When it comes to high-quality bookshelf speakers, two models that frequently come up in discussions are the new Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 at $550 and the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M at $234. Let's dive into what makes these speakers special and help you decide which might be right for your setup.
Bookshelf speakers remain a cornerstone of quality home audio, offering an excellent balance between performance and practicality. They're called "bookshelf" speakers because of their compact size, though ironically, you'll usually want to place them on proper stands for the best sound. These speakers typically handle the crucial midrange frequencies where most music lives, along with high frequencies that give music its detail and sparkle.
The B&W 606 S3, released in late 2023, represents the latest evolution of B&W's mid-range speaker technology. It features their new Titanium dome tweeter (the small speaker that handles high frequencies) and the innovative Continuum cone for mid-bass frequencies. This combination aims for extreme accuracy and detail.
The Klipsch RP-500M takes a different approach with its horn-loaded tweeter design - a Klipsch trademark that helps create their distinctive sound signature. The horn acts like an acoustic amplifier, making the speaker more efficient and creating a more dynamic, "live" sound.
The B&W 606 S3 delivers what audiophiles call a "neutral" presentation - it aims to reproduce music exactly as it was recorded, without adding its own character. The new Titanium dome tweeter represents a significant improvement over previous models, offering cleaner high frequencies with less harshness. You'll hear subtle details in complex recordings - things like the breath of a singer or the subtle decay of cymbal hits.
Klipsch's RP-500M presents music in a more forward, engaging way. The horn-loaded tweeter creates an immediate, dynamic sound that many find exciting, especially for rock music or action movies. It's like moving a few rows closer to the stage at a concert - you get more of that "live music" energy.
The B&W 606 S3 excels here, particularly with its new tweeter design. When listening to well-recorded acoustic music, you can clearly hear the space around instruments and the natural decay of notes. The Klipsch isn't far behind but presents detail in a different way - it's more upfront rather than layered.
Despite their similar size, these speakers handle bass differently:
Neither will replace a subwoofer for home theater use, but both can produce satisfying bass for music listening.
This is where the Klipsch shows a significant advantage. With its 93dB sensitivity (a measure of how loud a speaker plays with a given amount of power), it's much easier to drive than the B&W's 88dB sensitivity. This means the Klipsch will play louder with less amplifier power, making it more flexible with budget amplifiers.
At more than twice the price, the B&W 606 S3 needs to justify its premium position. It does this through:
The Klipsch RP-500M offers exceptional value, delivering:
Both speakers excel in home theater applications, but in different ways:
The Klipsch RP-500M shines here due to its efficiency and dynamic capability. Dialog is clear and forward, and action scenes have real impact. The horn-loaded tweeter helps create a more theater-like experience.
The B&W 606 S3 offers more refined performance and might be preferred for those who want absolute accuracy. However, its lower sensitivity means you'll need a more powerful amplifier to get the same impact.
For pure music listening, your preferences will likely determine the better choice:
Consider these factors when making your choice:
Both speakers represent excellent choices in their respective price brackets. The B&W 606 S3 offers superior refinement and detail, while the Klipsch RP-500M delivers impressive dynamics and value.
If budget isn't a primary concern and you primarily listen to acoustic music, the B&W 606 S3 is the better choice. However, if you want maximum bang for your buck, especially for home theater use, the Klipsch RP-500M is hard to beat.
Remember: The $316 price difference could be invested in other system components - perhaps a subwoofer or better amplification - which might yield better overall performance for some users.
| Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 | Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M |
|---|---|
| Price - Critical factor in value proposition | |
| $550 (premium pricing) | $234 (excellent value) |
| Sensitivity - Determines how much amplifier power you need | |
| 88dB (requires more powerful amp) | 93dB (works well with modest amps) |
| Frequency Response - Indicates bass depth and treble extension | |
| 52-28,000 Hz (±3 dB) (slightly deeper bass) | 48-25,000 Hz (±3 dB) (punchy but less extended) |
| Driver Size - Affects bass capability and overall output | |
| 6.5" Continuum cone (larger, more refined bass) | 5.25" Cerametallic cone (smaller but punchy) |
| Tweeter Design - Impacts high-frequency detail and dispersion | |
| 1" Titanium Dome (neutral, highly detailed) | 1" Horn-loaded LTS (dynamic, forward) |
| Power Handling - Shows maximum safe amplifier power | |
| 30-120W recommended | 75-300W peak |
| Impedance - Affects amplifier compatibility | |
| 8 ohms (easy load for most amps) | 8 ohms (easy load for most amps) |
| Cabinet Design - Influences bass performance and resonance | |
| Bass-reflex with Flowport (smooth, controlled bass) | Bass-reflex with Tractrix port (efficient design) |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) - Important for placement planning | |
| 13.7" x 7.5" x 13" (larger cabinet) | 13.5" x 6.8" x 9.5" (more compact) |
| Weight - Consider for stand/shelf requirements | |
| 15.5 lbs each (substantial build) | 12 lbs each (lighter but solid) |
| Bi-wiring Capability - Offers advanced connection options | |
| Yes (dual binding posts) | No (single binding posts) |
The Klipsch RP-500M is generally better for home theater due to its higher sensitivity (93dB) and more dynamic sound presentation. While the B&W 606 S3 offers excellent detail, the Klipsch's horn-loaded design delivers more impact for movies and clearer dialogue.
The B&W 606 S3 costs $550, while the Klipsch RP-500M is priced at $234, making for a significant $316 difference.
The B&W 606 S3 requires more power with its 88dB sensitivity rating. The Klipsch RP-500M is more efficient at 93dB sensitivity, meaning it plays louder with less amplifier power.
The B&W 606 S3 has slightly deeper bass extension reaching 52Hz, compared to the Klipsch RP-500M at 48Hz. However, the Klipsch offers punchier, more dynamic bass character.
Both excel at music but in different ways. The B&W 606 S3 offers more refined, detailed sound ideal for acoustic and classical music. The Klipsch RP-500M provides more dynamic, engaging performance better suited for rock and pop.
The Klipsch RP-500M works well with modest amplifiers due to its high sensitivity. The B&W 606 S3 benefits from more powerful, higher-quality amplification.
Both speakers work well in small rooms, but the Klipsch RP-500M might be more practical due to its smaller cabinet size and higher efficiency. The B&W 606 S3 needs more space for optimal performance.
The Klipsch RP-500M includes keyhole mounting options. The B&W 606 S3 is designed primarily for stand or shelf placement and isn't recommended for wall mounting.
Both speakers are well-built, but the B&W 606 S3 features premium construction quality justifying its higher price. The Klipsch RP-500M is also sturdy but uses more conventional materials.
For music, both can perform well without a subwoofer. For home theater, both speakers benefit from a subwoofer to handle deep bass, regardless of whether you choose the B&W 606 S3 or Klipsch RP-500M.
The B&W 606 S3 comes with a 5-year warranty. The Klipsch RP-500M includes a 5-year warranty on the woofer and tweeter, and a 5-year warranty on the cabinet.
The Klipsch RP-500M offers exceptional value at $234. While the B&W 606 S3 is more expensive at $550, it justifies its premium price with superior build quality and refined sound performance.
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 - erinsaudiocorner.com - crutchfield.ca - target.com - bestbuy.com - youtube.com - f072605def1c9a5ef179-a0bc3fbf1884fc0965506ae2b946e1cd.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com - snapav.com - crutchfield.com - d2um2qdswy1tb0.cloudfront.net - youtube.com - sweetwater.com - audioadvisor.com
