We’ve reviewed each the Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 and 607 S3 audio system as particular person stereo pairs, however what occurs while you throw a centre channel and a subwoofer into the combo? For those who mentioned a surround-sound dwelling cinema speaker bundle, you then’d be right.
In order that’s precisely what we’ve executed, making a considerably DIY set-up utilizing the 2 pairs of five-star Bowers & Wilkins audio system because the entrance and {surround} channels. However sufficient of the technicalities, how does this speaker bundle sound? Nicely contemplating it’s comprised of two pairs of five-star audio system, you in all probability received’t be stunned to seek out out that it sounds good. Actually good.
Worth
Right here’s the place issues get a bit bit difficult so bear with us. The system we now have consists of the 606 S3 audio system (£749 / $1100 / AU$1499) as our entrance left and proper channels, the 607 S3 (£599 / $900 / AU$1149) as our {surround} audio system, the HTM6 S3 centre channel (£649 / $900 / AU$1149) and the ASW610 subwoofer (£499 / $899 / AU$1299). In complete that places us at £2496 / $3799 / AU$3947. Bowers & Wilkins doesn’t at the moment promote these audio system as a particular bundle, so that you’ll have to buy every element individually in an effort to construct this technique.
Keep in mind that the entrance and {surround} audio system are standmount audio system, so that you’ll additionally have to think about the price of speaker stands. It’s additionally value mentioning that you’ll find a really comparable bundle that swaps out the subwoofer we now have for the B&W ASW608 – whereas that is barely cheaper at £2375 (round $2900 / AU$4485), we are able to’t vouch for its efficiency as we now have solely examined this set-up with the ASW610 subwoofer.
Construct
Beginning with the principle gamers on this system we now have the Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 stereo audio system. Measuring 34 x 19 x 30cm (hwd), the 606 S3 are rather more compact than many different dwelling cinema audio system we’ve examined from the likes of Wharfedale and Fyne with their respective behemoth floorstanders. Comparatively, the B&W audio system are prone to dominate your room much less, though you’ll have to issue within the area for stands.
Contained in the 606 S3 you’ll discover a two-way vented design with a 25mm dome tweeter and 16.5cm cone driver. Titanium is the large information with the S3 collection (one thing you’ll see in all audio system inside this bundle), with a brand new titanium dome tweeter accompanying the mid and bass driver comprised of B&W’s Continuum cone materials. Bowers & Wilkins has historically used aluminium tweeters however is switching to titanium in an effort to ‘enhance decision and refinement within the excessive frequencies’.
Bowers & Wilkins 606 & 607 S3 {surround} speaker bundle tech specs
Finishes x 3 (black, white, oak)
Bi-wired? Sure
Fronts
Dimensions (hwd) 34.4 x 18.9 x 30cm
Weight 7.05kg
Surrounds
Dimensions (hwd) 30 x 16.5 x 20.7cm
Weight 4.65kg
Centre
Dimensions (hwd) 16 x 48 x 25.5 cm
Weight 7.7 kg
Sub
Dimensions (hwd) 32.2cm x 31cm x 34.7cm
Weight 12.5kg
The 607 S3 look almost similar to the 606 S3, though they’re smaller throughout the board at 30 x 17 x 21cm (hwd). The 607 S3 contains a comparable inside association because the 606 S3, though its Continuum mid/bass driver is smaller at 13cm.
Each the 606 and 607 audio system are nicely crafted, with sturdy wooden cupboards and vinyl coverings that are available in three finishes; black, white and oak. As we talked about in our evaluations for each of the respective pairs, we admire the high-quality building and pleasingly minimalist design that’s indicative of audio system present in larger worth brackets.
Subsequent, we now have the HTM6 centre channel which, very similar to the remainder of the bundle, is strong and compact. It measures simply 16 x 48 x 26cm (hwd), invoking David and Goliath imagery when positioned beside the rival gargantuan Wharfedale Evo 4.C centre speaker. The HTM6 is a two-way vented design with a titanium dome tweeter (25mm) and two Continuum cone mid/bass drivers (13cm).
Rounding issues off we now have the ASW610 subwoofer which, unsurprisingly, continues the compact motif we’ve seen all through this bundle. Measuring in at 32cm x 31cm x 35cm (together with toes), the ASW610 is a compact powered subwoofer with a 25cm paper and aramid fibre cone long-throw driver. It’s powered by 200W of Class D amplification.
Sound
Regardless of this bundle’s total small footprint, it definitely doesn’t compromise on efficiency. General, we discover ourselves greedy at straws in relation to discovering issues to complain about, because the Bowers & Wilkins 606 and 607 S3 Encompass Speaker Bundle is nothing in need of spectacular within the sonic division. We’ve paired this bundle with the stellar Sony TA-AN1000 AV amplifier for our testing, which enhances the bundle properly.
Kicking issues off with Interstellarwe start with the long-lasting scene that includes Mann’s betrayal as he makes an attempt to maroon Cooper and Model on a desolate ice planet. There’s heaps to be aware of right here, specifically the charming vocal performances which are really executed justice by the B&W bundle. The panic in Model’s voice as she rushes to achieve the slowly suffocating Cooper is palpable, with the audio system producing a wealthy and textured but pure and lifelike presentation. This extends to Mann’s (portrayed towards kind by Matt Damon) rambling monologue, which is equally emotive and interesting.
Moments later, we witness the tragic demise of Romilly through an explosion that’s conveyed with meaty, highly effective bass that’s snappy and managed in equal measure. That is because of the bundle’s spectacular dynamics, which persistently enable for immediately punchy and guttural bass and enhanced quantity when required. One other instance of this may be the later scene the place Mann fails to correctly have interaction the airlock, leading to a really sudden explosion, a fast rush of air after which silence, which the speaker bundle handles with pinpoint management and sufficient punch when required.
This S3 bundle can be adept in relation to element, with every sound impact contained in the ship coming throughout with distinctive readability and nuance. Whether or not that’s the creaking of the ship because it makes evasive manoeuvres or the varied beeps and clicks of the management panels throughout the cockpit, the bundle is insightful, detailed and articulate whereas additionally being wealthy and full-bodied.
If there’s one criticism we’d spotlight with this bundle in comparison with the equally priced Wharfedale Evo 4.4 5.1 bundle, it might be the comparatively smaller scale of the sound. With regards to bigger set items such because the worm assault sequence in Dunewe do at occasions want for a barely grander scale to the sound. That being mentioned, this bundle nonetheless carries a full-bodied and stable presence total, which considerably makes up for this shortcoming.
Shifting over to the opening sequence of Child Driver we return again to the strengths of this technique. Particularly how adept it’s with directional sound. As vehicles go by Child as he waits for his fellow gang of financial institution robbers to finish their heist, we hear the sound transfer fluidly between the audio system, with no noticeable gaps between the surrounds and entrance and centre channels. It additionally sounds pleasingly practical, as no single speaker stands proud or attracts consideration to itself, as a substitute passing the sound round in an natural approach.
As issues transfer up a gear (actually) and the gang make their getaway in an ensuing police chase, the precision of the soundfield continues to impress. Because the Subaru Impreza WRX screeches round corners and twirls round in varied 180-degree turns, we’re swept up within the partaking, energetic sound that sweeps throughout the room in a formidable surround-sound expertise.
Ending off with a stereo music check, the Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 shine, delivering a glowing assessment within the music division, with its broad, wealthy and authoritative sound. The addition of the subwoofer does improve the low-end frequencies, preferrred for bass-heavy tracks resembling James Blake’s Restrict To Your Love.
Verdict
Honestly, we had a sneaking suspicion that this bundle might be wonderful based mostly on our prior expertise with the 606 S3 and 607 S3 stereo pairs. Nevertheless, we’re nonetheless shocked by how good this bundle sounds as a complete. Clear, detailed, wealthy and dynamic – this speaker system ticks all of our packing containers.
SCORES
- Construct 5
- Compatibility 5
- Sound 5
MORE:
Learn our assessment of the Wharfedale Evo 4.4 5.1
Additionally contemplate the Wharfedale Diamond 12.3
Learn our Dali Oberon 5 5.1
Greatest {surround} sound techniques: audio system and soundbars for immersive dwelling cinema audio
