In this review, we will be comparing Premier 220B v2 and 607 S2 AE, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Paradigm and Bowers Wilkins.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Paradigm Premier 220B v2 and B&W 607 S2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Paradigm Premier 220B v2 | B&W 607 S2 |
|---|
| Brand | Paradigm
Canada · founded 1982 | Bowers Wilkins
United Kingdom · founded 1966 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Hard-Dome | 1" Decoupled Double Dome |
|---|
| Woofer | 6" | 5" Continuum |
|---|
| Frequency response | 58-23k Hz | 52-28k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 91 dB | 84 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 15-130 watts | 30-100 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 9.12kg / 20.1lbs | 4.70kg / 10.3lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 14-5/8" x 8-5/16" x 13"
371.5 x 211.1 x 330.2mm | 11-13/16" x 6-1/2" x 9-1/8"
301.0 x 166.0 x 232.0mm |
|---|
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both Premier 220B v2 and 607 S2 AE are 2-way speakers.
Paradigm Premier 220B v2B&W 607 S2
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
Paradigm Premier 220B v2 |
B&W 607 S2 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6-inch
|
1 x 5-inch
|
Premier 220B v2 features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6" Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1100Hz. On the other hand, the 607 S2 AE features a 1" Aluminum Decoupled Double Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Continuum Woofer.
Frequency Response
Premier 220B v2 has a frequency range of 58-23k Hz whereas 607 S2 AE has a frequency range of 52-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 52Hz, the 607 S2 AE can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Premier 220B v2's min frequency of 58Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Premier 220B v2 and 607 S2 AE have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Premier 220B v2 sensitivity is rated at 91 dB and the 607 S2 AE's is at 84 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Paradigm Premier 220B v2 a more sensitive speaker compared to B&W 607 S2, 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. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
Premier 220B v2 can handle a max power of 130 watts RMS, whereas 607 S2 AE has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 30 watts less than the Premier 220B v2.
Note that higher power handling does not make a speaker louder: that depends mainly on
sensitivity and impedance. The calculator below shows how loud each of these actually plays
on a real amplifier.
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
607 S2 AE features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Premier 220B v2 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
B&W 607 S2's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Paradigm Premier 220B v2's and B&W 607 S2's external dimensions. Paradigm Premier 220B v2 has external dimensions of 371.5 x 211.1 x 330.2mm () whereas B&W 607 S2 has external dimensions of 301.0 x 166.0 x 232.0mm (11-13/16 x 6-1/2 x 9-1/8inch).
Paradigm Premier 220B v2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 45.1mm wider, 70.5mm taller and 98.2mm deeper than B&W 607 S2.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Paradigm Premier 220B v2 and B&W 607 S2 in scale.
Comparison image of Paradigm Premier 220B v2 and B&W 607 S2 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 Paradigm Premier 220B v2 is approximately 697.1cm2 / 108.1inch2 and base area of the B&W 607 S2 is approximately 385.1cm2 / 59.7inch2. The Premier 220B v2 requires 81% more surface area than the 607 S2 AE which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is 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 Paradigm Premier 220B v2 and B&W 607 S2 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 Paradigm Premier 220B v2 weighs 9.12kg / 20.1lbs and the B&W 607 S2 weighs 4.70kg / 10.3lbs. This makes the Premier 220B v2 94% heavier than the 607 S2 AE.
Here is a comparison of how Premier 220B v2 and 607 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 B&W 607 S2?
Here are the items that come with the 607 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 |
130 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
91 dB
vs
84 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
6 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
52 Hz
vs
58 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
23k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
301mm
vs
371mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
385cm2
vs
697cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
799USD
vs
1100USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Paradigm Premier 220B v2 |
Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition |
| Brand |
Paradigm |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
15-130 watts |
30-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
91 dB |
84 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
3.0 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
58-23k Hz |
52-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6" |
5" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
Continuum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Decoupled Double Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1100Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
371.5mm (14.6") |
301.0mm (11.9") |
| Width |
211.1mm (8.3") |
166.0mm (6.5") |
| Depth |
330.2mm (13") |
232.0mm (9.1") |
| Weight |
9.12kg (20.1lbs) |
4.70kg (10.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
|
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Polymer |
MDF/Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black |
Matte Black, Matte White, Oak, Red Cherry |
| Mounting Bracket |
|
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
24-26" |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
A generation apart: Paradigm Premier 220B v2 is the newer design, against a 2020 model. Newer is not automatically better, but the older one is more likely to be discounted or near run-out.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | B | B&W 607 S2 digs deeper - 52Hz against 58Hz. A subwoofer would even that out. |
| Amplifier needs | A | Paradigm Premier 220B v2 is more sensitive (91dB vs 84dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Headroom | A | Paradigm Premier 220B v2 takes more power (130W vs 100W) - more in hand in a big room. |
| Size | depends | B&W 607 S2 is easier to place; Paradigm Premier 220B v2 is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Expandability | depends | B&W 607 S2: bi-amping. Paradigm Premier 220B v2 sits in a wider range (12 models), so a matched surround system is easier later. |
| Price | B | B&W 607 S2 is cheaper - $799 against $1,100, about 27% less. |
A Paradigm Premier 220B v2 B B&W 607 S2
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
Paradigm Premier 220B v2 is ahead, but only on 1 of the measured areas, and it costs about 38% more. That is a lot of money for a narrow margin on paper - B&W 607 S2 looks like the sensible buy unless something else about the Paradigm Premier 220B v2 appeals to you. If a subwoofer is in your plans, the bass gap largely stops mattering - you would be crossing over above 58Hz anyway, so judge these on the other rows instead. In a large or open-plan room, Paradigm Premier 220B v2 has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, B&W 607 S2 is the easier speaker to get right.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.