ReviewFinder Floorstanding Speakers

Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2

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13 Verified Hands-On Reviews

To combat fake reviews we only accept video reviews from verified channels. Each review must show the product and the face of the reviewer.

Expert reviews [13]

92
Total expert reviews: 13
  • with a score: 4
  • without a score: 9
Highest score by What Hi-Fi
100
Average score based on 13 reviews
92
Lowest score by Audioholics
70

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
ReviewFinder: authentic product reviews summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Expert consensus

The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 Anniversary Edition speakers offer exceptional sound quality and modern design, making them a top-of-the-line option for audiophiles.

The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 Anniversary Edition speakers are a top-of-the-line option for audiophiles who value exceptional sound quality and modern design. They offer an even and balanced sound across the frequency range, with good extension in the treble and bass, making them suitable for a wide range of genres and large rooms or home theaters.

The speakers are constructed with high-quality materials and have a sophisticated and luxurious look that is suitable for modern and elegant home decor. They have a power range of 30-200 watts and a sensitivity rating of 88. 5 dB, making them versatile for different types of audio setups. The speaker has a frequency range of 48-28k Hz at ±3dB, with a well-engineered and controlled bass response that runs very deep but is unemphasized, with tight, focused, and clean bass.

The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 is a versatile speaker that can work well with a variety of amplifiers and receivers, making it a great choice for home audio systems. It is a traditional passive floorstanding speaker that requires speaker wire connections to an amplifier or receiver and can be connected to a home theater system.

Overall, the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 Anniversary Edition speakers are a great investment for anyone looking to enhance their listening experience with exceptional sound quality and modern design.

Sound quality

The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 Anniversary Edition speakers offer even and balanced sound across the frequency range, with good extension in the treble and bass, making them a high-quality option for audiophiles.

The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 Anniversary Edition speakers are praised for their even and balanced sound across the frequency range, with good extension in the treble and bass. The bass is tight, focused, and clean, and the overall sound quality is described as dynamic and immersive.

The speakers perform well with a variety of genres, including rock-n-roll and classical music. The sound quality remains consistent even at high volume levels, making them suitable for large rooms or home theaters. While a subwoofer is not essential, it could be employed to add more foundation to the overall presentation.

Overall, the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speakers are a high-quality option for audiophiles looking for a sleek and modern design with impressive sound performance.

What are the key features and specifications of the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speakers?

The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 Anniversary Edition is a 3-way Passive Bass Reflex Floor-standing speaker with a frequency range of 48-28k Hz and a sensitivity of 88.5 dB. It features a 1" Tweeter, 1 x 6" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Paper Woofer. The speaker uses a six-inch Continuum™ cone FST™ midrange, which is a material and technology borrowed from the 800 Series Diamond speakers. It also features an updated version of Bowers & Wilkins' 'Decoupled Double Dome' aluminum tweeter technology. In terms of design, the speaker has a sleek and modern look with a black ash, white, or oak finish. The B&W 603 S2 has an MSRP of $2300 per pair.
Based on 9 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the bass response of the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2?

According to SpeakerDecision, the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 has a frequency response range of 48-28k Hz at ±3dB (-6dB at 29Hz and 33kHz). The bass similar to the mid-range is tight, focused and clean with good and smooth extension, leaving space for a subwoofer to reinforce their bottom end, according to pursuitperfectsystem.com. However, a subwoofer is not essential with them but could be employed to great effect to add more foundation to the overall presentation.
Based on 3 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the overall balance of sound for the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2?

According to Hi-Fi Choice and Part Time Audiophile, the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 has an even and balanced sound across the frequency range with good extension in the treble and bass. The bass performance is described as "architectural" and adds presence and life to the speaker's presentation. Overall, the 603 S2 is praised for its dynamic expression and discrimination, allowing the music to flow on its own terms.
Based on 4 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Are there any notable differences when playing different genres of music with Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speakers?

According to Part Time Audiophile, the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speakers are immediately compelling to listen to with what could be considered the widest variety of music that real people enjoy most frequently—twentieth century rock-n-roll. The tuning of the speakers is described as U-shaped and glitzy, but still refined and poised. The reviewer also found that the speakers worked well with classical instruments and noise makers. Overall, the speakers seem to perform well with a variety of genres, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Based on 4 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

How is the sound quality of Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 affected by different volume levels?

According to the review from Hi-Fi Choice, the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 has an "unstrained quality" that allows the music to flow on its own terms, even at high volume levels. The review also praises the speaker's dynamic expression and discrimination, which allows for a truly immersive listening experience. Overall, it seems that the sound quality of the 603 S2 remains consistently impressive regardless of volume level.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Size and design

The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speakers have a sophisticated and modern design with high-quality materials, making them suitable for a wide range of interior styles while delivering powerful sound.

The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speakers have external dimensions of 41-1/2 x 12-5/8 x 14-5/8 inches and are constructed with high-quality materials like the Continuum™ cone midrange and laser-etched tweeter bezel. These materials contribute to the sophisticated and luxurious look of the speakers, which are suitable for modern and elegant home decor.

The silver trim around the tweeter and black bass drivers contrast nicely, resulting in an elegant and modern appearance. The design of the speakers is fresh and befitting of current design trends and taste, making them suitable for a wide range of interior styles.

Overall, the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speakers are ideal for those who want a visually sophisticated and luxurious package that delivers powerful and majestic sound.

What are the physical dimensions of the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2?

According to SpeakerDecision, the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 41-1/2 x 12-5/8 x 14-5/8inch (1055.0 x 190.0 x 372.0mm ).
Based on 1 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

What materials are used in the construction of Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speakers, and how do they affect the overall design and aesthetic?

The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speakers use high-quality materials like the Continuum™ cone midrange and laser-etched tweeter bezel, which add to the sophisticated and luxurious look of the speakers. The silver trim around the tweeter and the black bass drivers contrast nicely, resulting in an elegant and modern appearance. The materials used in the construction of these speakers also contribute to their powerful and majestic sound.
Based on 6 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the design features or elements of the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speaker?

According to Part Time Audiophile, the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 Anniversary Edition is designed with luxury trimmings such as a glistening Continuum™ cone midrange and laser-etched tweeter bezel, which help to create a visually sophisticated package. The speaker also has a black box that looks executive and smartly finished. The silver trim around the tweeter is a nice touch and sets off the look by contrasting very nicely with black bass drivers. On the rear, it has a simple design with the expected dimpled Flowport bass port and the Bowers speaker binding posts.
Based on 6 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the design features and aesthetics of the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 that make it suitable for different styles of home decor?

According to Part Time Audiophile, the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speakers have a luxury look and feel with a visually sophisticated package. They have a glistening Continuum™ cone midrange and laser-etched tweeter bezel that come across as luxury trimmings. The black box looks executive and smartly finished, making it suitable for modern and elegant home decor. Additionally, the silver trim around the tweeter and black bass drivers contrast nicely, making them stand out. The overall design of the speakers is fresh and befitting of current design trends and taste, making them suitable for a wide range of interior styles.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Power handling

The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speakers have a power range of 30-200 watts and a sensitivity rating of 88.5 dB, making them suitable for a variety of audio setups with reliable power handling capabilities.

The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speakers have a power range of 30-200 watts and a sensitivity rating of 88. 5 dB. Pursuitperfectsystem. com notes that the speakers have a power handling capability of 200 watts program. These specifications make the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speakers suitable for use in a variety of settings, from small home theaters to larger entertainment spaces.

They can handle a range of power inputs, making them versatile for different types of audio setups. Overall, the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speakers are a solid choice for those looking for a high-quality audio experience with reliable power handling capabilities.

What is the maximum wattage of the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speakers?

According to SpeakerDecision, the power range of the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speakers is 30-200 watts.
Based on 1 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the sensitivity rating of the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2?

The sensitivity rating of the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 is 88.5 dB according to SpeakerDecision.
Based on 1 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the power handling capability of the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speaker?

According to pursuitperfectsystem.com, the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speaker has a power handling capability of 200 watts program.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Frequency response

The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speaker has a well-engineered and controlled bass response, a unique decoupled Double Dome aluminum tweeter and Continuum cone midrange driver, and a smooth and easy-going sound, making it suitable for use in a showroom demo, as well as for music and movie playback, but users may consider supplementing their system with a subwoofer for a more immersive experience.

The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speaker has a frequency range of 48-28k Hz at ±3dB, with a basically flat characteristic over a wide band. The speaker has a well-engineered and controlled bass response that runs very deep but is unemphasized, with tight, focused, and clean bass. The unique decoupled Double Dome aluminum tweeter and Continuum cone midrange driver enhance the frequency response.

The 603 S2 is more accurate and truthful than other speakers, with no treble peaking and a smooth and easy-going sound. It may not be as bright in high treble as other speakers, but it is more natural. The 603 S2 is suitable for use in a showroom demo, as well as for music and movie playback.

However, at a minimum frequency of 48 Hz, the 603 S2 AE will provide an average bass depth, so users may consider supplementing their system with a subwoofer for a more immersive experience.

What is the frequency range of the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2?

The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 has a frequency range of 48-28k Hz at ±3dB (-6dB at 29Hz and 33kHz), according to SpeakerDecision and 7Review.
Based on 4 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

How accurate is the frequency response of the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speaker?

According to a third-octave analysis of pink noise by Reviewary, the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speaker has a basically flat characteristic over a very wide band, stretching from 40Hz up to 20kHz within 3dB limits. While it isn't as smooth as some, with shallow loss around 2kHz likely due to crossover mis-match, there is no treble peaking so the 603 will not come across as bright, so much as smooth and easy going, yet natural. B&W has kept away from the treble emphasis common in current designs, meaning in a showroom demo the 603 will likely sound less bright in high treble than others, but it is more accurate and truthful.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 handle low frequencies, such as bass?

According to various sources in our ReviewFinder database, the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speakers have a well-engineered and controlled bass response that runs very deep but is unemphasized. The bass is tight, focused, and clean with good and smooth extension. The speakers lack raised output below 500Hz to add body to the sound, but they have unusually flat and extended bass output all the way down to 40Hz. However, at a minimum frequency of 48 Hz, the 603 S2 AE will provide an average bass depth so depending on your use case, you may consider supplementing your system with a subwoofer.
Based on 5 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 have any built-in technology or features that enhance its frequency response?

The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 has a unique decoupled Double Dome aluminum tweeter, which separates the tweeter from the cabinet for a more precise sound and higher frequency response. Additionally, the 603 S2 has a Continuum cone midrange driver that reduces unwanted resonances for clearer sound. However, there are no additional built-in technologies or features that enhance its frequency response beyond these components.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Compatibility

The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 Anniversary Edition is a versatile speaker that is easy to drive and compatible with a variety of amplifiers and receivers.

The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 Anniversary Edition is a speaker that is easy to drive from a nominal impedance perspective, with a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. It should be compatible with tube, solid-state, or hybrid amplifiers as long as they can provide the required impedance level.

The speaker should also work well with receivers from different brands such as Yamaha, Denon, or Onkyo, due to its nominal impedance of 8 ohms and sensitivity of 88. 5 dB. There are no known compatibility issues with other components when using Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speakers. The speaker has binding post type connectors that support bi-wiring and bi-amping, which can improve the overall transparency and dynamic range of the loudspeakers.

Overall, the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 is a versatile speaker that can work well with a variety of amplifiers and receivers, making it a great choice for home audio systems.

What is the compatibility of Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 with different types of amplifiers, such as tube, solid-state, or hybrid?

According to SpeakerDecision, the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 Anniversary Edition is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from a nominal impedance perspective. It has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms, which is pretty standard among stereo speakers and amplifiers. However, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to Bowers Wilkins is 3 ohms. Therefore, when choosing an amplifier, you should ideally check if the unit you are considering can provide this impedance level. As for the types of amplifiers, the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 should be compatible with tube, solid-state, or hybrid amplifiers as long as they can provide the required impedance level.
Based on 2 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 work well with receivers from different brands, such as Yamaha, Denon, or Onkyo?

Yes, the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 should work well with receivers from different brands such as Yamaha, Denon, or Onkyo. These speakers have a nominal impedance of 8 ohms and a sensitivity of 88.5 dB, which makes them easy to drive with most receivers. However, it's always a good idea to check the power output of your receiver to ensure that it's sufficient to power the speakers.
Based on 4 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Are there any known compatibility issues with other components, such as DACs, preamps, or subwoofers, when using Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speakers?

There are no known compatibility issues with other components when using Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speakers. However, as I mentioned earlier, the minimum impedance level of the speaker according to Bowers & Wilkins is 3 ohms, so it is important to choose an amplifier that can provide this impedance level.
Based on 3 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

What specific features or technologies does the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speaker have, such as bi-wiring, bi-amping, or impedance matching?

The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speaker has binding post type connectors that support bi-wiring and bi-amping. Bi-wiring can improve the overall transparency of your loudspeakers by running separate speaker wires to the low and high frequency drivers from a single amplifier. Bi-amping allows the use of separate amplifiers for the high and low frequency drivers of your loudspeaker which may result in greater dynamic range and lower distortion. As for impedance matching, I'm sorry, but I do not have that information.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Connectivity

The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 is a passive floorstanding speaker with traditional wired connectivity options and a nominal impedance of 8 ohms, making it a great option for connecting to a home theater system.

The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 is a traditional passive floorstanding speaker that requires speaker wire connections to an amplifier or receiver. It does not have any wireless connectivity options or Bluetooth connectivity. The speaker features two pairs of binding posts that can accommodate bi-wiring or bi-amping, as well as a single bass port on the rear panel.

It can be connected to a home theater system as it has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms and can handle up to 150 watts of power. However, it is important to note that the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to Bowers & Wilkins is 3 ohms, so it's important to choose an amplifier that can provide this impedance level.

Overall, the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 is a great option for those who prefer a traditional wired speaker setup and want to connect it to a home theater system.

What wired connectivity options are available on the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2?

The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speakers don't have any wired connectivity options as they are passive speakers. They need to be connected to an amplifier or receiver with speaker wire.
Based on 3 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

What wireless connectivity options are available on the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2?

I'm sorry, but the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 is not a wireless speaker. It is a traditional passive floorstanding speaker that requires speaker wire connections to an amplifier or receiver.

Does the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speaker have Bluetooth connectivity?

Sorry, the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 speaker does not have Bluetooth connectivity. It is a wired speaker that requires a separate amplifier or receiver to connect and play audio.

What types of inputs and outputs are available on the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2?

The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 features two pairs of binding posts that can accommodate bi-wiring or bi-amping, as well as a single bass port on the rear panel. Additionally, the speaker does not have any built-in amplification or wireless connectivity, so it does not have any inputs or outputs beyond those mentioned above.

Can the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 be connected to a home theater system?

Yes, the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 can be connected to a home theater system as it has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms and can handle up to 150 watts of power. However, it is important to note that the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to Bowers & Wilkins is 3 ohms, so it's important to choose an amplifier that can provide this impedance level.
Based on 3 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

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Floorstanding Speakers above are offered because they are in the same price range as Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2. To browse more budget and premium floorstanding speakers go to our speakers ranking .

Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all floorstanding speakers.

Rank Change Price Speakers
ABT
BestReviews
The Sound Junky
Popular Mechanics
Music Critic
The Master Switch
ZD Net
What Hi-Fi
Gadget Review
stereocheck.com
1
- $228
Sony SSCS3
-
3
-
2
-
2
5
-
5
-
2
- $1000
SVS Ultra Tower
-
-
1
-
-
-
1
-
-
-
3
- $160
Dayton Audio T652
-
2
-
-
4
9
-
-
7
-
4
- $1499
Q Acoustics 5040
-
-
-
5
-
-
-
1
-
-
Show all rows
Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 ranks #17 out of 14 in this month's ranking:
Best floor-standing speaker performance
1 Jun 2023 (11 months ago)
Read article

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ReviewFinder ranks based on a combination of customer reviews, expert reviews / mentions and popularity. Expert recommendations carry the highest weight in the ranking. We do not rank based on price, our commission or brand. floorstanding speakers below are at the top of our ranking this April.

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Sony SSCS3 SVS Ultra Tower Dayton Audio T652 Q Acoustics 5040
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In comparison:
Sony SSCS3 rank #1 out of 227. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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9.6
Amazing
Reviews
In comparison:
SVS Ultra Tower rank #2 out of 227. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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9.3
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Dayton Audio T652 rank #3 out of 227. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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8.8
Great
Reviews
We don't yet have enough review information for Q Acoustics 5040
Price
The Sony SSCS3 floor-standing speakers offer decent sound quality, strong imaging, and respectable bass for a small tower speaker, making them a great budget-friendly option for music and movie enthusiasts. The SVS Ultra Tower speakers offer exceptional sound quality, sleek design, and compatibility with various audio systems, making them a top choice for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts. The Dayton Audio T652 tower speakers are a budget-friendly and versatile option for those looking for clear and dynamic audio reproduction with a sleek and modern design. The Q Acoustics 5040 speakers receive high praise for their exceptional sound quality, compact size, and versatile compatibility, making them a recommended choice for those seeking powerful home theater sound in a compact package.
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