News

Late summer is the time of year that Worthing-based Bowers & Wilkins likes to make announcements about changes to its loudspeaker lineup, and this year is no exception. In last year's October issue (HFC 428) we brought news of the then all-new, mid-priced 700 Series that replaced the company's long-running CM Series. Fast forward 12 months and summer 2018 sees another announcement, this time with the unveiling of the sixth iteration to its 600 Series entry-point range.

The updated seven-strong loudspeaker range has adopted a similar model-naming structure to align it with 700 and 800 Series offerings. It includes three stereo models – two standmounts (607 and 606) and one floorstander (603) – plus a centre channel speaker along with three subwoofer designs that have been carried across from previous 600 Series incarnations to integrate with multi-channel installations.

Of course, the updated range draws on the technical expertise and design flourishes first found on models further up the company's lineup, and the new 600 Series relocates the bass reflex port to the back of the cabinet with a design that's derived from the 700 Series. It has magnetic speaker grilles for a cleaner front baffle, and uses Continuum Cone technology – developed and manufactured by B&W and first seen on the 800 Series – in the midrange driver of the 603 floorstander and the mid/bass units of the 606 and 607 standmounts. 

The tweeter grille mesh used in the 700 Series has been passed down too, and the company's decoupled double dome tweeter assembly has been revised with an upgraded neodymium magnet from the 700 Series and a subtle repositioning of the dome within the diaphragm mounting plate that's said to improve time alignment of the 25mm unit to achieve a more natural and spacious sound. 

First up is the baby of the range, the 607 standmount (pictured) – a two-way design with a 130mm Continuum Cone mid/bass driver priced at £399, while the larger 606 standmount is equipped with a 165mm mid/bass driver for £549. The flagship 603 floorstander is a three-way design with 2x 165mm paper cone bass drivers and 150mm midrange priced at £1,249. All 600 Series models are available in matt black or white finishes. A matching speaker stand to partner the 607 and 606 models costs £99. Click here to find out more.