In this review, we will be comparing Gold 50 6G and 606 S3, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Monitor Audio and Bowers Wilkins. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Monitor Audio Gold 50 6G and B&W 606 S3 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Monitor Audio Gold 50 6G and B&W 606 S3 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 Monitor Audio Gold 50 6G and B&W 606 S3 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both Gold 50 6G and 606 S3 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Monitor Audio Gold 50 6G |
B&W 606 S3 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Gold 50 6G features a 1" MPD III Tweeter and 1 x 6" HDT C-CAM Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2.5 kHz. On the other hand, the 606 S3 features a 1" Titanium Decoupled Double Dome Titanium Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Continuum Woofer .
Frequency Response
Gold 50 6G has a frequency range of 55 Hz - 60 kHz whereas 606 S3 has a frequency range of 52-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 52Hz, the 606 S3 can go slightly deeper then the Gold 50 6G's min frequency of 55Hz.
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
Gold 50 6G is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the 606 S3 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 Gold 50 6G can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Gold 50 6G sensitivity is rated at 85 dB and the 606 S3's is rated at 88 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the B&W 606 S3 a more sensitive speaker compared to Monitor Audio Gold 50 6G, 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.
Gold 50 6G can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 606 S3 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 30 watts less than the Gold 50 6G.
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 Gold 50 6G and 606 S3 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Monitor Audio Gold 50 6G's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
B&W 606 S3'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 Monitor Audio Gold 50 6G's and B&W 606 S3's external dimensions. Monitor Audio Gold 50 6G has external dimensions of 186.0 x 321.0 x 304.0mm ( 7-5/16 x 12-5/8 x 11-15/16) whereas B&W 606 S3 has external dimensions of 344.0 x 189.0 x 328.0mm ( 13.6 x 7.4 x 12.9inch) .
B&W 606 S3 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 3mm wider, 23mm taller and 24mm deeper than Monitor Audio Gold 50 6G.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Monitor Audio Gold 50 6G and B&W 606 S3 in scale.
Comparison image of Monitor Audio Gold 50 6G and B&W 606 S3 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 Monitor Audio Gold 50 6G is approximately 975.8cm2 / 151.2inch2 and base area of the B&W 606 S3 is approximately 619.9cm2 / 96.1inch2. The Gold 50 6G requires 57% more surface area than the 606 S3 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 Monitor Audio Gold 50 6G and B&W 606 S3 on a Media Console
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 Monitor Audio Gold 50 6G weighs 8.52kg / 18.7lbs and the B&W 606 S3 weighs 7.05kg / 15.5lbs. This makes the Gold 50 6G 21% heavier than the 606 S3.
Here is a comparison of how Gold 50 6G and 606 S3's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Monitor Audio Gold 50 6G?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Gold 50 6G:
2 bookshelf loudspeakers 4 Grilles 8 Rubber feet 4 Jumper-plates (pre-installed) 2 Port plugs Hex-key Quick Setup Guide Important Safety Instructions
What's in the Box of B&W 606 S3?
Here are the items that come with the 606 S3:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 2 Two-piece foam port plugs 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet 4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed) Manual Bowers & Wilkins brochure Warranty Information
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Minimum Impedance |
4 ohms
vs
3.7 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
 High Frequency Response |
60k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
321mm
vs
344mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
6 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
52 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Base Surface Area |
619cm2 (189x328mm)
vs
975cm2 (186x304mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1100USD
vs
2499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Monitor Audio Gold 50 6G |
Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 |
| Brand |
Monitor Audio |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
up to 150 watts |
30-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
85 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
3.7 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
55 Hz - 60 kHz |
52-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
HDT C-CAM |
Continuum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
n/a |
Decoupled Double Dome Titanium |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2.5 kHz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
| Suggested Break-in Period |
8 Rubber feet |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
321.0mm (12.6") |
344.0mm (13.5") |
| Width |
186.0mm (7.3") |
189.0mm (7.4") |
| Depth |
304.0mm (12") |
328.0mm (12.9") |
| Weight |
8.52kg (18.7lbs) |
7.05kg (15.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Macassar Wood Veneer, High-Gloss Black, Satin White |
Matte Black, Matte White, Oak, Red Cherry |
| Mounting Bracket |
|
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
24-26" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |