B&W 607 S2 Anniversary vs. Dayton Audio T652-AIR

Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition Speakers Dayton Audio T652-AIR Tower Speakers
MSRP
$800 $250
Dimensions (H × W × D)
11.81” × 6.50” × 9.13”
300mm × 165mm × 232mm
30.00” × 7.10” × 9.50”
762mm × 180mm × 241mm
Power Type
Passive Passive
Frequency Response
52-28,000 Hz 45-20,000 Hz
ASR Score
3.2 n/a
ASR Score w/Subwoofer
5.3 n/a
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the realm of high-fidelity audio, the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition bookshelf speakers epitomize acoustic refinement and attention to detail, celebrating 25 years of sonic excellence. They offer a lush, detailed soundstage, thanks to their Continuum cone technology and improved crossovers. Conversely, the Dayton Audio T652-AIR Tower Speakers stand as budget-conscious contenders, delivering surprising audio depth with their Air Motion Transformer tweeters for crisp highs, and dual 6.5-inch woofers for a punchy bass response. Both cater to different audiences—audiophiles versus casual listeners—seeking quality within their respective price brackets.

Speaker Comparison

When evaluating speakers like the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition and the Dayton Audio T652-AIR Tower Speakers, one must consider a multitude of factors, from sound quality to design aesthetics. Bowers & Wilkins, a company renowned for its commitment to sonic excellence, offers the 607 S2 Anniversary Edition as a compact stand-mount option that is part of its prestigious 600 series. These bookshelf speakers feature upgraded crossovers and a refined aesthetic compared to the previous iteration, signaling the brand's dedication to continuous improvement.

Contrastingly, Dayton Audio's T652-AIR Tower Speakers present a different approach. These floor-standing models prioritize value for money, delivering a decent sonic experience that does not dig deep into the pockets. They are tall, slim, and designed to make a statement in any room without consuming much space. The Air Motion Transformer tweeter is their crowning feature, promising crisp and detailed high frequencies that can rival more expensive models.

Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition Speakers
B&W 607 S2 Anniversary arrow (at Amazon.com)

Sound Quality: Detail and Dynamics

The 607 S2 Anniversary Edition excels in its delivery of detail and nuance. Bowers & Wilkins' Continuum cone technology, borrowed from their higher-end series, ensures a pristine midrange that showcases vocals and instruments with exceptional clarity. The speakers offer a controlled bass response that, while not room-shaking, is accurate and well-defined. The 607 S2 also benefits from improvements in the crossover design, which contribute to a more cohesive and immersive soundstage.

Dayton Audio's T652-AIR carries the excitement of a tower speaker with its dual 6-1/2" woofers, which push a larger volume of air to create a sense of scale and depth. The AMT tweeter provides a sparkling top-end that can illuminate subtle details in recordings. However, the T652-AIR may lack the finesse in the midrange and the overall sonic cohesion offered by the 607 S2 Anniversary Edition, resulting in a sound that is enjoyable but perhaps not as polished.

Dayton Audio T652-AIR Tower Speakers
Dayton Audio T652-AIR arrow (at Amazon.com)

Build Quality and Design

In terms of build quality, Bowers & Wilkins' 607 S2 Anniversary Edition speaks volumes of the brand's reputation for high standards. The build is robust, the finish is impeccable, and every aspect from the binding posts to the cabinet's reinforcements exudes quality. The design is timeless, and the speakers are compact enough to blend seamlessly into most living spaces.

The Dayton Audio T652-AIR Tower Speakers, while not matching the premium materials and construction of the Bowers & Wilkins, still offer a solid build for their price point. The black ebony pica vinyl finish gives a sleek look, and the tower design means they have a presence in the room that bookshelf speakers simply cannot match. They may not boast the same attention to detail, but they are well-constructed for budget-friendly towers.

Value for Money

When it comes to value, the Dayton Audio T652-AIR stands out for providing a true floor-standing speaker experience at an entry-level price. For those looking to fill a room with sound on a budget, these speakers perform admirably. Meanwhile, the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition represents a higher investment, but the return is a speaker that punches above its weight, offering a slice of high-end audio without the need for a subwoofer in smaller rooms.

Ultimately, choosing between the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition and Dayton Audio T652-AIR Tower Speakers will depend on the listener's priorities. If the allure of a detailed, high-fidelity sound from a compact and exquisitely crafted speaker is paramount, then the 607 S2 is the clear choice. For those who want a more physically imposing speaker that delivers a satisfying soundstage without the high-end price tag, the Dayton Audio T652-AIR is a compelling option.


Check Current Prices:

Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition Speakers
Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition Speakers
Dayton Audio T652-AIR Tower Speakers
Dayton Audio T652-AIR Tower Speakers
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Disclaimer: the speaker data listed on this website are correct to the best of our knowledge, but we do not guarantee the accuracy of the data. Please double-check any measurements with the manufacturer before making a final purchasing decision.