When it comes to premium bookshelf speakers, two models frequently top enthusiasts' shortlists: the new $1,100 Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 and the tried-and-true $500 KEF Q350. Let's dive deep into what makes each special and help you decide which best fits your needs.
Bookshelf speakers, despite their modest size, often deliver the best bang-for-buck in high-end audio. They're engineered to provide precise imaging and detailed sound while taking up minimal space. Both these models represent different approaches to achieving audiophile-grade performance.
The 606 S3 represents B&W's latest technology, released in late 2023 as part of their completely refreshed 600 Series. Meanwhile, the Q350 has been a market staple since 2017, consistently earning praise for its innovative design and value.
The 606 S3 introduces B&W's new Titanium Dome tweeter - a significant upgrade that produces incredibly clear high frequencies without harshness. Think of it as having a microscope for your music, revealing details you might have missed before. The tweeter floats in a gel-like material, isolating it from cabinet vibrations (much like how your car's suspension isolates you from road bumps).
The Continuum cone (B&W's proprietary driver material) handles midrange and bass frequencies. Unlike traditional materials that can flex unevenly, Continuum moves more like a perfect piston, resulting in clearer vocals and instruments. This technology was previously only found in their more expensive speakers.
The Q350 uses KEF's signature Uni-Q driver array, where the tweeter sits in the center of the midrange/bass driver. This design creates what's called a "point source" - imagine ripples in a pond from a single dropped stone versus overlapping ripples from two stones. The result? A more coherent sound that maintains its character no matter where you sit in the room.
The 606 S3's separate tweeter and mid/bass driver create a larger, more expansive soundstage. You can more easily pinpoint where instruments are positioned in space, making complex orchestral pieces particularly engaging. However, the Q350's Uni-Q driver delivers more cohesive sound, especially valuable for movies where you want dialogue to feel naturally centered.
The 606 S3 reveals more micro-detail in recordings - you'll hear fingers sliding on guitar strings or subtle room echoes. This can be thrilling with well-recorded music but might expose flaws in lower-quality recordings. The Q350 takes a more forgiving approach while still maintaining excellent clarity, making it more versatile across different recording qualities.
Despite similar driver sizes, these speakers handle bass differently:
Neither will shake your walls like a subwoofer, but both provide satisfying bass for their size.
The 606 S3 requires more careful placement due to its rear-firing port. You'll need to keep it about 8-12 inches from walls for optimal bass response. The Q350 is more flexible, thanks to its CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) port design that reduces turbulence and allows for closer wall placement.
Both speakers are relatively easy to drive, but the 606 S3 benefits more from higher-quality amplification.
In a home theater context, both speakers excel but in different ways. The Q350's Uni-Q driver ensures consistent sound across multiple seating positions - ideal for movie nights with family or friends. The 606 S3 offers more precise positioning of sound effects and potentially better integration with a center channel speaker (especially if using other B&W speakers).
The price difference between these speakers is significant. The Q350 at $500 represents exceptional value, delivering 80-90% of the 606 S3's performance at less than half the price. However, if you're seeking the absolute best detail retrieval and have high-quality source components, the 606 S3's premium price might be justified.
Choose the B&W 606 S3 if:
Choose the KEF Q350 if:
Both speakers represent excellent choices in their respective price brackets. The KEF Q350 remains a benchmark for value, while the B&W 606 S3 showcases what's possible with the latest speaker technology and a bigger budget.
Remember, the best speaker is the one that makes you enjoy your music more. If possible, try to audition both in person - there's no substitute for hearing them in your own listening environment.
| Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 ($1,100) | KEF Q350 ($500) |
|---|---|
| Driver Configuration - Determines how sound is produced and dispersed | |
| Separate 1" titanium tweeter + 6.5" Continuum cone | Unified 1" tweeter + 6.5" aluminum Uni-Q array |
| Frequency Response - Indicates range of sounds reproduced | |
| 52Hz-28kHz (±3dB), deeper bass extension | 63Hz-28kHz (±3dB), slightly less bass reach |
| Sensitivity - How efficiently speaker converts power to sound | |
| 88dB - Slightly easier to drive | 87dB - Requires marginally more power |
| Impedance - Affects amplifier compatibility | |
| 8 ohms nominal, easier load for amplifiers | 8 ohms nominal, dips to 3.7 ohms minimum |
| Power Handling - Amplifier power range needed | |
| 30-120W recommended, needs quality amp | 15-120W recommended, more flexible |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) - Physical space requirements | |
| 13.7" x 7.5" x 13" - Larger cabinet | 14.2" x 8.3" x 12" - Similar size |
| Key Technology - Main engineering approach | |
| Decoupled tweeter + Continuum cone for detail | Uni-Q point source for coherent sound |
| Port Design - Affects placement flexibility | |
| Rear-firing port, needs space from walls | CFD port design, more placement flexible |
| Build Quality - Construction and durability | |
| Premium materials, upgraded terminals | Excellent build, standard terminals |
| Best Use Case - Optimal listening scenario | |
| Critical listening, revealing every detail | Versatile use, more forgiving sound |
The $1,100 B&W 606 S3 offers superior detail and imaging, while the $500 KEF Q350 provides excellent value with a more forgiving sound signature. The 606 S3 is technically better but costs twice as much.
The KEF Q350 costs $500, while the B&W 606 S3 is priced at $1,100 - a $600 difference that reflects B&W's newer technology and premium positioning.
Yes, both work excellently in home theater setups. The KEF Q350's Uni-Q driver provides consistent sound across multiple seating positions, while the B&W 606 S3 offers more precise positioning of effects.
The KEF Q350 works well with modest amplifiers (15-120W), while the B&W 606 S3 performs best with higher quality amplification (30-120W recommended).
The B&W 606 S3 extends slightly lower (52Hz vs 63Hz) with tighter control, while the Q350 offers a warmer, more room-filling bass character.
Both work well in small rooms, but the KEF Q350's more flexible placement makes it particularly suitable for limited spaces.
Both speakers are well-built with premium materials. The B&W 606 S3 features upgraded terminals, but both will last many years with proper care.
Neither is designed for wall-mounting. Both perform best on proper speaker stands placed away from walls.
Both perform equally well with streaming sources, though the Q350 is more forgiving of lower-quality streams while the 606 S3 reveals more detail in high-quality streams.
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 - whatsthebest.co.uk - us.kef.com - youtube.com - perfectacoustic.co.uk - youtube.com - ooberpad.com - ca.kef.com - crutchfield.com - uk.kef.com - snapav.com
