In this review, we will be comparing Sib-T and BW 606, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Focal and Bowers Wilkins. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Focal Sib-T and B&W 606 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Focal Sib-T and B&W 606 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 Sib-T and BW 606 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Focal Sib-T |
B&W 606 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
.75-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.125-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Sib-T features a .75" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.125" Polyflex Woofer . On the other hand, the BW 606 features a 1" Decoupled Carbon Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Continuum Woofer .
Frequency Response
Sib-T has a frequency range of 80-20kHz whereas BW 606 has a frequency range of 52-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 52Hz, the BW 606 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Sib-T's min frequency of 80Hz.
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
Sib-T is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the BW 606 which has a nominal impedance of 8 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 Sib-T can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Sib-T sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the BW 606's is rated at 88 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Focal Sib-T a more sensitive speaker compared to B&W 606, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
BW 606 features Post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Sib-T has a Spring posts which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Focal Sib-T's Spring posts terminals
B&W 606's 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 Focal Sib-T's and B&W 606's external dimensions. Focal Sib-T has external dimensions of 64.0 x 143.0 x 170.0mm ( 2-1/2 x 5-5/8 x 6-11/16inch) whereas B&W 606 has external dimensions of 345.0 x 190.0 x 324.0mm ( 13.5 x 7.4 x 12.7inch) .
B&W 606 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 47mm wider, 281mm taller and 154mm deeper than Focal Sib-T.
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 Focal Sib-T is approximately 243.1cm2 / 37.7inch2 and base area of the B&W 606 is approximately 615.6cm2 / 95.4inch2. The Sib-T requires 61% less surface area than the BW 606 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 Focal Sib-T weighs 2.60kg / 5.7lbs and the B&W 606 weighs 6.90kg / 15.2lbs. This makes the BW 606 165% heavier than the Sib-T.
Here is a comparison of how Sib-T and BW 606's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Focal Sib-T?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Sib-T:
One 100V/4-ohm commercial speakerAdjustable mounting bracket (installed)3 Drywall anchors w/ 2 screws5mm Allen key (attached to mounting bracket)User manual
What's in the Box of B&W 606?
Here are the items that come with the BW 606:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles2 Two-piece foam port plugs8 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)ManualBowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty Information
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
 Height |
64mm
vs
345mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
243cm2 (143x170mm)
vs
615cm2 (190x324mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
698USD
vs
899USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.125 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
52 Hz
vs
80 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 |
| General |
Focal Sib-T |
Bowers & Wilkins 606 |
| Brand |
Focal |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Sensitivity |
90 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
3.7 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
80-20kHz |
52-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.125" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polyflex |
Continuum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Not given |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
.75" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Hard-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
| Suggested Break-in Period |
n/a |
allow up to a week for the temperature effects to stabilise and 15 hours of average use for the parts to attain their intended design characteristics. |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
64.0mm (2.5") |
345.0mm (13.6") |
| Width |
143.0mm (5.6") |
190.0mm (7.5") |
| Depth |
170.0mm (6.7") |
324.0mm (12.8") |
| Weight |
2.60kg (5.7lbs) |
6.90kg (15.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
Plastic |
MDF/Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
White |
Black, White, Oak |
| Mounting Bracket |
Yes |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
2-1/2" |
24-26" |
| 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 |