In this review, we will be comparing A1 and 606 S3, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Spendor and Bowers Wilkins.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Spendor A1 and B&W 606 S3 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Spendor A1 | B&W 606 S3 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 0.87" | 1" Decoupled Double Dome Titanium |
|---|
| Woofer | 5.91" | 6.5" Continuum |
|---|
| Frequency response | 55-25k Hz | 52-28k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 84 dB | 88 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | — | 30-120 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 4.99kg / 11lbs | 7.05kg / 15.5lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 12.1" x 6.5" x 7.3"
307.3 x 165.1 x 185.4mm | 13.6" x 7.4" x 12.9"
344.0 x 189.0 x 328.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the Spendor A1 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:
| Listening Environment* |
Spendor A1 |
B&W 606 S3 |
| Near-field |
Good |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Good |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
No way |
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.
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through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both A1 and 606 S3 are 2-way speakers.
Spendor A1B&W 606 S3
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
Spendor A1 |
B&W 606 S3 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.87-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.91-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
A1 features a 0.87" Tweeter and 1 x 5.91" Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 4,200 Hz. 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
A1 has a frequency range of 55-25k Hz 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 A1's min frequency of 55Hz.
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
A1 and 606 S3 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. A1 sensitivity is rated at 84 dB and the 606 S3's is at 88 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the B&W 606 S3 a more sensitive speaker compared to Spendor A1, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
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 S3 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. A1 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
B&W 606 S3'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 Spendor A1's and B&W 606 S3's external dimensions. Spendor A1 has external dimensions of 307.3 x 165.1 x 185.4mm (12.1 x 6.5 x 7.3inch) 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 23.9mm wider, 36.7mm taller and 142.6mm deeper than Spendor A1.
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 Spendor A1 is approximately 306.1cm2 / 47.4inch2 and base area of the B&W 606 S3 is approximately 619.9cm2 / 96.1inch2. The A1 requires 51% less surface area than the 606 S3 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 Spendor A1 weighs 4.99kg / 11lbs and the B&W 606 S3 weighs 7.05kg / 15.5lbs. This makes the 606 S3 41% heavier than the A1.
Here is a comparison of how A1 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 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
 Height |
307mm
vs
344mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
306cm2
vs
619cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
84 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.91 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
52 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
1100USD
vs
2300USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Spendor A1 |
Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 |
| Brand |
Spendor |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Sensitivity |
84 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
3.7 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
55-25k Hz |
52-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.91" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
Continuum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
0.87" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
n/a |
Decoupled Double Dome Titanium |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
4,200 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
307.3mm (12.1") |
344.0mm (13.5") |
| Width |
165.1mm (6.5") |
189.0mm (7.4") |
| Depth |
185.4mm (7.3") |
328.0mm (12.9") |
| Weight |
4.99kg (11lbs) |
7.05kg (15.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
n/a |
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 |
n/a |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
5 Years |
These sit in different price classes - Spendor A1 costs roughly 2.1x what B&W 606 S3 does. Expect it to lead on paper; the question is whether the gap is audible enough in your room to be worth it.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass |
B |
B&W 606 S3 digs deeper - 52Hz against 55Hz. A subwoofer would even that out. |
| Amplifier needs |
B |
B&W 606 S3 is more sensitive (88dB vs 84dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Size |
depends |
Spendor A1 is easier to place; B&W 606 S3 is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Expandability |
B |
B&W 606 S3: bi-amping. |
| Price |
B |
B&W 606 S3 is cheaper - $1,100 against $2,300, about 52% less; arguably a different class. |
A Spendor A1
B B&W 606 S3
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, placement 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?
B&W 606 S3 is the easier recommendation: it leads on most of the measured areas and costs less. Take Spendor A1 if its size, looks or fit in your room suit you better. Match it to your room: we rate Spendor A1 the better fit for near-field listening and a small room, and B&W 606 S3 for a mid-size room and a large room. In a large or open-plan room, B&W 606 S3 has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, Spendor A1 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.