Nice video. Wanted to know where 696 S2 stands in the line up in terms of performance! Is this the best value in the line up?

Thank you so much for this. Hoping to get a pair of 706 S2 by next year at the latest, this really helps.

@Tharbamar

2 жыл бұрын

Very good choice.

This is the best audio review channel 👍🙏

Thank you for the video. I like my 606 S2 together with NAD M10.

As usual very honest review I love it thank you greatly appreciated

I wished you showed the crossover in both speakers while you were in there showing the back of the speakers. I’d like to see the quality of the components on each speaker, in fact, in every speaker you test.

Is the next to be reviewed the 705 S2 or 705 anniversary edition?

I'm listening this with a DT880, hope it's neutral enough But I appreciate the differences, even though I listen with headphones it sounds as If I'm there in the live concert I'm enjoying the music, this is truly good stuff you have!

the 706s2 was fuller sound with much better mid to upper base. They felt warmer

I have the 705 s2. Love them. I hope you review them.

Thanks again for revisiting this pair. Please comment on the speaker height placement and it’s effect on the listening experience for both series.

@Tharbamar

2 жыл бұрын

I just use them on B&W 24" stands, thanks

Thanks for the omparison. Have you heard 700 series floorstanders? Would there be a big differene between 706 and 703?

@Tharbamar

2 жыл бұрын

it’s not different in sound signature but better, thanks

Thank you for the review. Nicely done.

thank for the review. I have been thinking of upgrading to 706s2 from 606s2. I am wondering if the vocal in 706s2 is more forward than 606s2. What about sound stage and imaging?

@Tharbamar

2 жыл бұрын

Aside from the price 706 S2 is better in every way in my setup but to each own only you can make a call, thanks

@zombiielyf603

2 жыл бұрын

If you can stomach the extra money they 706 S2 is night and day compared to the 606 S2, its as if they made the 606 just to make the 706 look (sound) so good.

Looking forward to your review of the 606 S3

Interesting piece of art. I love it. I have a ring with that symbol.

Please may you review the S3 version of these speakers sir? God bless.

What do you suggest in a bookshelf with a front port ? I have to have them up against a wall my room is small . Thanks 😎

Would you advise to use them as Top Front speakers (like for Atmos setup)? As B&W doesn't have specific Atmos speakers I though to use a pair of these 606S2 or 607 S2 for that...

@Tharbamar

2 жыл бұрын

I’m not a home theater guy to give you right answer.

I've always been a fan of the B&W brand; but I have some curiosity to see the performance/comparasion between the 706 S2 and the Kef R3. Many thanks for this comparasion Tharbamar. I really apreciate it. Keep with your excelent work.

@MrTobamory

2 жыл бұрын

Pedro I did a test this weekend with a vendor and for me with my Roksan amp the 706 were better than the R3 sound stage was wider and bass slightly higher

If I choice marantz pm8006 to pair with B&W 606S2 what is outcome?

You should also do a review of the new Burchardt 400s

I am interested how 607S sounds. The size of 606 is too big to set on the desk for PC.

It’s always been that way when the price goes up, the quality goes up. Well at least with bowers and Wilkins. Compare the 607 s2 vs the 707 s2 and it will be the same story. Definition, clarity, and smoothness will be superior on the 707 s2. If someone claims that it’s only a minor change going from the 600 series to 700 series, they are lying.

@Tharbamar

2 жыл бұрын

Exactly.

@alexroot1980

2 жыл бұрын

HERE! 👋😁

To be honest the 606 actually sound pretty good but I think the 706’s sound a little better.

@6643bear

10 ай бұрын

Hi great video, I think 705 sounds a little better , but 706 is better spec but 606 sound good too, I have bought a set costing me only £349 abs sound petty good, but it wasn’t my 1st choice I was looking at moniker audio silver 100g or whalfdale evo 4.2 or even chorale 806 , but I bought 606 vacates I got at a really good price , I still have my 602 s 3 , I have Rotel A11 so i can have 2 sets of speakers playing simultaneously or by them selves .I have the light oak ones which look much better then the black ones . Regards mark

Have you ever audition the 800 series? The D3 or D4? If so, what are your thoughts?

@Tharbamar

Жыл бұрын

I have not, I’ve been busy with other things.

I got the 706s as reference for my speaker building hobby. They are OK for basic frequency response reference but the apparent lack of upper med makes them sound a bit "foofy" in the lower med. Not good on piano, female vocal and brass. I copied the sound of the 706s with my built speakers but added a little more upper med and lower treble. Then my built speakers smoked the 706s. On piano, the 706s completely failed when hearing my built speakers and my 706s in succession.

@nc3419

Жыл бұрын

Other than comparing to your own voiced speakers, how does piano reproduction sound on the 706 vs comparatively priced mass produced speakers? Is it that far off with the 706 s2?

highs are less ear trouncing in the 706s

706 apparently has a deeper and wider sound stage and you can hear more details. Looks like you are wrapped around by the music.

love this guy

Trying to decide between 706 s2 and 707 s2. It's a $400 difference. I have a subwoofer, but 706 s2 is a little more expensive. Is it worth it? Is there better detail or clarity?

@CrescendoKeysChannel

9 ай бұрын

I have the same question.

I've read so much about how the 606 s2 are no good, but I am really satisfied with mine. But the 706 do look nicer.

@Borednlonely

Жыл бұрын

Trust your own ears. KZread reviews are getting more & more delusional, regurgitated nonsense

@WanderingSword

Жыл бұрын

@@Borednlonely you are right. Problem is these sort of audio reviews are almost completely subjective. Using terms like "refined, fun, exciting, warm, instrument separation, tone, bass, projecting, forward" have absolutely quantitiave meaning, and they're based purrely on the experience and emotion of the listener. This same exact problem exists in the musical instrument world too, for example, an "orchestra quality" violin can start around $5,000 and goes all the way up to hundred of thousands. But it would take a virtuoso violinist or experienced composer to appreciate the very subtle differences between a $10,000 violin and a $100,000 violin, and even then a lot of that is based on personal perferences.

@mypalfootfoot9591

5 ай бұрын

@@WanderingSword Some reviewers have an entire lexicon of words and phrases that they use to describe sound, after a while the sheer number of terms they use starts to become ridiculous, many have the same meaning. Can you tell me what the difference is between crisp and crispy because that was what one YT guy used to describe the sound from speakers he was reviewing!

@giggsy42

4 ай бұрын

Oh come off it the 706 s2 are clearly a superior speaker ​@@WanderingSword

Hi sir... Is my Marantz pm7000 n a good pairing for the 706 s2? Thank you

@Tharbamar

2 жыл бұрын

It should pair nicely with Marantz amps, thanks

I hope you get to do a 805 d3 or d4 comparison with the 700 series

@Tharbamar

2 жыл бұрын

May be one day, thanks

I currently own the B&W 706 S2 and has been itching to upgrade, but has yet to find anything as good from other brands. They are quite an excellent pair of bookshelf speakers. Will be keeping them for a very long time.

@aleksandertrap-jensen8486

2 жыл бұрын

What other speakers have you listened to in your search of a better replacement?

@martinturansky1700

2 жыл бұрын

Look for Revel.

@stevenswall

2 жыл бұрын

@@martinturansky1700 Agreed.

@giangvu7902

2 жыл бұрын

@@aleksandertrap-jensen8486 Revel, KEF, JBL, Monitor Audio, Dynaudio, and Quad. They're all good, but I find the 706 S2 most balance and seems to be most expressive and musical to my ears.

@giangvu7902

2 жыл бұрын

@@martinturansky1700 I did and they are quite excellent, but lacking in the bass department.

I own 606s2 with old Marantz 2235, could you suggest a new amp that would be better sounding? thank you for comments and demo

@Tharbamar

2 жыл бұрын

I would suggest you to try Marantz PM series, they do sound good together, if you like more transparent sound Denon or Yamaha amplifiers may be great choice for you, thanks

@sega62s

2 жыл бұрын

@@Tharbamar thank you for the tips, it’s not easy to know if new amps are better than old ones. I wish vintage amp would be tested the same way you do.

I am very undecided between 606 and 706 s2. from the point of view of the bass and the woofer who can tell me for sure if there are differences? I'd gladly spend more on the 706 but if the difference isn't that obvious maybe I'd better go for the 606 and use that money for acoustic treatment or subwoofers..

@Tharbamar

11 ай бұрын

706 S2 is much better in every aspect of the sound quality due to double dome carbon coated tweeters, 606 is too bright for my taste but used 705 S2 will be even bigger leap in sound quality.

I have 707 S2 very good

Well, 706 S2 is obviously better in sound and nicer in finish, but it,s the big question whether is it worthy +1100 USD

How do you like both of these versus a KEF LS50?

@Tharbamar

Жыл бұрын

B&W 706 S2, The Reason I Sold KEF LS50 Speakers kzread.info/dash/bejne/X2uLrJOdqrHenLQ.html

Would Arcam SA30 mstch well fir 706 S2 also csn you recommend good speaker cable for 706

@pablotorres9260

3 ай бұрын

Yes, great match with Arcam. I have the sa20 with the same 706S2 and I love it. Sa30 will be even better.

@giggsy42

3 ай бұрын

@@pablotorres9260 thanks, I had gone ahead and bought. Sounds amazing, nice warm sound! Going to set up Dirac next.

I recently saw AE version of this, no idea what are the differences

@Tharbamar

2 жыл бұрын

This is comparison of 606 S2 AE and 706 S2.

I paired my B/W 703 s2 with a Chord Qutest and what a match it is. Never has anyone said my system is overly bright to the ears.I guess I just got lucky. Thanks for the review. Love my 700 series B/W’s.

@priedits

2 жыл бұрын

I ordered 703 s2 as well. Did you auditioned 703s2 against other models in 700 series?

@davidparsons6517

2 жыл бұрын

@@priedits Yes The 704 and 706’s.

@priedits

2 жыл бұрын

@@davidparsons6517 How did they compare? I didn't have a chance to audition 700 series. Ordered 703s2, because I could get them at 40% off.

@simonspeaker

7 ай бұрын

😂😂😂😂 another type of guy who think the planet is flat XD

If you could ,Please compare B&W 706 S2 with monitor audio silver100 7G and dynaudio new emit20

@cschoi100

2 жыл бұрын

I own both 706 s2 and silver 100. Compare to silver 100, 706 have less sub-bass, bass is little more dynamic, vocal is emphasized, slightly better definition overall. Suits on vocal centric music, classical music, jazz and acoustic instruments music. Compare to 706, silver 100 has deeper sub-bass, a lot wider sound stage, vocal is not emphasized and its at the same position as other instruments. Suits on all kinds of music but 706 sounds a lot better on vocal centric music. I paid $800 for silver 100 and $1000 for 706 s2. I had a heck of a deal on 706 s2 but I still silver 100 is a better value since silver 100 perform as good as 706 s2.

@user-pc5hn5di8r

2 жыл бұрын

@@cschoi100 Thank you for your comment. so helpful for me😀

@nc3419

Жыл бұрын

@@cschoi100 Good comparison for me and I generally liked the 100s. For what they were missing, I think the 706 S2 may fill in the gaps. Although the Silver series have always had a freaky wide SS...but I would trade that for stage depth and better separation. Which one renders piano better?

I got the 606 S2 AE brand new for $474 USD

Hi Tharbamar, Thank you for an excellent comparison, the 706 S2 clearly wins here. I am searching for a warmer, smoother, and fuller sounding speaker because I find my current B&W 705 S2's too bright and fatiguing. I am torn between the Wharfedale Linton's and the EVO 4.2's, which both you have reviewed and tested. In your opinion, how do the B&W 706 S2's (very similar to the 705 S2's) compare to the Linton's and the EVO's and which do you think would be the best choice of the two? Would either the Linton's or the EVO's be a good upgrade path compared to my 705 S2's in the search for a smoother, warmer, more forgiving speaker? Or do you think I will compromise too much in other regards? Thank you and keep up the good work!

@justanobody4983

2 жыл бұрын

For an upgrade, no. I have the evos and it’s not a step up from the the 705s. I would say go for the Elysians.

@aleksandertrap-jensen8486

2 жыл бұрын

​@@justanobody4983, Unfortunately, I don't have room for the Elysian's neither do I wish to spend that amount of money at the moment. You say you own the EVO's and that it's not an upgrade compared to the 705's. Can you elaborate more on that? What would I compromise by changing to the EVO's or Linton's instead of my current 2.1 setup with the 705 S2's & B&W ASW610 SUB? Wouldn't I achieve a smoother-sounding treble with the Wharfedale's and overall a fuller presentation due to the cabinet size alone?. I guess I would, but it sounds like you say I will make some sacrifices as well and that it would be a downgrade going for the EVO's or Linton's in comparison to the 705's. It would be much appreciated if you could elaborate more on that. Thank you!

@Tharbamar

2 жыл бұрын

I would like to know about your paring components, so I can advise you better.

@justanobody4983

2 жыл бұрын

@@aleksandertrap-jensen8486 with the evos you get much more rolled off highs. And i mean really rolled off. The bass is also much warmer and would be bordering boomy. It will be a relief from the 705s but as time goes on, you would want back the some energy on top and defined bass. The midrange of the evos are great to say the least, thats the only redeeming factor of those speakers. Off axis performance is horrible. If you move around, the tonality shifts dramatically. Yes it will be a fuller sound but you will need a big room and set them apart really far away from each other. Around 7ft at a minimum id say. What sets the evos apart is its detail retrieval, its just unmatched for its price. Piano strikes, guitar plucks, and drum hits are just amazing. The 705s are way better than the evos imo. Hope this helps

@justanobody4983

2 жыл бұрын

@@aleksandertrap-jensen8486 also i have the same subs as you. With the evos, you will feel the sub bass is more defined then the mid bass would be all around. I usually turn off my subs when using the evos, its just not a good match. The asw610 just has better bass definition.

ÑThe difference is really evident, it even seems that they were two different recording sources

Would you say the 706 S2 has a beefier woofer?

@Tharbamar

2 жыл бұрын

I didn’t took them apart but overall weight is much heavier.

Is the marantz 5010 enough for the 706s2?

@Tharbamar

Жыл бұрын

It will be totally fine but low end control may not be the best. Thanks

the 606 uses exactly the same bass mid driver. Its also the same part number if you wanne replace it. They share the same part thats why the 606 soubds so way over the price point. Its also the same as in the 705...but 805 uses a other one.

do you think its worth to change the B&W 706 S2 for 705s3 ?

@Tharbamar

Жыл бұрын

Yes if you don’t mind paying for about 10-15% improvements with better bass response and NO because they way that B&W increased the price from S2 series and driver integration is not as great at 55-65db low level listening, 705 S3 is not up to asking price in overall sound quality for me I would rather wait for pre-owned in that case if I must.

@andorandor5310

Жыл бұрын

@@Tharbamar thank you for your replay i will wait then 🙂

Is the Marantz Model 40N enough for the 606s2AE?

@Tharbamar

Жыл бұрын

Yes definitely.

@user-rm4jh1le1l

Жыл бұрын

@@Tharbamar thank you

700 series is on another level over 600 series much better tweeter, and much more details in the sound, i went from 683 s2 to 702 s2 and diffference is massive, i hear details i never heard before, vocals and instruments its much clearer and better seperated, bass is better controlled as well, it feels that 702 can be pushed to higher levels, i also belive that 702 is a beautiful speaker, easier to drive and higher sensitivity than 683 s2 is also plus, they will outperm 600 series even of you pair it with s budget friendly option like nad c375bee, I am in love with 702 and music has never been this good, they don’t like poor recordings, in that way 683 was more forgiving

Try Rubicon 2 please or sp40 or buchard s400mk2 proac monitor audio only test English speakers go for mutch Bether for money !!!

@Tharbamar

2 жыл бұрын

I can only try what I get for samples.

Please try Monitor Audio Silver 100 6g. Currently, these are only $800 and I personally think these are as good as 706 s2 if not better. I own both 706 s2 and silver 100. Compare to silver 100, 706 have less sub-bass, bass is little more dynamic, vocal is emphasized, slightly better definition overall. Suits on vocal centric music, classical music, jazz and acoustic instruments music. Compare to 706, silver 100 has deeper sub-bass, a lot wider sound stage, vocal is not emphasized and its at the same position as other instruments. Suits on all kinds of music but 706 sounds a lot better on vocal centric music.

@Tharbamar

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing, I will do when I have chance. Thanks

@nc3419

Жыл бұрын

I had the Silver 100 6g for a time and liked them alot. Only issue it had too much dynamic swings in the upper mids for soundtracks and at times the upper mids and into the highs would compress too much. It could sound more lifelike until that compression occured. Otherwise, I really liked the lows and lower to middle of the midrange. They didn't disappear as easily as I would have liked but were easy to drive, even with a quality 50 watt amp. If the 706 S2 has better mids and highs, I can forgo less bass, especially if it is more defined. Considering the 706 as well as 705 but reviews show the difference in SQ though there, is small.

les 606 qualité prix sont top ,les 706 sont plus pleine niveau medium,plus chaude , un timbre plus riche

Any BW is the best already. NUFF SAID!

606 are a mess, way too peaky, its ruined imo. however depending on taste the 706 S2 has the potential to be a masterpiece, clear, strong, solid, composed, everything the 606 isn't.

I don’t know man. They messed up with the 606 I think. Also even more given the increase in price. I am thinking the previous model (685 S2) could’ve been actually better.

@Tharbamar

2 жыл бұрын

Have you tried them in your system?

@MAudiophile

2 жыл бұрын

@@Tharbamar Yes, I’ve tried them in my room. Even posted a review on my channel (original 606).

@Tharbamar

2 жыл бұрын

In my room they sounded great and measured very good, bass is not only deep for the size better definition than many in $1k range but to each own, they need good current to sound their best for sure, thanks

@juanmillaruelo7647

2 жыл бұрын

I agree that the 606 is a minor catastrophe, especially when pitted against its bigger brother. (B&W, you can do better at this price point. Other manufacturers have managed to do so.) OTOH 706s2 are magical and among my favorites in their price range.

@olivieroli9750

2 жыл бұрын

@@juanmillaruelo7647 the 606 s2 need upgrade crossover mundorf supreme 4.7µF

Can't hear the difference (I don't own any of them)... It could be the poor dac inside the phone? Or the Sennheiser Hd599? Or my age (41yo)? But... I did a hearing test 2 months ago and the results were too good for my age (my ears are the same of a 23yo kiddo 😅)... Maybe ain't careful enough to the details? Or because i don't listen this genre of music (I'm in love with 80's pop, sinthwave and electro-pop)? I'm in a huge existential dilemma! 😅😅😅😅😅😅

@martifilipponi1024

2 жыл бұрын

they sound pretty close to me also, and im using an external DAC and amp with Beyerdynamic T1s version 1 ....606 brighter but i like that

@gogo8033

2 жыл бұрын

Hear it in person, don’t judge speakers through youtube, it’s meaningless and ridiculous.

706 sound way better than 606, but what sounds much better than B&W 706 are the FOCAL Aria 906 (Xtra soundstage and much better precision and musical separation)!!!!

About the 606 s2 ......... no comment ! the 706 s2 is too expensive[1700 euros] for what it actually is.

I dont think The difference in sound is worth $1,100

Well - from THIS demo - I could NOT hear much, or almost any, difference 🤔🤔

I dont understand that 99% of the ,,hifi reviewer,, completly ignore the Active Market. Why not test out something different like the Neumann KH120, PSI Audio or something more professional related. Looks like Z Reviews is the only who makes vid about something like active Genelec & Neumann Monitors. Dont get me wrong, your videos are still great to watch but B&W is…. boring, mainstream?! idk

@Tharbamar

2 жыл бұрын

Personally I'm not a big fan of powered speakers because I want to use my own electronics, they do sound very good for sure in flat frequency response and all but that is good for monitoring, for my musical pleasure they are not that engaging to enjoy my music but I may be reviewing some of them in the future, thanks

@justanobody4983

2 жыл бұрын

The reason why people like passive speakers is simple. I can change other components like amp preamp etc and the sound will change. Be it for better or worse there will be change. With active speakers, your basically stuck on what you have.

@vtkz

2 жыл бұрын

@@justanobody4983 but why, why to experiment when you can get an Allinone Package and also not have the disadvantages of an passive crossover. The most important sound always makes the room acoustic and not an Amplifier. And that active ones sound ,, boring,, is also nonsense (for me) - they sound realistic and also holographic (when the recording has the quality) - hifi speakers are mostly tuned that everything sounds good on them... but thats just my opinion. I would never spend again money on passive stuff, you get much more quality out of the Active technology today

@justanobody4983

2 жыл бұрын

@@vtkz well, true but for me i like different flavors of sound. I dont like having a sharp treble all the time but its still my preference. When i want to have some warmth in the sound, i simply change my electronics and i have my warmth. Its really because of the options i can get with separate amp preamp speakers that i enjoy this hobby. Lots of mixing and matching to experiment with.

@vtkz

2 жыл бұрын

@@justanobody4983 And also that is possible. Use an DSP where you can to save different ,,Presets,, for different Music Tastes. I think, most of the Hifi People doesnt want Actives because they didnt know whats possible with that Technology and 2nd, they still live ,,oldschool,, and believe that ,, Big Stereo Amp - Cables - Loudspeaker,, is the only correct way. But of course everyone can spend their own money in their fav Technology. I personally have lots of listening sessions and the Active ones are way better (Acouracy, Transients, Stereo Imaging...). You need to spend way much more Money to build an good passive one than a Active. And another thing is that this technology is finish with development, the Manufactures release every year new Passive ones, but at the end its the same stuff like years before. With Active Crossovers youve so much more control to match & tune the amp directly to every driver

They both have the same B&W house signature of over exagerated top end. So I wouldn't buy either as they're both equally inaccurate. As for whether one is more transparent or resolving than the other, well the music chosen just doesn't allow a judgement it's almost devoid of ambience or acoustic. But then that could just be because both speakers exagerated top end is complely obscuring any midrange resolution either speaker may have over the other. I'll give B&W their credit, they have a house sound (and it's a deliberate one) and they stick to it all the way up to their top models which still exhibit exagerated top ends. Other brands produce far more accurate speakers for the same or less money, so B&Q will never be on my shopping list.

@Tharbamar

11 ай бұрын

It’s all depends on your gear as well see the IRR measurements.

@oscillatingdailyaudio

6 ай бұрын

why do sound engineers use B&W in their studios if they are that bad?

They are about the same size. The sound quality is same.

@andreasmoller9798

Жыл бұрын

Sq is far from the same 700 series has much more clarity and detail than 600 series i listen to both 603 s2 and 702 s2. 702 wiped the floor with 603 in every aspect

sound exactly the same. I would rather spend $1,100 on the amp.

@Tharbamar

2 жыл бұрын

Not the same.

@RedPMD

2 жыл бұрын

The same. Yes. I have both.

@guzzirider701

Жыл бұрын

Of course not the same if you still have good ears. You can even hear the difference on your cell phone. The 706 has better components and a better case. It all sounds cleaner and more defined than the 606. The difference isn't huge, but it's audibly better.

The 706s are too bright and can make you cringe at times I believe🤔🤔

Tizz and Boom personified. What's wrong with your ears man? These are horrible sounding speakers

🤔🤔🤔🤔 606 S2 Tweeter play brighter than 607 S2 with Headphon 🙂🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎹🎹🎹🎹🥁🥁🥁🎻🎻🎻🎺🎺🎺🎵🎷📻🎙👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙋‍♂️🙋‍♂️