The award-winning Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series Loudspeakers have a reputation for great sound quality if you don’t have the budget for the Nautilus, 800 D4 Signature Series, or 700 series. The existing lineup, however, was getting rather long in the tooth and with so much innovative technology available from the new 700 S3 models, it was only a matter of time before the new Bowers & Wilkins 600 S3 models took their place in the hierarchy.
Historically, the 600 Series has been an integral speaker line for Bowers & Wilkins. It is their second-longest continuously available series after the iconic 800 Series Diamond. At a time when increasing numbers of listeners are demanding higher quality sound, either through vinyl playback or high-resolution streaming, the 600 Series S3 is a great way to experience the ‘True Sound’ of Bowers & Wilkins branded speakers.
Tip: The lower numbered model is larger, only within each series.
Bowers & Wilkins develops and manufactures all key loudspeaker components in-house and trickles those innovative technologies down over time. This approach continues with the new 600 Series S3 models, all of which feature changes to every aspect of their acoustic performance. Many of the new components are derived from the 700 Series S3 and are fitted into a redesigned and improved cabinet construction.
Titanium Dome Tweeter
The most significant improvement to the 600 Series S3 is an all-new tweeter dome technology, the Titanium Dome. This tweeter incorporates two-part construction that includes a very thin, light but rigid 25-micron main dome braced by a second 30-micron titanium ring.
This new tweeter is housed in an extended tube-loading system. similar to the design recently executed in the recently released 700 Series S3. The longer tube loading system reduces the resonant frequency behind the dome and leads to a more open sound that is less impacted by the cabinet that houses it.
The Titanium Dome also benefits from a 700 Series S3-sized diaphragm mounting plate for better, more open dispersion and also includes a new, more open tweeter grille design taken directly from the recently introduced 800 Series Signature.
This combination of new technologies ensures that the new tweeter delivers a smoother, more refined sound without sacrificing resolution or detail.
Continuum Cones
Upgrades “borrowed” from the award-winning 700 Series range include Bowers & Wilkins’ proprietary Continuum Cones continue to feature throughout the new 600 Series S3 range with the addition of more powerful, lower distortion 700 Series S3 motor assemblies for midrange and bass/midrange drive units. The paper cone bass drivers in the 603 S3 also now feature 703 S3 motor systems. The crossovers are also updated with the inclusion of high-quality, upgraded bypass capacitors from the 700 Series S3, delivering higher resolution and transparency.
Cabinet
The 600 Series S3 cabinets have received some design refinements. The tweeter and main drive units are mounted closer together, using intersecting trim rings to improve integration and stereo imaging.
Other improvements include:
- A new bass port has been implemented for improved low-frequency extension.
- On the rear of the speaker, a new horizontal terminal layout has been taken from the 700 Series S3.
- The enclosure’s rigidity has been improved by upgrading the internal bracing to a higher standard of wood.
- For better stability, the bottom of the 606 S3 and 607 S3 include metal threaded inserts so that the speakers can be more securely fixed to the top plate of the new FS-600 S3 stands.
From Dave Sheen, Brand President of Bowers & Wilkins: “After nearly 30 years of continual evolution and improvement, we believe that the latest 600 Series S3 continues to set a benchmark in its category. Cascading key technologies down from our high-end loudspeaker ranges means everyone experiencing the new 600 Series will enjoy a performance that genuinely delivers on our promise of True Sound and brings the listener closer than ever to the artist’s intent.”
Comparison
| 603 S3 | 606 S3 | 607 S3 | HTM6 S3 | |
| Price | $2,500/pair | $1,100/pair | $900/pair | $900 each |
| Speaker Design | Floorstanding | Standmount or Bookshelf | Standmount or Bookshelf | Center Channel |
| Speaker Type | 3-way Bass Reflex | 2-way Bass Reflex | 2-way Bass Reflex | 2-way Bass Reflex |
| Tweeter | 1 x 25mm (1-inch) Titanium Dome | 1 x 25mm (1-inch) Titanium Dome | 1 x 25mm (1-inch) Titanium Dome | 1 x 25mm (1-inch) Titanium Dome |
| Midrange | 1 x 150mm (6-inch) FST Continuum Cone | |||
| Mid/Bass | 1 x 165mm (6.5.-inch) FST Continuum Cone | 1 x 130mm (5-inch) Continuum Cone | 2 x 130mm (5-inch) Continuum Cone | |
| Woofer | 2 x 165mm (6.5-inches) paper-cone bass drivers |
Home Theater
All of the 600 S3 models are designed to work together in various combinations or as part of a 600 Series S3 Home Theatre System. Bowers & Wilkins offers two different sized 600 series subwoofers in matte black or matte white. The ASW608 is an 8-inch subwoofer priced at $599 while the ASW610 is a 10-inch subwoofer priced at $899. Use either to create a 5.1 home theater speaker setup. For example, combine 2 x 603 S3, 2 x 607 S3, 1 x HTM6 S3 plus the ASW610 subwoofer for total system price of $5,199.
Price & Availability
The Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series S3 line is available from Crutchfield.com. Each model is available in a choice of finishes, including Oak, White, or Black – with a fourth Cherry finish available in APAC (Asian/Pacific) markets only.
- Floorstander: 603 S3 – $2,500/pair (USD)
- Bookshelf: 606 S3 – $1,100/pair (USD)
- Bookshelf: 607 S3 – $900/pair (USD)
- Center: HTM6 S3 – $900 each (USD)
Mass–loadable FS-600 S3 Floor Stands are suitable for use with both 607 S3 and 606 S3 loudspeakers. It’s available in black or silver for $300/pair with top plate fixings for a direct connection to the speaker.
Tip: While supplies last, there is a good chance the previous generation 600 Series S2 Anniversary Edition models will go on sale at Amazon.
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