In this review, we will be comparing Revel Performa4 M145 and 606 S2 AE, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Revel and Bowers Wilkins.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Revel Performa4 M145 and B&W 606 S2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Revel Performa4 M145 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Micro Ceramic Composite (MCC) Woofer
- 54-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 85 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:15-150watts
- Weight:6.82kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 11-5/8" x 7-15/16" x 9-5/8" ( 296.0 x 202.0 x 245.0mm )
B&W 606 S2 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Decoupled Double Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Continuum Woofer
- 52-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-120watts
- Weight:6.90kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 13-5/8" x 7-1/2" x 12-13/16" ( 347.0 x 191.0 x 326.0mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Revel Performa4 M145 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.
**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 Revel Performa4 M145 and 606 S2 AE are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Revel Performa4 M145 |
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
|
Revel Performa4 M145 features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Micro Ceramic Composite (MCC) Woofer . 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
Revel Performa4 M145 has a frequency range of 54-40k 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 Revel Performa4 M145's min frequency of 54Hz.
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
Revel Performa4 M145 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. Revel Performa4 M145 sensitivity is rated at 85 dB and the 606 S2 AE's is rated at 88 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the B&W 606 S2 a more sensitive speaker compared to Revel Performa4 M145, 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.
Revel Performa4 M145 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 Revel Performa4 M145.
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. Revel Performa4 M145 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
B&W 606 S2'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 Revel Performa4 M145's and B&W 606 S2's external dimensions. Revel Performa4 M145 has external dimensions of 296.0 x 202.0 x 245.0mm ( 11-5/8inch x 7-15/16inch x 9-5/8inch ) 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) .
Revel Performa4 M145 is 51mm shorter and 81mm less deeper than B&W 606 S2 but it is also 11mm wider.
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 Revel Performa4 M145 is approximately 494.9cm2 / 76.7inch2 and base area of the B&W 606 S2 is approximately 622.7cm2 / 96.5inch2. The Revel Performa4 M145 requires 21% less surface area than the 606 S2 AE which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.