Bookshelf speakers remain one of the most versatile ways to bring quality audio into your home. Today, we're comparing two popular but very different options: the premium Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 ($1,100) and the budget-friendly Edifier R1280DBs ($160). While both aim to deliver great sound, they take notably different approaches to getting there.
The bookshelf speaker market divides primarily into two camps: passive speakers that require external amplification, and active speakers with built-in amplifiers. This fundamental difference shapes not just how they work, but who they're best suited for.
The B&W 606 S3, released in late 2023, represents the latest iteration of their acclaimed 600 series. It brings notable improvements like a new titanium dome tweeter and refined speaker terminals. Meanwhile, the Edifier R1280DBs offers a more accessible entry point with modern features like Bluetooth connectivity and built-in amplification.
The 606 S3 follows the traditional audiophile approach of passive speakers. This means you'll need a separate amplifier to power them, but it also offers several advantages:
The 606 S3's design showcases B&W's latest innovations, including their Continuum cone material (which helps the speaker move more uniformly than traditional materials) and a new titanium dome tweeter that delivers clearer high frequencies.
The R1280DBs takes a more modern, integrated approach:
While this limits future upgradeability, it provides immediate functionality and excellent value for many users.
The B&W 606 S3 delivers exceptional audio performance, particularly when paired with quality amplification. The new titanium dome tweeter provides noticeably clearer high frequencies than its predecessor, while the Continuum cone offers remarkably accurate midrange reproduction. Bass response, while not subwoofer-deep, is tight and well-controlled thanks to the rear-firing port design.
The Edifier R1280DBs, while not matching the B&W's ultimate performance, delivers surprisingly good sound for its price point. The 4-inch woofer and silk dome tweeter provide clear, balanced audio that works well for both music and movies. Bass response is adequate for smaller rooms, and the built-in subwoofer output allows for easy expansion if needed.
Both speakers handle room placement differently:
B&W 606 S3:
Edifier R1280DBs:
For home theater applications, both speakers offer different advantages:
The B&W 606 S3 excels in dedicated home theater setups:
The Edifier R1280DBs works well for simpler setups:
The price difference between these speakers raises important value questions. The B&W 606 S3 at $1,100 requires additional amplification, potentially pushing the total investment to $1,500-2,000. However, it offers:
The Edifier R1280DBs at $160 provides:
The B&W 606 S3 incorporates several notable improvements:
The Edifier R1280DBs features:
Choose the B&W 606 S3 if:
Choose the Edifier R1280DBs if:
Both speakers excel in their respective categories. The B&W 606 S3 represents an investment in high-end audio that can grow with your system, while the Edifier R1280DBs offers remarkable value and convenience for more casual listeners.
For most users, the decision will come down to budget and commitment level. The B&W 606 S3 requires a bigger investment and more setup consideration but rewards with superior sound quality. The Edifier R1280DBs offers an excellent entry point into quality audio with minimal fuss and investment.
Remember that speaker choice is ultimately personal - while the B&W technically performs better, the Edifier might be the perfect solution for your specific needs and constraints. Consider your space, budget, and listening habits carefully when making your decision.
| Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 ($1,100) | Edifier R1280DBs ($160) |
|---|---|
| Speaker Type - Determines system complexity and upgrade path | |
| Passive (requires separate amplifier) | Active (built-in amplification) |
| Frequency Response - Defines the range of sounds reproduced | |
| 52Hz - 28kHz (±3 dB), exceptional range | 51Hz - 20kHz, good for price point |
| Power Handling - Impacts volume capability and amplifier matching | |
| 30-120W recommended amplifier power | 42W RMS total built-in power |
| Driver Configuration - Affects sound quality and clarity | |
| 6.5" Continuum cone woofer, 1" Titanium dome tweeter | 4" woofer, 13mm silk dome tweeter |
| Connectivity - Determines setup flexibility | |
| Dual binding posts, bi-wire capable | Bluetooth 5.0, Optical, Coaxial, Dual RCA inputs |
| Impedance - Important for amplifier compatibility | |
| 8 ohms (easy to drive) | N/A (built-in amp) |
| Sensitivity - Efficiency of converting power to sound | |
| 88 dB (moderate efficiency) | N/A (active design) |
| Size (H x W x D) - Consider your space constraints | |
| 13.7" x 7.5" x 13" | 9.5" x 5.75" x 6.5" |
| Weight - Impacts placement options | |
| 15.5 lbs each | 14 lbs total pair |
| Special Features - Added functionality | |
| Decoupled tweeter, rear-firing port | Sub out, remote control, DSP processing |
| Warranty - Protection for your investment | |
| 5 years | 2 years |
The Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 ($1,100) offers superior sound quality with better detail, clarity, and accuracy. However, the Edifier R1280DBs ($160) provides good sound quality for its price point and will satisfy most casual listeners.
The B&W 606 S3 requires a separate amplifier (30-120W per channel recommended). The Edifier R1280DBs has built-in amplification and works right out of the box.
The Edifier R1280DBs is more suitable for small rooms due to its compact size and built-in amplification. The B&W 606 S3 requires more space and careful placement due to its rear-firing port.
Both work well for home theater. The B&W 606 S3 offers better performance but requires additional components, while the R1280DBs provides an easier setup with direct TV connection via optical input.
The B&W 606 S3 costs $1,100 plus amplifier, while the Edifier R1280DBs is $160 complete. The B&W offers superior sound but costs roughly 7x more, not including amplification.
The Edifier R1280DBs offers more direct connectivity with Bluetooth, optical, coaxial, and RCA inputs. The B&W 606 S3 connects only to an amplifier via speaker wire.
Yes, both can work with subwoofers. The Edifier R1280DBs has a dedicated subwoofer output, while the B&W 606 S3 would need to be integrated through an AV receiver or amplifier.
The B&W 606 S3 is likely to last longer due to its passive design and premium build quality. The R1280DBs may have a shorter lifespan due to its electronic components.
The Edifier R1280DBs offers direct Bluetooth streaming. The B&W 606 S3 requires a separate streamer or amplifier with streaming capabilities.
The Edifier R1280DBs is much easier to set up with its plug-and-play design. The B&W 606 S3 requires proper amplification and more careful placement consideration.
The Edifier R1280DBs connects easily to computers via multiple inputs. The B&W 606 S3 would need an amplifier or receiver between the computer and speakers.
The B&W 606 S3 offers higher quality bass with better definition and control. The Edifier R1280DBs provides adequate bass for casual listening but isn't as refined or powerful.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: futureaudiophile.com - headphones.com - therobinsonbrand.com - higherhz.com - audioadvisor.com - crutchfield.com - bowerswilkins.com - crutchfield.com - vinylrevival.com.au - audioadvisor.com - worldwidestereo.com - techradar.com - youtube.com - dapperandgroomed.com - audiosciencereview.com - androidcentral.com - bestbuy.com - edifier.com - youtube.com - edifier-online.com - kbaudio.co.uk - pixelrefresh.com - bhphotovideo.com - edifier.reactwebdesign.com
