Bowers & Wilkins announces the launch of its renewed 600 Series – the music lover’s first step into True Sound
Worthing, UK, August 23, 2023: How can you improve on a multi-award-winning speaker family still considered best-in-class?
With its new 600 S3 Series launch, world-renowned premium audio firm Bowers & Wilkins builds on three decades of experience, creating the benchmark in affordable yet high-performance loudspeakers. The eighth generation of one of the most acclaimed ranges in Hi-Fi history includes some of the most extensive enhancements the 600 Series has ever received.
The 600 Series has always played a critical role in the Bowers & Wilkins portfolio, not least as it is the brand’s second oldest range with an uninterrupted presence in the market after the iconic 800 Diamond Series. At a time when more and more fans are demanding higher quality sound, whether on vinyl or high-resolution streaming, the Series 600 S3 represents the perfect first step in experiencing the “True Sound” sought by the artist, making it the ideal entry point for the Bowers & Wilkins brand.
The new range consists of four models: the 603 S3 column, the 606 S3 stand-mounted monitor, the 607 S3 bookshelf monitor, and the HTM6 S3, a center channel speaker for Home Cinema. Each model has various finishes, specifically Oak, White or Black. The series is completed with a new FS-600 floor stand available in Silver or Black.
Bowers & Wilkins New Titanium Dome Tweeter adds refinement and resolution
Bowers & Wilkins develops and manufactures all the key components of its loudspeakers in its facilities and, over time, applies these innovative technologies to its different product ranges. This approach continues with the new 600 Series S3 models, incorporating extensive changes to every aspect of their sonic performance. Thus, many new components are derived from those used in the 700 S3 Series and integrated into a redesigned and improved acoustic cabinet construction.
The most significant addition to the new 600 Series S3 is a new dome technology for the tweeter, the Titanium Dome. The new tweeter comprises two parts, with a very thin and light but rigid 25-micron thick main dome reinforced by a second 30-micron titanium ring. This new design is housed in a significantly elongated tubular charging system inspired by the design recently introduced on the new 700 Series S3. Using a longer tubular drum system lowers the resonant frequency behind the dome, resulting in a more open sound that is less affected by the enclosure.
In addition, the Titanium Dome tweeter benefits from a diaphragm mounting plate identical in size to the one used in the 700 Series S3 for superior and wider dispersion while also including the all-new and more open grille design adopted directly from the recently introduced 800 Series Signature.
Combining all these new technologies ensures that the new tweeter delivers smoother, more refined sound without sacrificing resolution or detail.
Enhancements taken from the award-winning 700 S3 Series
Bowers & Wilkins’ exclusive Continuum Cones continue to feature on all 600 Series S3 models with more powerful, lower distortion magnetic drivers imported from the 700 Series S3 in the midrange and mid/woofers. The paper cone bass drivers of the 603 S3 now also incorporate the same magnetic motors as the 703 S3. The crossovers have been updated with improved decoupling capacitors identical to those used in the Series 700 S3, resulting in superior resolution and transparency.
Also, the enclosures of the 600 S3 Series have undergone significant improvements. Thus, the tweeter and main drivers are now mounted closer to each other via intersecting trim rings for improved integration and stereo imaging. At the rear of each speaker, a new binding post tray adopted from the 700 Series S3 mates with a Series-spec woofer port, thereby improving performance and creating a more rigid enclosure. Said rigidity has been increased by improving the internal reinforcements with more resistant wood. Finally, the bottom of the 606 S3 and 607 S3 models now includes metal threaded inserts so they can be attached with a higher level of security to the top plate of the new FS-600 S3 mounts.
B&W 603 S3 HF-MF Crossover
By developing these key technologies in-house, Bowers & Wilkins has brought significant performance improvements to all the models in its new range while maintaining exceptional value for money. Simply put, the 600 Series S3 continues to offer superior components and technologies than any of its direct competitors and is determined to perpetuate the legacy of the 600 Series as the gold standard in affordable yet high-performance loudspeakers. It’s the perfect first step into the Bowers & Wilkins sound for music lovers everywhere.
B&W 603 S3 LF Crossover
Commenting on this launch, Dave Sheen, Bowers & Wilkins Brand President, said: “After nearly 30 years of continuous evolution and improvement, we believe the latest version of the 600 S3 Series continues to set a benchmark standard in its category. Incorporating key technologies from our High speaker ranges means that everyone who experiences the new 600 Series will enjoy a performance that genuinely delivers on our True Sound promise and brings the listener closer than ever to the artist’s intent.”
The new 600 Series S3 will be available from August 23 at bowerswilkins.com and select dealers.
The new 600 S3 Series is made up of the following models
