Topic: B&W 600 Speakers

[Valiente]

Magic Word: EQUILATERAL TRIANGLE.
What is an equilateral triangle? A triangle with all three sides of equal length. All the angles are 60°. We must be seated in front of the speakers in an equilateral triangle to experience the best possible sound. Talaga po kung makikinig ng music ay makikinig lang po ng music. Minsan kasi ako ay kung saan saan lang po umuupo. Then, expecting na maganda ang sound na makukuha. Got this technique lately. Mas nag eenjoy na po ako sa speaker setup ko. Happy New Year to all!

[Conan]

So upon hearing the 606 S2 Anniversary Edition I just had to have it despite already having the first generation 606. That one will be used for home theater while the 606 S2 will be purely for stereo. Upon firing up the 606 S2 at home, it seems like it sounds great out of the box which is surprising since the older 606 needed a lengthy break-in. The vocals sound "cleaner" and the bass seems to have more definition compared to the older 606.

[Valiente]

I AM SURPRISED with my Bowers and Wilkins 607 and Onkyo A-9110!

Really I am. Nabigla po ako sa super smooth na tunog. I am particularly surprised with the CD of Shirley Bassey The Great. There was no grain, screechy, "garalgal" in the opening of the song! It is a revelation why mahal ang speakers. Aside from that, the vocals of Shirley Bassey is confident to effortless. Before, the prolong notes of Bassey is grainy, screechy, not pleasing. When she said, "Darling, it's I". The word "I" is confidently sang. Mayroon na pong confidence si Shirley Bassey sa kanyang pagkanta, dati po wala. High notes were ugly before. I think I have reached the right sound, pero tingin ko po may ibubuga pa po ito.

I never heard Shirley Bassey sounded smooth, liquid like, effortless in my previous setups like: Grado SR60 headphones, Sennheiser HD600 headphones(no quality amplifier yet), and AKG 701(a nightmare headphone if no proper amplifier is present). I was in headphone world before. Also, before I was assuming na yung Altec Lansing VS4121 computer speakers priced at 5000 pesos is better than my 50, 000 audio setup that consists the Bowers and Wilkins 607 and Onkyo A-9110. Now, I am changing my statement. The 607 and A-9110 is miles better than my VS4121.

Now, I must say, na sulit naman po yung perang ginastos ko sa setup. Kasi before, bakit parang nag spend ako ng amount na ito na mas maayos pang tumunog yung worth 5000 pesos na speaker. Same experience with Grado SR60. Bakit po kaya bumili ako ng 5000 pesos worth na headphone, e maayos naman tumunog yung 1000 pesos na headphone. Pero, after the burn in process na sobrang matagal lalong lao na po pag hindi pinapatanunog or ginagamit. It took me one year sa burn in Grado SR60 headphone bago ko po siya na appreciate.

Now, I am appreciating 607 and A-9110. I am surprised also with Onkyo A-9110 amplifier na worth 13000 pesos na amplifier na kayang magpaganda ng tunog ng Bowers and Wilkins 607. Siguro, if I got Cambridge CX61 or CX81, Rega Brio or Musical Fidelity M2si, ano pa po kaya ang ibubuga ni 607? Super effortless na siguro!

Natutuwa lang po ako kasi money spent is starting to be paid already. Pinagisipan ko nga po na ibenta ang setup para bumili lang computer speakers ulit na worth 5000 pesos. Hahaha! Pero, today, February 28, 2021, ay hindi ko na po plan na ibenta. This is a nice setup!

Thank you. I hope nakatulong ang experience lalong lalo na sa ma beginners. Yung mga CDs ko ngayon ay isa isa ko namang pini play. I am choosing yung mga songs na dati sa pakinig ko ay grainy, screechy, masakit sa tenga. Then, I have the "aha" moment na opposite na ang tunog. Ang galing! Si Lani Misalucha ay effortless na sa pagkanta, si Barry Manilow, dati garalgal ang boses, di maabot ang high notes, ngayon yakang yaka na. My 50, 000 pesos is paid!

Thank you for reading my experience. Enjoy listening po sainyong lahat!

[Weng!]

What's the used market rate of a 601 s3 and 685 nowadays? I've seen few good pairs on FB marketplace near my relative's place in the UK. Want to know if it's worth the hassle of shipping by sea.

[at_sunset_blvd]

What's the used market rate of a 601 s3 and 685 nowadays? I've seen few good pairs on FB marketplace near my relative's place in the UK. Want to know if it's worth the hassle of shipping by sea.

A 602 s2 or s3 would be great 

[Weng!]

A 602 s2 or s3 would be great 

Thanks. Will check if the height fits an LBC balikbayan box

Is it true that the 602 is kinda sluggish compared to the 601 due to the bigger driver? This will be used for a 2-ch listening.

[oweidah]

get both bai! bato mo sakin un di mo gusto il gladly buy it

may 601s2 at 602s2 ako dati

[Weng!]

get both bai! bato mo sakin un di mo gusto il gladly buy it

may 601s2 at 602s2 ako dati

Check natin bai para direct ship na at hindi double handling coming from ormoc.

601s3 nalang ngayon available near my cousin's place. Pero marami available sa ebay. Mas gusto ko sa ebay kasi may delivery at hindi na hassle sa pinsan ko na pupunta sa house ng seller lalo na ngayon. Nakabili ako sa ebay ng NAD3020A at Audiolab 8000A, hinihintay ko end of May

[at_sunset_blvd]

Thanks. Will check if the height fits an LBC balikbayan box

Is it true that the 602 is kinda sluggish compared to the 601 due to the bigger driver? This will be used for a 2-ch listening.

I'm not sure about the 602 if they are not responsive but it surely could handle more power than the 601's. I really wanted to own 1 before when these came out, but never got the chance to own or try them. 601 s3 lang yung ma afford ko.

[oweidah]

Check natin bai para direct ship na at hindi double handling coming from ormoc.

601s3 nalang ngayon available near my cousin's place. Pero marami available sa ebay. Mas gusto ko sa ebay kasi may delivery at hindi na hassle sa pinsan ko na pupunta sa house ng seller lalo na ngayon. Nakabili ako sa ebay ng NAD3020A at Audiolab 8000A, hinihintay ko end of May

b&w601s3... panalo yan, magkano  ?   please reserve 😀

[Weng!]

Ito, local collection nga lang medyo malayo ang seller sa pinsan ko.



Meron mas mura pero hindi kasing flawless gaya nito

[Weng!]

I'm not sure about the 602 if they are not responsive but it surely could handle more power than the 601's. I really wanted to own 1 before when these came out, but never got the chance to own or try them. 601 s3 lang yung ma afford ko.

How much was the brandnew 601s3 before? Maybe the cost of importing is almost the same as the used market price here but the problem is availability, wala akong nakitang nagbebenta kahit sa fb at carousel.

[at_sunset_blvd]

How much was the brandnew 601s3 before? Maybe the cost of importing is almost the same as the used market price here but the problem is availability, wala akong nakitang nagbebenta kahit sa fb at carousel.

I cant recall, maybe around P18,000. I still have some old pics of mine 600s3, 601s2, 601s3.

[Weng!]

What will you pick for 2-ch setup, a 602 s3 or a CM5? Both sets are used but in mint condition. CM5 cost 50% more than the 602 at the current selling price.

[at_sunset_blvd]

What will you pick for 2-ch setup, a 602 s3 or a CM5? Both sets are used but in mint condition. CM5 cost 50% more than the 602 at the current selling price.

This is just me 602 s3!

[Weng!]

Got the 602s3 after a long wait. The cabinet finish matches the table

[Valiente]

October 2, 2020 was the first day of Bowers and Wilkins 607. Fast forward, July 18, 2021. After around 9 months, here are my observations: (1) These speakers are great for low volume listening. Why? There are plenty details even the level of volume is low. I appreciate this trait of speaker because my ears and neighbors ears are protected. Likewise, I can listen during night time; (2) Now, I know why this setup costs around 50, 000 pesos. The vocalists are singing notes with distinction, meaning when notes are soft, the voice of the vocalist is also soft, likewise with loud notes. Kung nagwi whisper si singer ay maririnig po talaga. Ang galing! kaya po pala mahal ang setup. For example, si Whitney Houston, sa kanta niyang "I believe in you me," sa first part ng song ay parang whisper lang siya kumanta, then slowly lumalakas ang boses niya. Yung piano nagsimula rin na mahina, then slowly lumalakas. Hence, observation ko po, pwede po tayong matutunong maging singer kung gagamit tayo ng hifi speakers. Worth rin po talaga ang pera na binayad. This is my first time with hifi speakers. Ngayon po ay napapa isip na ako mag upgrade ng amplifier ko. Medyo addicting ang tunog. Any input po, para pag ipunan ko na. Sa may mga 607 or 606, share naman po kayo ng amplifiers niyo for pure music listening. Currently using Onkyo A-9110. Thank you. Happy Listening to all! Stay safe and stay healthy! Makinig na lang music sa bahay.

[Conan]

October 2, 2020 was the first day of Bowers and Wilkins 607. Fast forward, July 18, 2021. After around 9 months, here are my observations: (1) These speakers are great for low volume listening. Why? There are plenty details even the level of volume is low. I appreciate this trait of speaker because my ears and neighbors ears are protected. Likewise, I can listen during night time; (2) Now, I know why this setup costs around 50, 000 pesos. The vocalists are singing notes with distinction, meaning when notes are soft, the voice of the vocalist is also soft, likewise with loud notes. Kung nagwi whisper si singer ay maririnig po talaga. Ang galing! kaya po pala mahal ang setup. For example, si Whitney Houston, sa kanta niyang "I believe in you me," sa first part ng song ay parang whisper lang siya kumanta, then slowly lumalakas ang boses niya. Yung piano nagsimula rin na mahina, then slowly lumalakas. Hence, observation ko po, pwede po tayong matutunong maging singer kung gagamit tayo ng hifi speakers. Worth rin po talaga ang pera na binayad. This is my first time with hifi speakers. Ngayon po ay napapa isip na ako mag upgrade ng amplifier ko. Medyo addicting ang tunog. Any input po, para pag ipunan ko na. Sa may mga 607 or 606, share naman po kayo ng amplifiers niyo for pure music listening. Currently using Onkyo A-9110. Thank you. Happy Listening to all! Stay safe and stay healthy! Makinig na lang music sa bahay.

I'm using a NAD C368 amplifier with my 606 Anniversary Edition and also previously with the 1st generation 606. It's a very good match.

[Valiente]

I'm using a NAD C368 amplifier with my 606 Anniversary Edition and also previously with the 1st generation 606. It's a very good match.

Thank you po Conan. Nakita ko po sa signature mo na may Cambridge CXA60 amplifier ka rin po. Kumusta rin po siya sa 606? How does it compare po sa NAD C368? Thank you. Have a great day po!

[Conan]

Thank you po Conan. Nakita ko po sa signature mo na may Cambridge CXA60 amplifier ka rin po. Kumusta rin po siya sa 606? How does it compare po sa NAD C368? Thank you. Have a great day po!

My B&W speakers are a bit bright if matched with the Cambridge CXA60 amp. When I used to have KEF LS50's the Cambridge was a good match. The NADC368 has more power than the Cambridge.

[synchro_01]

Had some time and the motivation to set up a stereo system once again in the living room.  Very simple set up and easy to use as compared to my previous systems

Classe CDT1  CD Transport
Enlightened Audio Designs Ovation Signature DAC/Pre
SONOS AMP
B&W 683S1
REL Q201E
Black Box Digital ST Glass Fiber cable
Straight IXOS end to end wiring

Been listening to it for the past 2-3 weeks and I admit that I have found new appreciation and enjoyment from my B&W 683S1 in this set up.  Its performance reminded me why I was so smitten by its house sound for the past 20 years. 

 The legacy and old school CD transport and DAC rarely gets used since I have gotten used to streaming music for the past 3 years already and tinatamad na ako tumayo at magpalit ng discs hahaha.  Might remove them from the chain to further simplify.  The Sonos Amp is everything that I need to stream music and digitally power the 683's with 125w x 2 RMS @ 8 ohms.  Somewhat miniscule in size and output compared to the behemoth Class AB amps that I used to own but surprisingly it could hold its own.  Finally the low frequency heavy lifting is done by the REL which I need to tweak further to my taste.

In hindsight...the 20 year love/hate affair with B&W started with amazing 302's...then to the ultra fragile 805N's and then now to the 683's.  No regrets whatsoever in this brand (just like Dynes which is another love story altogether )

[Valiente]

Friends, which is a better pair, Bowers and Wilkins 607 and Rega Brio or Bowers and Wilkins 607 and Cambridge CXA 81? Thank you.

[Conan]

Friends, which is a better pair, Bowers and Wilkins 607 and Rega Brio or Bowers and Wilkins 607 and Cambridge CXA 81? Thank you.

With the Rega Brio you would need a DAC whereas with the CXA 81 it already has a built-in DAC.

[noob]

Friends, which is a better pair, Bowers and Wilkins 607 and Rega Brio or Bowers and Wilkins 607 and Cambridge CXA 81? Thank you.

The price of rega brio is just half of the price of cxa 81.  You won't need a dac for cxa 81 because it already has a dac.  But sticking with an amp which already has a dac has a disadvantage.  Sometimes, you may want a different dac sound, parang tube rolling, that you may try as an upgrade to your system.  marami klaseng dac ako nakikita sa marketplace, from low end to high end. I just think they sound differently.

[synchro_01]

Been back reading in this thread a bit and found very little info about powering B&W's with tubes. Most folks in this thread suggested a lot of amp power to get the best of a B&W.  That was my school of thought as well sa B&W.  Puro solid state and oodles of amp power was the combo that I had.

Recently I did the exact opposite.  I was dumbfounded by the result of powering my behemoth 683 towers with a mere 6 watts x 2 of pure Class A Single ended tube power.

At first I thought 92db sensitivity wont go that far with 6 watts per side but I was wrong. Admittedly, I lost a bit of SPL but gained in all areas..most specifically the mids.  I never heard the 1" Nautilus derived tweeter unit and 6" woven Kevlar cone FST midrange sound this good.  Good control of bass despite of the miniscule amp powering 4 x 6.5 inch Aluminum bass units.  Bass augmented by an 8 inch REL T5i.


last year I put these speakers up for sale. Buti na lang walang bumili hehe.  I will be enjoying this combo for a long time.