Choosing Between Premium Bookshelf Speakers: A Detailed Comparison

When it comes to high-end bookshelf speakers, both Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 ($1,100/pair) and Revel Concerta2 M16 ($900/pair) represent compelling options in the premium segment. Let's dive deep into what makes these speakers special and help you decide which might be right for your listening room.

Understanding Modern Bookshelf Speakers

Bookshelf speakers have evolved significantly over the past decade, offering increasingly sophisticated sound from compact enclosures. While they won't match the bass extension of floor-standing towers, modern bookshelf speakers deliver remarkable clarity, detail, and soundstaging capabilities that can rival their larger siblings in many aspects.

The key is understanding what matters most for your listening preferences. Are you primarily focused on music? Do you need speakers that can integrate into a home theater system? How much amplifier power do you have available? These questions help frame our detailed comparison.

Release Timing and Technology Evolution

The B&W 606 S3 represents the latest iteration of B&W's venerable 600 series, released in early 2024. It introduces several meaningful upgrades over its predecessor, including the new Titanium Dome tweeter and enhanced terminal design borrowed from their higher-end 700 series. This refresh shows B&W's commitment to trickling down premium technology to their more affordable lines.

The Revel M16 has been available since 2020, but don't let that fool you. Revel's parent company, Harman, is known for extensive acoustic research, and the M16 benefits from technologies developed for their premium Performa3 series. The aluminum dome tweeter and waveguide design remain competitive even against newer offerings.

Sound Quality Deep Dive

Detail Retrieval and Resolution

Both speakers excel at revealing musical details, but they do it differently. The 606 S3's Titanium Dome tweeter and Continuum cone (a special woven composite material) create an extremely revealing sound that can expose previously unheard elements in familiar recordings. It's almost analytical in its precision, which can be both a blessing and a curse depending on your source material quality.

The M16 takes a slightly more forgiving approach while still maintaining excellent resolution. Its aluminum drivers and carefully designed waveguide (which helps control how sound spreads into the room) produce a natural, unforced presentation that works well across a wide range of recordings.

Bass Response and Impact

Despite similar driver sizes (6.5 inches), these speakers handle bass differently. The 606 S3's rear-ported design and sophisticated motor structure deliver punchy, dynamic bass that can be impressive for the speaker's size. However, this rear port means you'll need to carefully consider placement - too close to walls can result in boomy bass.

The M16 employs what Revel calls a "Constant Pressure Gradient" port design, which helps reduce port noise and provides more placement flexibility. While its bass doesn't quite have the same impact as the 606 S3, it offers excellent control and accuracy that some listeners might prefer, especially for acoustic music.

Soundstage and Imaging

Here's where these speakers really show their premium heritage. The 606 S3 creates an expansive soundstage that extends well beyond the speakers' physical locations. Instrument separation is exceptional, making it easy to pick out individual elements in complex recordings.

The M16 focuses more on precise central imaging and depth. While the overall soundstage might not be quite as wide, its presentation of vocal performances and centered instruments is remarkably realistic. This can be particularly beneficial for home theater use, where accurate center imaging helps dialogue intelligibility.

Technical Considerations

Amplification Requirements

The 606 S3's 88dB sensitivity rating means it needs less power to reach satisfying volume levels compared to the M16's 86dB sensitivity. While this might seem like a small difference, it means the 606 S3 will play about 2dB louder with the same amount of amplifier power - noticeable in practice.

Both speakers are rated for similar power handling (30-120W for the 606 S3, 50-120W for the M16), but the M16's lower sensitivity and 6-ohm impedance means it will benefit more from robust amplification. If you're working with a modest integrated amplifier or AV receiver, the 606 S3 might be the easier partner.

Room Integration

This is an area where personal circumstances really matter. The 606 S3's rear port design means you'll want to keep them at least 8-12 inches from walls for optimal bass response. The M16's more forgiving nature regarding placement makes it a better choice for rooms where optimal speaker positioning isn't possible.

Home Theater Considerations

While both speakers excel with music, they can also serve well in a home theater context. The M16's precise center imaging and controlled dispersion can make it easier to integrate with a center channel. The 606 S3's dynamic capabilities and impactful bass might give action movies more excitement, but could require more careful calibration to blend seamlessly with other speakers.

Value Proposition

The Revel M16 often sees significant discounts from its $900 MSRP, sometimes dropping below $700/pair, which can make it an exceptional value. The B&W 606 S3 typically stays closer to its $1,100 MSRP but offers the latest technology and potentially higher resale value given B&W's strong brand recognition.

How to Decide

Choose the B&W 606 S3 if:

• You value absolute detail retrieval and transparency
• Your system uses high-quality source components
• You have adequate space for optimal speaker placement
• You listen primarily to well-recorded modern music
• You want the latest speaker technology

Choose the Revel M16 if:

• You prefer a more neutral, forgiving presentation
• Value for money is a primary consideration
• You need placement flexibility
• You listen to a wide variety of recording qualities
• You want speakers that excel with both music and movies

Both speakers represent excellent choices in their class, but their different approaches to sound reproduction mean they'll appeal to different listeners. The 606 S3 is the more exciting, detail-oriented performer, while the M16 offers a more balanced, versatile approach that might better suit a wider range of situations.

Remember, if possible, listening to both speakers in your own space is the best way to make a final decision. Both manufacturers have excellent dealer networks that often allow home trials - an invaluable opportunity to ensure you're making the right choice for your specific needs and preferences.

Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 Bookshelf Speaker - Pair Deals and Prices

Revel Concerta2 M16 Bookshelf Speaker Deals and Prices