Introducing Bowers & Wilkins’ 600 Series S3 and updated 800 Diamond Series Signature loudspeakers

If Worthng-based Bowers & Wilkins wants to refresh one of its classic speaker lines, it doesn’t merely slap on some cosmetic improvements and change a few model numbers. Instead, in order to increase their performance in the real world, all parts of the outgoing models are evaluated and refined.

Good news for budget-conscious consumers: these upgrades won’t break the bank thanks to the brand’s heavy reliance on trickle-down technology from its higher-spec lines and the abundance of next-level, tried-and-true components.

In celebration of the release of the 600 Series, we had the opportunity to speak with Andy Kerr, Bowers’ director of product marketing and communications, about the new S3 models in the series and get a sneak peek at the brand’s newly released, no-compromise 800 Diamond Series Signature speakers.

Introducing Bowers & Wilkins’ 600 Series S3 and updated 800 Diamond Series Signature loudspeakers

Table of Contents

600 Series S3

The 600 Series S3 competes in the upper entry https://headphonis.com/ level market, which is quite competitive due to the high price point (ranging from £599 to £2,000). This is because many people’s first foray into genuine hi-fi systems that provide long-term satisfaction, thus the series must deliver a lot for the price.

A three-way 603 S3 floorstander (£1,999), a 606 S3 standmount (£749), and a 607 S3 bookshelf (£599) make up the updated lineup.

For those looking to construct a 600 Series-based surround sound system, there is also the HTM6 S3 centre channel variant (£749), which comes with specific speaker supports and a choice of two subwoofers.

On the outside, they look very much like the departing S2 models, however the S3 vehicles have undergone extensive upgrades within.

*Bowers & Wilkins’ latest generation drive units including the updated titanium tweeter dome (bottom right) and speaker terminals*

Firstly, the tweeters have undergone an upgrade from their previous aluminium domes to stronger and more rigid twin-layer titanium domes. These new models are constructed to tighter tolerances, with a 25 micron and 30 micron thickness, respectively, resulting in a more responsive performance.

Imported straight from the 700 series, the tweeter’s rear tube is much longer than that of earlier versions, improving cabinet isolation from backwaves. A new protective grille with a more refined mesh design, borrowed from the premium 800 Signature Series, completes the tweeter and demonstrates that the component sheet is available for grabs across all ranges.

*Bowers & Wilkins’ new 607 S3 (left) and 606 S3 (right) in solid black and oak/white fascia finishes, with solid white and black fascia/oak options also available across the range*

Additionally, the air-moving gear has been rearranged such that the front drivers overlap for enhanced sound blending.

With that being said, the paper cone bass drivers of the 603 S3 models now have improved motor systems, which are borrowed once again from their 700 Series S3 siblings.

Naturally, better hardware necessitates better cabinet designs, and it’s great that Bowers has also risen up to the challenge by including additional internal bracing through a strengthened cross member.

*Bowers & Wilkins’ 606 S3 cabinet showing its enhanced internal bracing for added stiffness*

In the rear, the cabinet upgrades keep coming. The speaker terminals are now horizontally placed, which frees up more cabinet material between them and the new bass port (both of which are borrowed from the 700 Series S3 models, see?).

*Revised rear panel means more cabinet bracing and uprated terminals*

On the inside, advancements persist, with bypass capacitors sourced from the 700 Series S3 series, which allows for improved transparency and resolution.

*Previous 600 generation crossovers (top) and the latest 600 S3 crossovers (bottom)*

Musical DNA

The product presentation featured a variety of musical performances by artists such as Laura Mvula and John Martyn, showcasing the models’ ability to handle any musical challenge.

*A four driver three-way 603 S3 in full flight serving up the sounds*

A Rotel DT6000 CD/Player and Rotel A14 MKII amplifier played back music from an Innuos Zenith MKIII music server as well as tunes stored locally and streamed via Qobuz for the 607 S3 and 606 S3 versions.

Following that, the 603 S3, which utilised the identical server, but was powered by a Chord Hugo TT2 DAC and a Rotel Michi X3 amplifier, had outstanding outcomes.

Signing off

Finally, we added a pair of the newly released 805 D4 Signature from Bowers & Wilkins, which has a metallic midnight blue finish, to show you how far this company can push sound.

At a cool £10k, it’s obvious that this speaker was built to a different design sheet with few limitations. What’s also clear is that Bowers’ audio DNA runs through every model, from the entry-level 600 models to the no-compromise Signature flagships, and that it melds accuracy and transparency with palpable realism and genuine extension.

*Andy Kerr, Bowers & Wilkins Director of Product Marketing & Communication proudly presenting the 805 D4 Signatur*

Specifications

While the 606 S3 retains the identical tweeter and mid/bass unit, it features a three-way design with two 165mm (6.5″) paper-cone bass drivers in addition to a 28mm (1″) titanium dome tweeter and a 150mm (6″) FST Continuum Cone midrange driver.

A 130mm (5″) Continuum Cone mid/bass driver is employed by the 607 S3, whereas the HTM6 S3 receives a pair of these drivers positioned on either side of a central 1″ tweeter.

Visit BowersWilkins.com to learn more about the 600 Series S3 speakers from Bowers & Wilkins.

The unique product exhibition was made possible by Bowers & Wilkins and CMC PR, and we are very grateful to them.