In this review, we will be comparing AK6 and BW 603, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from Klipsch and Bowers Wilkins. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch Klipschorn AK6 and B&W 603 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 Klipsch Klipschorn AK6 and B&W 603 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 AK6 and BW 603 are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch Klipschorn AK6 |
B&W 603 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 2-inch |
1 x 6-inch |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 15-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
AK6 features a 1" polyimide diaphragm compression Tractrix horn Tweeter , a 2" Midrange and 1 x 15" fiber-composite with a trihedral exponential folded horn Woofer . On the other hand, the BW 603 features a 1" Tweeter , a 6" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Paper Woofer .
Frequency Response
AK6 has a frequency range of 33-20k Hz whereas BW 603 has a frequency range of 48-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 33Hz, the AK6 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the BW 603'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
AK6 and BW 603 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. AK6 sensitivity is rated at 105 dB and the BW 603's is at 88.5 dB. This 16 dB difference makes the Klipsch Klipschorn AK6 a more sensitive speaker compared to B&W 603, 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.
AK6 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas AK6 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 100 watts less than the BW 603.
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
Both AK6 and BW 603 features dual binding post speaker terminals for 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 Klipsch Klipschorn AK6's and B&W 603's external dimensions. Klipsch Klipschorn AK6 has external dimensions of 1347.0 x 794.0 x 718.0mm ( 53 x 31-1/4 x 28-1/4inch) whereas B&W 603 has external dimensions of 985.0 x 190.0 x 340.0mm ( 38.7 x 7.4 x 13.3inch) .
Klipsch Klipschorn AK6 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 604mm wider, 362mm taller and 378mm deeper than B&W 603.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch Klipschorn AK6 and B&W 603 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch Klipschorn AK6 and B&W 603 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 Klipsch Klipschorn AK6 is approximately 5700.9cm2 / 883.6inch2 and base area of the B&W 603 is approximately 646.0cm2 / 100.1inch2. The AK6 requires 782% more surface area than the BW 603 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 Klipsch Klipschorn AK6 weighs 100.00kg / 220lbs and the B&W 603 weighs 24.14kg / 53.1lbs. This makes the AK6 314% heavier than the BW 603.
Here is a comparison of how AK6 and BW 603'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 Klipsch Klipschorn AK6?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of AK6:
2 Loudspeaker cabinets2 Subwoofer cabinets2 GrillesOwners ManualCongratulations letterKlipsch brochure
What's in the Box of B&W 603?
Here are the items that come with the BW 603:
Floorstanding loudspeaker Grille Plinith (base) 2 Jumper-straps (pre-installed) 4 Rubber feet 4 Spike feet 4 Hex-nuts 4 Screws 4 Washers 4 Lock-washers Two-piece foam port plug Hex-key Manual Bowers & Wilkins brochure Warranty Information
 Sensitivity |
105 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
33 Hz
vs
48 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
| Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
985mm
vs
1347mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
646cm2 (190x340mm)
vs
5700cm2 (794x718mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch Heritage Klipschorn AK6 |
Bowers & Wilkins 603 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
30-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
105 dB |
88.5 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
33-20k Hz |
48-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
15" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
fiber-composite with a trihedral exponential folded horn |
Paper |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix horn |
n/a |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
2" |
6" |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
1347.0mm (53") |
985.0mm (38.8") |
| Width |
794.0mm (31.3") |
190.0mm (7.5") |
| Depth |
718.0mm (28.3") |
340.0mm (13.4") |
| Weight |
100.00kg (220lbs) |
24.14kg (53.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
MDF/Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black, White, Oak |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
10 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
10 Years |
5 Years |