190.0 x 372.0mm ( 41-1/2 x 12-5/8 x 14-5/8inch) .
Definitive BP-9040 is 62mm shorter and 21mm less deeper than B&W 603 S2 but it is also 91mm wider.
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 Definitive BP-9040 is approximately 986.3cm2 / 152.9inch2 and base area of the B&W 603 S2 is approximately 706.8cm2 / 109.6inch2. The BP-9040 requires 40% more surface area than the 603 S2 AE which gives it a small disadvantage 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 Definitive BP-9040 weighs 16.36kg / 36lbs and the B&W 603 S2 weighs 24.10kg / 53lbs. This makes the 603 S2 AE 47% heavier than the BP-9040.
Here is a comparison of how BP-9040 and 603 S2 AE's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Floor-standing class.
Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
What's in the Box of Definitive BP-9040?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of BP-9040:
Tower loudspeaker6.5-feet AC power cordTop-plate (installed)Stabilizer base4 Floor guides4 Carpet spikes4 Screws4 NutsOwners ManualWhat Obsession Sounds Like card
What's in the Box of B&W 603 S2?
Here are the items that come with the 603 S2 AE:
Floorstanding loudspeakerGrillePlinith (base)2 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet4 Hex-nuts4 Screws4 Washers4 Lock-washersTwo-piece foam port plugHex-keyManualBowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty Information
 Max Input Power |
300 watts
vs
200 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
92 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
8 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
22 Hz
vs
48 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Dolby Atmos Drivers |
Optional
vs
No
|
Dolby Atmos Compatibility |
 Height |
993mm
vs
1055mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
1998USD
vs
2300USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Base Surface Area |
706cm2 (190x372mm)
vs
986cm2 (281x351mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Definitive Technology BP-9040 |
Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 Anniversary Edition |
| Brand |
Definitive Technology |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
50-300 watts |
30-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
92 dB |
88.5 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
3 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
22-40k Hz |
48-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropelene |
Paper |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
dome |
n/a |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
4.5" |
6" |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
993.0mm (39.1") |
1055.0mm (41.5") |
| Width |
281.0mm (11.1") |
190.0mm (7.5") |
| Depth |
351.0mm (13.8") |
372.0mm (14.6") |
| Weight |
16.36kg (36lbs) |
24.10kg (53lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Aluminum/Cloth |
MDF/Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Matte Black, Matte White, Oak, Red Cherry |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |