The B 606 S2 Anniversary Edition is not just another speaker; it’s an evolution in audiophile-grade sound reproduction. Designed by Bowers & Wilkins to commemorate the 25th anniversary of their highly regarded 600 series, this speaker brings an impressive upgrade to its predecessor. With refined components, upgraded technology, and a sleek, timeless design, the B 606 S2 Anniversary Edition is meant for audiophiles who appreciate both form and function. Whether building a home theater or enhancing your music setup, this speaker delivers exceptional sound and an experience that enhances every listening moment.
What Is the B 606 S2 Anniversary Edition?
The B 606 S2 Anniversary Edition is part of Bowers & Wilkins’ celebrated 600 Series of speakers, renowned for their exceptional balance of performance and affordability. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 600 series, this specific model was released as a limited edition, giving a well-respected platform an updated look and better sound quality. While the B 606 S2 retains much of the core sound characteristics of its predecessors, it introduces newer components and technological refinements that audiophiles and music enthusiasts will appreciate.
Key Features:
- Improved Sound Quality: The anniversary edition boasts a more refined version of Bowers & Wilkins’ Continuum™ cone technology, which enhances the midrange response and reduces distortion for more accurate sound reproduction.
- Premium Drivers: The midrange driver is designed to minimize distortion and improve clarity, while the bass driver handles low-end frequencies with exceptional depth.
- Sleek Design: The speaker features a modern, elegant design that includes high-quality finishes, such as matte black or beautiful wood veneers, ensuring that it complements any décor while providing superior acoustics.
The B 606 S2 Anniversary Edition delivers a more natural, clear sound and provides a premium listening experience that rivals more expensive models, all while offering outstanding value for money.
Sound Quality: An Audiophile’s Dream
Sound quality is paramount regarding speaker performance, and the B 606 S2 Anniversary Edition offers nothing short of excellence. As an upgrade to the original B 606 model, this edition provides improved sound clarity, deeper bass, and more accurate midrange reproduction.
Clear, Balanced Sound
One of the primary reasons audiophiles believe Bowers & Wilkins speakers is their ability to deliver clear, balanced sound. The Continuum™ cone technology employed in the midrange driver of the B 606 S2 Anniversary Edition is a game-changer. This innovative material eliminates unwanted resonances that can muddy the sound, allowing vocals and instruments to be reproduced with remarkable precision and naturalness. Whether listening to complex orchestral music or a simple acoustic track, the midrange remains neutral and detailed, ensuring that every element is clearly defined.
Deep, Punchy Bass
Bass response is another standout feature of the B 606 S2 Anniversary Edition. The speaker’s bass driver delivers tight, controlled low-end that is rich and well-defined. The Flowport™ technology, which enhances airflow around the port, helps to improve bass response while minimizing distortion. This ensures that the low frequencies remain clean and articulate even at higher volumes without overpowering the mids or highs. Whether you’re listening to hip-hop, electronic music, or action-packed movies, the bass response is powerful and precise, adding depth and immersion to the audio.
Crisp, Detailed Highs
The aluminum dome tweeter ensures high frequencies are crisp and detailed, even at the highest volumes. Highs are extended but not harsh, with a smoothness that prevents ear fatigue. Whether you’re enjoying high-energy rock or a delicate piano solo, the tweeter captures the detail and subtleties in every note.
Wide Soundstage and Imaging
Soundstage and imaging are essential to creating an immersive listening experience. The B 606 S2 Anniversary Edition excels in both of these areas. It produces a wide soundstage that makes you feel like the music envelopes you. The imaging is precise, with instruments and voices placed in distinct, well-defined locations within the soundstage. This allows for an incredibly immersive listening experience, whether you’re sitting right in front of the speakers or further off to the side.
Design: Aesthetic Appeal Meets Functionality
While sound quality is paramount, a speaker’s design is equally important, especially for those who want their speakers to be an attractive addition to their living spaces. The B 606 S2 Anniversary Edition does not disappoint, offering aesthetic appeal and excellent functionality.
Elegant Cabinet
The speaker’s cabinet is designed to reduce unwanted resonances, ensuring clean and accurate sound reproduction. The rigid construction of the enclosure is complemented by high-quality finishes, including a sleek matte black or a wood veneer option that adds sophistication to any room. Whether placing the speakers in a home theater or using them for stereo listening, the B 606 S2’s aesthetic versatility makes it an excellent fit for any environment.
The anniversary edition markings are subtle yet stylish, with an elegant touch of exclusivity, ensuring that these speakers stand out without being too flashy.
Compact Yet Powerful
Despite its compact size, the B 606 S2 Anniversary Edition is a powerhouse regarding audio output. At 34.8 x 19.5 x 30.5 cm, it is ideal for more petite to medium-sized rooms with limited space, yet it still fills the room with detailed, full-range sound. Its size also makes it an excellent choice for users looking for a speaker that offers big sound without taking up too much space.
Anniversary Edition Markings
The anniversary edition adds a unique touch to the design. Special markings on the speaker denote its status as part of the 25th-anniversary celebration. While the markings are subtle and not overwhelming, they provide a classy nod to the speaker’s limited-edition status, making it a collector’s item for those who value both aesthetics and performance.
Build Quality: Solid Construction
In addition to its sound and design, the B 606 S2 Anniversary Edition’s build quality is one of its standout features. The speaker is constructed with high-quality materials that ensure longevity and durability, even with frequent use.
Durability
The B 606 S2 Anniversary Edition is built to last. Its solid construction minimizes vibrations and unwanted resonances, while its sleek exterior ensures it looks as good as it sounds. The durability of the cabinet and drivers means that this speaker will continue performing at a high level for years, making it a wise investment for audiophiles.
Rigidity and Stability
The speaker’s cabinet features rigid internal bracing, which helps to prevent any resonant distortions that can affect sound clarity. This design ensures the drivers remain stable and properly aligned, allowing the speakers to produce accurate, detailed sound without compromise.
Performance Across Different Setups
The B 606 S2 Anniversary Edition is versatile and performs well across a variety of setups. Whether you incorporate it into a stereo system or use it as part of a home theater system, the B 606 S2 shines in both environments.
In a Stereo System
When used in a stereo system, the B 606 S2 delivers rich, detailed sound with excellent separation and imaging. While the controlled bass response offers a strong basis for all genres of music, the middle precision guarantees that vocalists and instruments are audible. The speaker’s wide soundstage and excellent imaging make it an excellent choice for music lovers who want an immersive listening experience.
In a Home Theater Setup
The B 606 S2 Anniversary Edition delivers superior clarity and detail in dialogue and sound effects in a home theater system. The balanced sound profile ensures that the speaker can easily handle both quiet scenes with delicate soundscapes and loud, explosive moments. In a surround sound system, it enhances other speakers to create a smooth and engaging viewing experience.
Pros and Cons
To better evaluate the B 606 S2 Anniversary Edition, let’s break down the pros and cons of this speaker, giving you a more detailed look at its performance and value.
Pros:
Clear, Detailed Sound Across All Frequencies
The B 606 S2 offers an exceptional balance of bass, midrange, and treble performance. The Continuum™ cone technology helps minimize mid-range distortion, providing crystal-clear vocals and instruments.
Compact Yet Powerful
Despite its compact size, the B 606 S2 delivers powerful sound that fills a room. Its rigid construction and high-quality drivers ensure that it provides accurate, undistorted sound even at higher volumes.
Elegant Design with Premium Finishes
The anniversary edition features an elegant design, with options for matte black and wood veneer finishes. Its eye-catching design gives any audio or home setup a stylish touch.
Wide Soundstage and Precise Imaging
The B 606 S2’s imaging and soundstage are among its standout features. It creates an immersive listening experience with precise sound localization, which is ideal for stereo and home theater setups.
Solid Build Quality and Durability
The B 606 S2’s build quality is top-notch. The solid cabinet construction reduces unwanted resonances, ensuring sound clarity remains intact over time.
Cons:
Pricier than Standard Models in the 600 Series
The B 606 S2 Anniversary Edition comes at a higher price point than regular models in the 600 series, such as the B 603 S2, which may deter some buyers on a budget.
Not the Best Choice for Extreme Bass Lovers
While the B 606 S2 provides excellent bass performance for most genres, it may not satisfy those who prioritize ultra-deep, booming bass, especially for bass-heavy genres like EDM or hip-hop.
Limited Edition
Since it’s an anniversary model, the B 606 S2 Anniversary Edition is a limited release. Once it’s sold out, finding it might be challenging, which could be a drawback for buyers who prefer long-term availability.
May Require Pairing with a Subwoofer
For users who want deep, rumbling bass or are using speakers in large rooms, pairing the B 606 S2 with a subwoofer might be necessary to achieve the full range of low frequencies.
In a Home Theater Setup
When used as part of a home theater system, the B 606 S2 Anniversary Edition performs admirably. Its detailed sound reproduction makes it ideal for movies, with clear dialogue and finely rendered sound effects. The bass performance is punchy enough to add impact to action sequences, while the midrange clarity ensures that dialogue comes through with lifelike accuracy. Whether watching an action-packed blockbuster or a quiet drama, the B 606 S2 helps bring the movie experience to life.
It integrates effortlessly with other speakers in a surround sound system, including center and surround channels, making it a superb option for home theater setups. The precision and clarity of sound ensure that all elements of a film, from dialogue to background noise, are articulated and well-balanced.
Competitor Comparison Table
To give you a broader view, let’s compare the B 606 S2 Anniversary Edition with a few of its competitors in the same price range, highlighting their key features and pricing:
| Speaker Model | Price (Pair) | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
| B 606 S2 Anniversary Edition | $750 – $900 | Continuum™ cone, Flowport™, aluminum dome tweeter, anniversary edition finishes | Clear, balanced sound, wide soundstage, compact yet powerful | It is expensive compared to the standard 600 series |
| ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 | $300 – $350 | Aramid fiber woofer, soft dome tweeter, low distortion design | Excellent value for money, solid bass, easy to integrate | Limited high-end extension, bulky design |
| KEF Q350 | $650 – $700 | Uni-Q driver array, bass-reflex port, innovative design | Wide soundstage, natural imaging, detailed highs | Bass can be less punchy for some users |
| Klipsch RP-600M | $550 – $600 | Tractrix horn, copper spun woofer, rear port design | High sensitivity, detailed treble, great dynamics | It can be harsh for some listeners at high volumes |
| Focal Chorus 706 | $600 – $700 | Polyglass cone, TNV2 inverted dome tweeter, high-quality crossover | Excellent midrange, detailed, and transparent highs | Bass might lack depth for some listeners |
This table compares the B 606 S2 Anniversary Edition with other popular models in the market. While the B 606 S2 stands out for its balance of performance and price, other options like the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 or KEF Q350 may offer substantial value for money, particularly for budget-conscious buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the B 606 S2 Anniversary Edition and the regular B 606?
The Anniversary Edition features improved drivers and the Continuum™ cone technology, offering better midrange clarity, a more refined sound, and subtle aesthetic changes, such as the exclusive anniversary markings.
Can the B 606 S2 Anniversary Edition be used in a surround sound setup?
Yes, the B 606 S2 is versatile and works excellently in both stereo and home theater systems. It delivers clear dialogue and precise sound effects alongside other speakers in a surround sound setup.
Is this speaker suitable for large rooms?
While the B 606 S2 Anniversary Edition is compact, it performs well in larger rooms, especially when paired with a subwoofer to complement its bass response.
What is the price of the B 606 S2 Anniversary Edition?
Depending on the store and locale, the B 606 S2 Anniversary Edition can cost between $750 and $900 (USD) per pair.
Conclusion
For audiophiles and music lovers looking for a speaker that delivers high-quality sound at a reasonable price, the Bowers & Wilkins B 606 S2 Anniversary Edition is an excellent choice. It combines refined technology, a sleek design, and a premium build, making it an investment that will pay off in superior sound and long-lasting performance.
The B 606 S2 Anniversary Edition balances quality and cost, offering a listening experience that rivals speakers twice its price. Whether you’re using it for casual listening, as part of a home theater setup, or in a dedicated stereo system, this speaker will surely impress.
If you’re seeking an anniversary edition that truly enhances Bowers & Wilkins’ legacy, the B 606 S2 is a remarkable speaker that continues the tradition of delivering superb audio performance.