In this review, we will be comparing Imagine XB and 606 S2 AE, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from PSB and Bowers Wilkins. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of PSB Imagine XB and B&W 606 S2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the PSB Imagine XB and B&W 606 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 PSB Imagine XB and B&W 606 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 Imagine XB and 606 S2 AE are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
PSB Imagine XB |
B&W 606 S2 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Imagine XB features a 1" Titanium Dome with Ferrofluid Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Clay/Ceramic/Poly Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1800Hz. On the other hand, the 606 S2 AE features a 1" Aluminum Decoupled Double Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Continuum Woofer .
Frequency Response
Imagine XB has a frequency range of 55-23k Hz whereas 606 S2 AE has a frequency range of 52-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 52Hz, the 606 S2 AE can go slightly deeper then the Imagine XB'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
Imagine XB and 606 S2 AE have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Imagine XB sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the 606 S2 AE's is at 88 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the B&W 606 S2 a more sensitive speaker compared to PSB Imagine XB, 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.
Imagine XB can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 606 S2 AE has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 30 watts less than the Imagine XB.
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
606 S2 AE features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Imagine XB has a 5-Way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
B&W 606 S2's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Imagine XB and 606 S2 AE 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 PSB Imagine XB's and B&W 606 S2's external dimensions. PSB Imagine XB has external dimensions of 302 x 170 x 271mm ( 12inch x 6.75inch x 10.75inch ) whereas B&W 606 S2 has external dimensions of 347.0 x 191.0 x 326.0mm ( 13-5/8 x 7-1/2 x 12-13/16inch) .
B&W 606 S2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 21mm wider, 45mm taller and 55mm deeper than PSB Imagine XB.
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 PSB Imagine XB is approximately 460.0cm2 / 71.3inch2 and base area of the B&W 606 S2 is approximately 622.7cm2 / 96.5inch2. The Imagine XB requires 26% less surface area than the 606 S2 AE 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 PSB Imagine XB weighs 5.60kg / 12.3lbs and the B&W 606 S2 weighs 6.90kg / 15.2lbs. This makes the 606 S2 AE 23% heavier than the Imagine XB.
Here is a comparison of how Imagine XB and 606 S2 AE's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of PSB Imagine XB?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Imagine XB:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles8 Rubber feetQuick Start GuideWarranty Card
What's in the Box of B&W 606 S2?
Here are the items that come with the 606 S2 AE:
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 |
 Height |
302mm
vs
347mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
460cm2 (170x271mm)
vs
622cm2 (191x326mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
649USD
vs
999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
52 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
23k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
| General |
PSB Imagine XB |
Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition |
| Brand |
PSB |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
20-150 watts |
30-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
3.7 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
55-23k Hz |
52-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Clay/Ceramic/Poly |
Continuum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Decoupled Double Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1800Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
302.0mm (11.9") |
347.0mm (13.7") |
| Width |
170.0mm (6.7") |
191.0mm (7.5") |
| Depth |
271.0mm (10.7") |
326.0mm (12.8") |
| Weight |
5.60kg (12.3lbs) |
6.90kg (15.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain |
MDF/Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Matte Black, Matte White, Oak, Red Cherry |
| Mounting Bracket |
|
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
24-26" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |