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Bowers Wilkins Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition Review
Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition

Main Features

  • 1" Decoupled Double Dome Tweeter
  • 6.5" Continuum Woofer
  • 52-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 88 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 30-120watts
  • Weight:15.18 lbs / 6.90 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 13-5/8"x7-1/2"x12-13/16" / 347.0 x 191.0 x 326.0mm
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B&W 606 S2 Review

Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Bowers Wilkins. It features a 1" Decoupled Double Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Continuum Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 52-28k Hz and a sensitivity of 88 dB. B&W 606 S2 has an MSRP of 999$ per pair.

What size of room is the B&W 606 S2 speaker good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use the B&W 606 S2 is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various sizes of environments considering its size and max power parameters:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
Very Large RoomPoor

(* 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.)

Bowers Wilkins replaced the older BW 606 with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
Compare B&W 606 S2 vs B&W 606

What are the speakers in Bowers Wilkins's 600 S2 Anniversary Edition Series?

606 S2 AE is a member of Bowers Wilkins's 600 S2 Anniversary Edition series of Passive speakers. The first generation of B&W 600 series was introduced in 1996 and sold more than 1 million in 25 years in six different generation. To celebrate the 25th year of the series, B&W introduced the S2 Anniversary Edition, which is the seventh generation of the series. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Bowers Wilkins 600 S2 Anniversary Edition Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
B&W 606 S2
52-28k Hz 88 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
B&W 607 S2
Compare
52-28k Hz 84 dB8Ω 1 x 5"
B&W 603 S2
Compare
48-28k Hz 88.5 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
BW HTM6 S2
Compare
72-28k Hz 87 dB8Ω 2 x 5"
Bowers Wilkins 600 S2 Anniversary Edition Series Speakers
Bowers Wilkins 600 S2 Anniversary Edition Series Speakers


**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.

What is the Frequency Response of the B&W 606 S2 speaker?

B&W 606 S2 has a Frequency response range of 52-28k Hz at ±3dB (-6dB at 40Hz and 33kHz) and Power Range of 30-120 watts. At a minimum frequency of 52 Hz, 606 S2 AE will provide an average bass depth so depending on your use case, you may consider supplementing your system with a subwoofer.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with B&W 606 S2, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $1000. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how 606 S2 AE's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
B&W 606 S2
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
B&W 606 S2
Min
Average
Max
B&W 606 S2 Woofer
B&W 606 S2's Continuum Woofer



B&W 606 S2 Tweeter
B&W 606 S2's Aluminum Decoupled Double Dome Tweeter

B&W 606 S2 Crossover
B&W 606 S2 Crossover

What are the Impedance and Sensitivity of the B&W 606 S2? Is it an easy-to-drive speaker?

B&W 606 S2's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms but can go down to as low as 3.7 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 88 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
B&W 606 S2
Min
Average
Max

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

88dB of Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise.

Minimum Impedance of B&W 606 S2

Even though the nominal impedance of the 606 S2 AE is 8 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to Bowers Wilkins is 3.7 ohms Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition so while choosing an amplifier, you should ideally check if the unit you are considering can provide this impedance level.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the B&W 606 S2:

  • Integrated Amps under 750 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 1000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 1500 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

606 S2 AE has Binding post type connectors and lets bi-amping/bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can provide improvements in the overall transparency of your loudspeakers by running separate speaker wires to the low & high frequency drivers from a single amplifier. Bi-amping allows the use of separate amplifiers for the high & low frequency drivers of your loudspeaker which may result in greater dynamic range & lower distortion.

B&W 606 S2 Back View
B&W 606 S2 Back View

B&W 606 S2 Terminals
B&W 606 S2's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring

B&W 606 S2 External Dimensions and Weight

B&W 606 S2 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 13-5/8 x 7-1/2 x 12-13/16inch (347.0 x 191.0 x 326.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of B&W 606 S2 is approximately 622.7cm2 / 96.5inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of B&W 606 S2, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

B&W 606 S2 Real Life Body Size Comparison
B&W 606 S2 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the B&W 606 S2 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.

B&W 606 S2 placed next to an amplifier and turntable
B&W 606 S2 Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable

Weight

The B&W 606 S2 weighs 6.90kg / 15.2lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how 606 S2 AE's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
B&W 606 S2
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $1000
B&W 606 S2
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

B&W 606 S2 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF/Vinyl finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Speaker Feet

B&W 606 S2 comes with 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on.

It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.

Port Position

B&W 606 S2 is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe. 606 S2 AE comes with 2 Two-piece foam port plugs so if you don't have any choice but place the speakers too close to the walls or other surfaces, you can use these plugs in order to avoid boomy or too much bass.

Available colors

B&W 606 S2 is available in Matte Black, Matte White, Oak and Red Cherry.

Wall Mounting

606 S2 AE doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Speaker Stands

Bowers Wilkins sells a dedicated speaker stand for the 606 S2 AE with a model name Bower Wilkins STAV24 S2. You can check the latest price and availability of these stands at B&H PHOTO and Amazon.

Bower Wilkins STAV24 S2 for B&W 606 S2
Bower Wilkins STAV24 S2 Speaker Stands for B&W 606 S2

Does the B&W 606 S2 come with a Grille?

606 S2 AE comes with magnetic grilles in Black and Grey color choices. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible. Since the included grille of the 606 S2 AE is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

What's in the Box of B&W 606 S2?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of 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
  • User's Manual

    For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for B&W 606 S2

    Official Brochure

    Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition speaker:
    Official Brochure for B&W 606 S2

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for B&W 606 S2

    Warranty

    5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

    Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    B&W 606
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
    Klipsch RP-500M
    Compare
    2-way 93 dB 8 ohms 48-25k Hz
    Wharfedale EVO4.1
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 64-22k Hz
    KEF Q150
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 51-28k Hz
    Wharfedale LINTON
    Compare
    3-way 90 dB 6 ohms 40-20k Hz
    KEF Q350
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 63-28k Hz
    Triangle Borea BR02
    Compare
    2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 51 - 22k Hz
    Wharfedale Denton 85
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 4 ohms 45-20k Hz
    Wharfedale EVO4.2
    Compare
    3-way 88 dB 8 ohms 54-22k Hz
    Triangle Borea BR03
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 46 - 22k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition
    What is the External Dimensions of Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition
    is the Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition an easy to drive speaker?



    B&W 606 S2 Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandBowers Wilkins
    Full Model NameBowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition
    Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
    Power Range30-120 watts
    Sensitivity88 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Frequency Response52-28k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size6.5-inch
    Woofer CompositionContinuum
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypeDecoupled Double Dome
    Port Positionrear

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypeBinding post
    Biamp InputsYes
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height347.0mm ( 13-5/8-inch)
    Width191.0mm ( 7-1/2-inch)
    Depth326.0mm ( 12-13/16-inch)
    Height347.0mm ( 13-5/8-inch)
    Weight6.90kg ( 15.18 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    FinishMDF/Vinyl
    Available ColorsMatte Black, Matte White, Oak, Red Cherry
    Mounting BracketNo
    Recommended Stand Height24-26
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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