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Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition Review: A Celebration of Sound

BySimone

The Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series has been a staple in the audio world for over 25 years. To mark this milestone, B&W released the 606 S2 Anniversary Edition. On paper, the updates might seem modest, leaving some of us wondering if a few cosmetic tweaks and internal adjustments are enough to warrant a new “Anniversary” badge.

Cosmetically, the changes amount to a new Oak finish (alongside the standard Black and White) and a commemorative inscription on the tweeter surround. However, the real magic is hidden inside. The sole performance-related upgrade is a re-engineered crossover featuring higher-quality bypass capacitors—some of which were originally developed for the premium 700 Signature series.

A Closer look of Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 tweeter

Given the subtle nature of these engineering tweaks, we weren’t expecting a massive leap in sound quality. We were wrong. While retaining the sonic character of the original, the 606 S2 Anniversary Edition proves significantly more capable than its predecessor.

Build & Design

The stand-mounters earned their reputation by offering excellent performance-per-dollar value. The 606 S2 continues this legacy. While the cabinet dimensions remain standard, the build quality feels tighter and more refined. The new Oak finish is particularly striking, giving the speakers a modern, airy look that blends well with contemporary furniture.

Check Out: B&W 803 D4 Review

Everything else remains true to the previous generation. A check through the specifications shows identical numbers for sensitivity, frequency response, and power handling. But as the 606’s track record proves, if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it—just polish it.

Compatibility & Positioning

While the front baffle is compact, these are fairly deep speakers (30cm), so they require some breathing room. The drive unit combination features the proven 25mm Decoupled Double Dome aluminum tweeter paired with a 165mm Continuum cone mid/bass driver.

A Closer look of Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Bass driver

There is a rear-firing Flowport to handle low frequencies. While foam bungs are provided to dampen the bass if you are forced to place them near a wall, these speakers truly sing when placed at least 50cm out into the room. Using the bungs can make the sound feel slightly less fluid and natural, so only use them if necessary. A slight “toe-in” angling towards the listening position also helps lock in the stereo image.

System Matching: The Rotel Connection

We tested the 606 S2s with a variety of amplifications, but the standout pairing was undoubtedly with the Rotel A12.

Bowers & Wilkins speakers are known to be “power hungry,” thriving on high current rather than just high wattage. The Rotel A12’s 60 watts per channel (Class AB) might look standard on paper, but its high-current toroidal transformer grips the 606 S2’s Continuum drivers with authority.

Where lesser amps might leave the bass feeling slightly loose, the Rotel A12 tightens it up remarkably, adding speed and attack. The A12’s Wolfson DAC also pairs beautifully with the B&W’s high-frequency energy, extracting maximum detail without pushing the treble into harshness. If you are looking for an amplifier that wakes these speakers up, the Rotel A12 is a fantastic match.

Sound Quality

The biggest surprise is in the bass performance. The Anniversary Edition is far more precise and controlled in the low end. On first listen, the older model might seem to have “more” bass, but you quickly realize the S2s offer better bass—cleaner, deeper, and with significantly more punch.

In my Review Using Rotel A12 with my Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2

Listening to Travis Scott’s The Scotts through our Rotel A12 setup, the improvements were undeniable. The amp’s grip allowed the 606 S2 to deliver hard-hitting, layered lows where the previous model sounded slightly puffed and blurred. That extra control at low frequencies allows the rhythm to drive forward with agility.

Move up the frequency range, and the clarity is striking. Vocals come through with greater subtlety, making it easier to hear changes in intonation and phrasing. Listening to The Road OST by Nick Cave, the piano notes feel more defined and open. The presentation is tauter and perhaps a bit more forward than the originals, but it sounds more natural and transparent.

Tonally, the S2 has shifted away from a slightly congested lower-midrange to something more neutral and dynamic. Whether handling the complex crescendos of Bizet’s Carmen or delicate acoustic tracks, these speakers remain composed and organized, rarely sounding stressed even at volume.

A Closer of Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Terminals

Verdict

The original 606s were excellent speakers, but the 606 S2 Anniversary Edition is clearly superior across the board. Considering the relatively minor engineering changes on the spec sheet, the sonic upgrade is a genuine surprise—and a thoroughly pleasant one.

Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Specifications

  • Sensitivity: 88 dB SPL (2.83V, 1m)
  • Drivers: 1x ø25mm (1 in) Aluminum dome high-frequency, 1x ø165mm (6.5 in) Continuum cone bass/midrange
  • Impedance: 8Ω (minimum 3.7Ω)
  • Max Power Handling: 120W
  • Dimensions: 34.5 x 19 x 30cm (HxWxD)

Pros And Cons

Pros

  • Excellent clarity and resolution
  • Agile, articulate, and punchy bass (especially with high-current amps like Rotel)
  • Impressive dynamic range
  • Premium build quality

Cons

  • Nothing at this price point

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