This month, Bowers & Wilkins celebrates the 25th anniversary of its 600 Series range of loudspeakers with the launch of a new Anniversary Edition. The seventh generation of the range shares the same blend of value and superlative sound quality as its six forebears but, in Bowers & Wilkins’ tradition, features new and improved components.
The new range is the company’s second-longest continuously available series after the 800 Series Diamond.
Bowers & Wilkins is known for developing and manufacturing all key components in-house and then passing those technologies down between ranges over time. This policy has consistently allowed 600 Series models to include incrementally improved components and technologies over the years, enabling sound quality to match more expensive speakers.
The new 600 Series Anniversary Edition range has followed this same path by offering significant component improvements over the sixth version of the 600 Series, itself introduced in 2018.
The 600 Series Anniversary Edition range features four models that combine advanced technology with discreet style, adding a new oak finish to complement the existing matte black or matte white finishes. An additional red cherry finish is available as a special order. All Anniversary Edition speakers also include a new celebratory logo inscribed on the tweeter surround in either light or dark finishes, depending on the color of the rest of the speaker.
The new range includes “S2” specification Anniversary Edition versions of the 607, 606, 603, and the dedicated HTM6 center-channel speaker, while the existing ASW608, ASW610, and ASW610XP subwoofers, plus the STAV24 S2 speaker stand, continue unchanged. There is also a 600 Series Anniversary Edition Theatre home cinema package, based on the 603 S2, 607 S2, and HTM6 S2 Anniversary Edition speakers, partnered by the ASW610 subwoofer.
Acoustic performance upgrades come from upgraded crossovers in every model. New and greatly improved bypass capacitors are used across the new Anniversary Series: these have been specially treated by Mundorf and were originally used for the recently launched 700 Series Signature range
In addition, the main high-frequency and mid-frequency capacitors have been upgraded with new, improved designs. The result is greatly improved resolution and transparency across all of the 600 Series Anniversary Edition speakers.
“The 600 Series Anniversary Edition is a classic example of Bowers & Wilkins thinking” said Andy Kerr, director of product marketing and communications. “By using our unique, in-house-developed components and technology from higher ranges, we can raise the performance of our entry-level product to new heights and for a very modest premium. The 600 Series has been setting the standard in its category for 25 years and we’re confident our new Anniversary Edition range will carry on that tradition in style.”
The line-up includes:
603 S2 Anniversary Edition – $1,999.98 per pair (USD)
A floorstanding speaker delivering outstanding power, scale, accuracy and musicality. Featuring the Decoupled Double Dome aluminum tweeter, a 150mm (6-inch) FST Continuum Cone midrange driver plus two 165mm (6.5-inch) paper-cone bass drivers.
606 S2 Anniversary Edition – $899.98 per pair (USD)
Suitable for stand-mount or bookshelf use, this compact speaker delivers stunning resolution and tonal neutrality with outstanding bass extension. Combines the Decoupled Double Dome aluminum tweeter technology with a 165mm (6.5-inch) Continuum Cone mid/bass driver.
607 S2 Anniversary Edition – $699.98 per pair (USD)
Compact stand-mount or bookshelf speaker offering outstanding bass response and insight from its main 130mm (5-inch) Continuum Cone mid/bass driver.
HTM6 S2 Anniversary Edition – $799.99 each (USD)
A compact high-performance center-channel speaker with considerable power and exceptional resolution and precision. Featuring the Decoupled Double Dome tweeter plus dual 130mm (5-inch) Continuum Cone mid/bass drivers.
STAV24 S2 floorstand – $199.98 per pair (USD)
24-inch stand suitable for use with both 607 S2 and 606 S2 Anniversary Edition
ASW608, ASW610, and ASW610XP – $499.99/$799.99/$1,499.99 (USD)
Completing the range are three subwoofers carried over unchanged from the sixth generation 600 Series. Available in matte black or matte white.
600 Series Anniversary Edition Theatre – $4,299.94 (USD)
5.1 speaker package featuring 603 S2, 607 S2, HTM6 S2 Anniversary Edition plus the ASW610 active subwoofer.
