In this review, we will be comparing LSX and BW 606, two Bookshelf speakers from KEF and Bowers Wilkins. The main difference between these two speakers is that the KEF LSX is a Powered speaker which means that it has a built-in amplifier inside the speaker body so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp whereas the B&W 606 is a Passive speaker so has to be matched with an amplifier to get any sound from it.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KEF LSX and B&W 606 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
KEF LSX Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 200-watt RMS Integrated Amplifier
- 0.75" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 4.5" Magnesium/Aluminium alloy Woofer
- 59-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 24-bit Max Depth / 96 kHz Max Sample Rate
- Built-in 4.2 Bluetooth
- App Control Feature
- Weight:3.50kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 239.7" x 6.125" x 7.1"( 239.7 x 155.6 x 180mm )
B&W 606 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Continuum Woofer
- 52-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-120watts
- Weight:6.90kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 345.0" x 7-1/2" x 12-13/16"( 345.0 x 190.0 x 324.0mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the KEF LSX 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 LSX and BW 606 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
KEF LSX |
B&W 606 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
LSX features a 0.75" Aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Magnesium/Aluminium alloy 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
LSX has a frequency range of 59-28k Hz 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 LSX's min frequency of 59Hz.
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.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both LSX and BW 606 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
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 KEF LSX's and B&W 606's external dimensions. KEF LSX has external dimensions of 239.7 x 155.6 x 180mm ( 9.4375 x 6.125 x 7.1inch) 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 34.4mm wider, 105.3mm taller and 144mm deeper than KEF LSX.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of KEF LSX and B&W 606 in scale.
Comparison image of KEF LSX and B&W 606 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 KEF LSX is approximately 365.7cm2 / 56.7inch2 and base area of the B&W 606 is approximately 615.6cm2 / 95.4inch2. The LSX requires 41% less surface area than the BW 606 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:
Size Comparison image of KEF LSX and B&W 606 on a Media Console
What's in the Box of KEF LSX?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of LSX:
2 Powered wireless audio speakerTwo 6.5-feet AC power cords10-feet Ethernet cableRemote control (CR2032 3V battery pre-installed)Maintenance GuideSpecificationsWarranty InformationImportant Safety Information
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