In this review, we will be comparing 5020 and 606 S2 AE, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Q Acoustics and Bowers Wilkins.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Q Acoustics 5020 and B&W 606 S2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Q Acoustics 5020 | B&W 606 S2 |
|---|
| Brand | Q Acoustics
United Kingdom · founded 2006 | Bowers Wilkins
United Kingdom · founded 1966 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Soft-dome | 1" Decoupled Double Dome |
|---|
| Woofer | 5" Continuous Curved Cone | 6.5" Continuum |
|---|
| Frequency response | 53-30k Hz | 52-28k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 87.9 dB | 88 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 25-100 watts | 30-120 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 7.00kg / 15.4lbs | 6.90kg / 15.2lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 11-1/4" x 7-1/8" x 11-1/2"
286.0 x 181.0 x 293.0mm | 13-5/8" x 7-1/2" x 12-13/16"
347.0 x 191.0 x 326.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the Q Acoustics 5020 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:
| Listening Environment* |
Q Acoustics 5020 |
B&W 606 S2 |
| Near-field |
Average |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Good |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both 5020 and 606 S2 AE are 2-way speakers.
Q Acoustics 5020B&W 606 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 |
Q Acoustics 5020 |
B&W 606 S2 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
5020 features a 1" Soft-dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Continuous Curved Cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500 Hz. 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
5020 has a frequency range of 53-30k 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 5020's min frequency of 53Hz.
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
5020 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the 606 S2 AE which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. 5020 sensitivity is rated at 87.9 dB and the 606 S2 AE's is rated at 88 dB.
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.
606 S2 AE can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS, whereas 5020 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 20 watts less than the 606 S2 AE.
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
606 S2 AE features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. 5020 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Q Acoustics 5020's Binding post terminals
B&W 606 S2's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both 5020 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
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 Q Acoustics 5020's and B&W 606 S2's external dimensions. Q Acoustics 5020 has external dimensions of 286.0 x 181.0 x 293.0mm (11-1/4nch x 7-1/8inch x 11-1/2inch) 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 10mm wider, 61mm taller and 33mm deeper than Q Acoustics 5020.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Q Acoustics 5020 and B&W 606 S2 in scale.
Comparison image of Q Acoustics 5020 and B&W 606 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 Q Acoustics 5020 is approximately 530.3cm2 / 82.2inch2 and base area of the B&W 606 S2 is approximately 622.7cm2 / 96.5inch2. The 5020 requires 15% less surface area than the 606 S2 AE which gives it a small advantage 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 Q Acoustics 5020 and B&W 606 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 Q Acoustics 5020 weighs 7.00kg / 15.4lbs and the B&W 606 S2 weighs 6.90kg / 15.2lbs. This makes the 5020 1% heavier than the 606 S2 AE.
Here is a comparison of how 5020 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 Q Acoustics 5020?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of 5020:
- 2x 5020 loudspeaker
- 1x Owners manual
- 2x Foam bung
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
 High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
286mm
vs
347mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
530cm2
vs
622cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
899USD
vs
999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Minimum Impedance |
3.7 ohms
vs
3.3 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
52 Hz
vs
53 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
| General |
Q Acoustics 5020 |
Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition |
| Brand |
Q Acoustics |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-100 watts |
30-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87.9 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.3 ohms |
3.7 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
53-30k Hz |
52-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Continuous Curved Cone |
Continuum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-dome |
Decoupled Double Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2500 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
286.0mm (11.3") |
347.0mm (13.7") |
| Width |
181.0mm (7.1") |
191.0mm (7.5") |
| Depth |
293.0mm (11.5") |
326.0mm (12.8") |
| Weight |
7.00kg (15.4lbs) |
6.90kg (15.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Relfex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF |
MDF/Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Holme Oak,Satin Black,Satin White,Santos Rosewood |
Matte Black, Matte White, Oak, Red Cherry |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
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 |
No single best speaker here - they are built to different priorities, and the right one depends on your room, your amplifier and what you listen to.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | evenly matched | Much the same reach (53Hz vs 52Hz). |
| Amplifier needs | evenly matched | Similar sensitivity (88dB vs 88dB) - both want much the same power. |
| Amplifier match | B | B&W 606 S2 is the easier load at 8 ohms. |
| Headroom | evenly matched | Similar power handling (100W vs 120W). |
| Size | depends | Q Acoustics 5020 is easier to place; B&W 606 S2 is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Expandability | B | B&W 606 S2: bi-amping. |
| Price | A | Q Acoustics 5020 is cheaper - $899 against $999, about 10% less. |
A Q Acoustics 5020 B B&W 606 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?
The usual trade-off: B&W 606 S2 measures better, Q Acoustics 5020 costs about about 11% more% less. Whether that gap is worth the money is the call only you can make - and in a normal room it is often smaller than the numbers suggest. Match it to your room: we rate Q Acoustics 5020 the better fit for near-field listening and a small room, and B&W 606 S2 for a mid-size room and a large room. In a large or open-plan room, B&W 606 S2 has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, Q Acoustics 5020 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.