When it comes to high-end bookshelf speakers, two models that frequently appear on enthusiasts' shortlists are the newer Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 ($550) and the Klipsch RP-600M II ($332). Let's dive deep into what makes these speakers special and help you decide which might be right for your setup.
Bookshelf speakers serve as the backbone of many high-quality audio systems, whether for dedicated music listening or as part of a home theater setup. Despite their name, these speakers actually perform best on proper stands, positioned away from walls to allow their rear ports to breathe properly.
Modern bookshelf speakers have come a long way in recent years, with technological advances in materials science and driver design allowing them to produce surprisingly full-range sound from relatively compact cabinets. Both the 606 S3 and RP-600M II represent the latest iterations of their respective manufacturer's technologies.
The 606 S3, released in late 2023, continues B&W's tradition of pursuing absolute accuracy. The speaker uses their latest Continuum cone material, which replaced their longtime favorite Kevlar. This material helps the speaker maintain its shape during operation, reducing distortion and providing clearer midrange frequencies - think vocals and acoustic instruments.
The new Titanium dome tweeter represents a significant upgrade, offering exceptional detail in the high frequencies without becoming harsh. This makes the 606 S3 particularly adept at reproducing the subtle nuances in complex classical pieces or intimate jazz recordings.
The RP-600M II, launched in 2022, takes a different path. Klipsch's horn-loaded tweeter design - a hallmark of their speakers for decades - creates an immediate, dynamic sound that many find engaging and exciting. The redesigned Tractrix horn improves dispersion, meaning you don't have to sit in exactly the right spot to get good sound.
Their Cerametallic woofer, now featuring a 70% larger voice coil, handles bass and midrange duties with authority. This combination results in a lively, room-filling sound that works particularly well with rock, pop, and movie soundtracks.
One of the biggest practical differences between these speakers is their sensitivity - how efficiently they convert amplifier power into sound. The Klipsch RP-600M II boasts a 94dB sensitivity rating, meaning it can play quite loud with modest amplification. This makes it an excellent choice for users with lower-powered amplifiers or receivers.
The 606 S3, with its 88dB sensitivity, requires more power to achieve the same volume levels. While this might seem like a disadvantage, it can actually contribute to better control and refinement when paired with a high-quality amplifier capable of delivering 30-120 watts per channel.
Both speakers offer impressive frequency response for their size, but they achieve it differently:
While specifications don't tell the whole story, the Klipsch's lower bass extension is noticeable, especially when watching movies or listening to bass-heavy music. However, the B&W's slightly more limited bass comes with exceptional control and definition.
The 606 S3 tends to be more demanding about placement. Its rear-firing Flowport needs space behind it to work properly, and the speakers benefit from careful positioning to achieve their best imaging. When set up properly, they create a precise, three-dimensional soundstage that can make well-recorded music sound remarkably realistic.
The RP-600M II is more forgiving about placement thanks to its horn-loaded tweeter design and well-tuned rear port. It can fill larger rooms more easily and maintains its tonal balance even when listening off-axis.
At $332, the Klipsch represents exceptional value, offering performance that competes with speakers costing significantly more. The higher price of the B&W ($550) brings with it premium materials, refined sound quality, and arguably better build quality - but the performance gap isn't as wide as the price difference might suggest.
Both speakers are well-built and come with 5-year warranties. The B&W's more neutral sound signature might prove more versatile over time as tastes change, while the Klipsch's more exciting presentation could be more immediately satisfying.
For home theater use, the RP-600M II has some distinct advantages. Its higher sensitivity makes it easier to drive during dynamic movie passages, and its horn-loaded design helps with dialogue clarity. The stronger bass performance also means it might work better without a subwoofer in some setups.
The 606 S3 excels in more subtle ways, with exceptional detail retrieval that can make movie soundtracks more immersive. However, they almost certainly need a subwoofer for proper home theater use.
Both speakers represent excellent choices in their category, but they serve different needs and preferences. The Klipsch RP-600M II offers exceptional value and exciting performance, while the B&W 606 S3 provides a more refined, detailed listening experience at a premium price point.
The final choice often comes down to personal listening preferences and existing equipment compatibility. When possible, listening to both speakers with your favorite music is the best way to make the decision.
| Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 ($550) | Klipsch RP-600M II ($332) |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity - Determines how much amplifier power you need | |
| 88dB (requires more powerful amp) | 94dB (works well with modest amps) |
| Frequency Response - Indicates bass depth and treble extension | |
| 52Hz-28kHz (±3dB) (excellent highs, moderate bass) | 44Hz-25kHz (deeper bass, slightly less extended highs) |
| Power Handling - Shows amplifier compatibility range | |
| 30-120W recommended (needs quality amplification) | Up to 100W RMS (more flexible with amp matching) |
| Driver Configuration - Affects sound character and dispersion | |
| 1" Titanium dome tweeter, 6.5" Continuum cone (refined, neutral) | 1" Horn-loaded titanium tweeter, 6.5" Cerametallic (dynamic, engaging) |
| Cabinet Design - Impacts bass performance and placement flexibility | |
| Rear-firing Flowport (needs space from walls) | Rear Tractrix port (more placement friendly) |
| Impedance - Affects amplifier compatibility | |
| 8 ohms nominal (stable, easy load) | 8 ohms nominal (stable, easy load) |
| Dimensions - Consider your space constraints | |
| 7.5"W x 13.7"H x 13"D (compact) | 8"W x 15.8"H x 13.1"D (slightly larger) |
| Weight - Indicates build quality and materials | |
| 15.5 lbs each (solid construction) | 18.1 lbs each (very robust build) |
| Key Technologies - Latest innovations affecting performance | |
| Decoupled tweeter, Continuum cone (focus on accuracy) | Tractrix horn, larger voice coil (focus on dynamics) |
| Warranty - Long-term value protection | |
| 5 years (excellent coverage) | 5 years (excellent coverage) |
The B&W 606 S3 ($550) excels with acoustic, jazz, and classical music due to its neutral, detailed sound. The Klipsch RP-600M II ($332) is better suited for rock, pop, and electronic music thanks to its dynamic, energetic presentation.
The Klipsch RP-600M II offers better value at $332, delivering excellent performance for the price. While the B&W 606 S3 offers superior refinement at $550, the price premium may not justify the incremental improvements for many users.
The B&W 606 S3 requires a more powerful amplifier (30-120W) due to its 88dB sensitivity. The Klipsch RP-600M II is more efficient at 94dB sensitivity, working well with modest amplifiers.
The Klipsch RP-600M II is generally better for home theater, offering higher sensitivity for dynamic movie soundtracks and better bass extension. The B&W 606 S3 requires a subwoofer for optimal home theater performance.
The Klipsch RP-600M II performs better in larger rooms due to its higher sensitivity and horn-loaded design. The B&W 606 S3 is more suited to small and medium-sized rooms.
The Klipsch RP-600M II is more forgiving with placement. The B&W 606 S3 requires more careful positioning to achieve optimal sound quality.
For music, neither strictly requires a subwoofer, but the Klipsch RP-600M II has better bass extension. For home theater, both would benefit from a subwoofer, with the B&W 606 S3 needing it more.
Both are well-built, but the B&W 606 S3 features premium materials and finish. The Klipsch RP-600M II is robustly constructed but with simpler aesthetics.
The B&W 606 S3 works better in nearfield situations due to its more precise imaging. The Klipsch RP-600M II is designed more for room-filling sound from a distance.
The B&W 606 S3 typically holds its value better due to brand prestige. However, the Klipsch RP-600M II represents better initial value for those not concerned with resale.
Both speakers perform well with digital sources. The B&W 606 S3 might reveal more flaws in lower-quality streams, while the Klipsch RP-600M II is more forgiving of source material.
The B&W 606 S3 has a more neutral sound that may age better over time. The Klipsch RP-600M II offers more versatility for different uses, making it adaptable to changing needs.
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.com - walts.com - audiosciencereview.com - therobinsonbrand.com - youtube.com - klipsch.com - abt.com - qobuz.com - bhphotovideo.com - youtube.com - support.klipsch.com
