B&W 607 S2 Anniversary vs. ELAC Debut Reference B6.2

Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition Speakers ELAC Debut Reference B6.2 Bookshelf Speakers
MSRP
$800 $700
Dimensions (H × W × D)
11.81” × 6.50” × 9.13”
300mm × 165mm × 232mm
14.13” × 8.18” × 10.82”
359mm × 208mm × 275mm
Power Type
Passive Passive
Frequency Response
52-28,000 Hz 44-35,000 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 battle of compact titans, the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition brims with British charm, offering a detailed and spacious soundstage, sweetened by its Continuum cone technology. Celebrating 25 years of acoustic excellence, these speakers marry heritage with innovation. Meanwhile, the ELAC Debut Reference B6.2 emerges as a strong contender with its robust and dynamic output, a testament to Andrew Jones’ design prowess. It delivers deep bass and a rich midrange at an attractive price point. Choosing between them hinges on your aural preference: the B&W's refined presentation or the ELAC's vigorous energy.

Speaker Comparison

When we dive into the realm of high-fidelity audio, the conversation inevitably turns to the experience of the listener and the instruments that facilitate it. In the world of bookshelf speakers, where space is at a premium but expectations remain sky-high, two models have captured the attention of audiophiles and casual listeners alike: the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition and the ELAC Debut Reference B6.2. While both speakers have a lot to offer in terms of audio quality and design, there are nuances that set them apart and cater to different preferences and listening environments.

Design Philosophy and Build Quality

Bowers & Wilkins carries its legacy forward with the 607 S2 Anniversary Edition, boasting a minimalist design that's both elegant and functional. The build quality is unmistakably premium, using superior materials that not only contribute to its acoustic performance but also give it a sophisticated aesthetic. In contrast, the ELAC Debut Reference B6.2 sports a more traditional look with its textured vinyl finish. It exudes robustness, and while it may not match the Bowers & Wilkins in opulence, it holds its own with a sturdy construction designed to last.

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

Sound Performance

The 607 S2 Anniversary Edition shines with its Continuum cone technology, a Bowers & Wilkins proprietary innovation that ensures a cleaner and more accurate performance, particularly in the midrange. This speaker delivers a sound that's detailed and crisp, with a remarkable soundstage that belies its compact size. The ELAC Debut Reference B6.2, on the other hand, features a woven aramid-fiber woofer which provides a smooth and coherent sound. Its performance is characterized by a warm midrange and a slightly more pronounced bass response, thanks to its larger 6.5-inch driver compared to the 5-inch of the Bowers & Wilkins.

When it comes to the highs, the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition employs a refined Decoupled Double Dome tweeter, offering a treble that is airy and expansive without being piercing. The ELAC's 1-inch cloth dome tweeter isn't a slouch either, delivering clear and detailed highs, but it doesn't quite reach the ethereal heights of the Bowers & Wilkins, which seems to effortlessly extend the upper frequencies.

Integration and Versatility

The 607 S2 is remarkably accommodating when it comes to placement, thanks to its Flowport technology that helps to minimize port noise and its relatively forgiving nature in terms of room acoustics. These speakers are quite at ease in a variety of settings, from dedicated listening rooms to more casual living spaces. The ELAC Debut Reference B6.2, with its front-firing port, also offers flexibility in positioning. It can be placed closer to walls without overly accentuating the bass, making it a versatile choice for rooms where space is a constraint.

Both sets of speakers benefit greatly from proper amplification. The Bowers & Wilkins, with its 84dB sensitivity, may require a bit more power to truly come alive, while the ELAC, with a sensitivity of 87dB, is slightly more efficient and can run well with moderately powered amplifiers. However, to extract the full potential from either speaker, a high-quality amplifier and careful system matching are recommended.

Ultimately, the choice between the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition and the ELAC Debut Reference B6.2 comes down to personal preference and application. If one is seeking a speaker that accentuates detail, precision, and a high-end aesthetic, the Bowers & Wilkins is difficult to overlook. For those who prioritize a warm sound and perhaps a bit more heft in the low end, the ELAC presents a compelling case. Both are highly capable contenders in the crowded bookshelf speaker market, and either would be a worthy addition to an audiophile's collection or a novice's first foray into high-fidelity audio. What remains clear is that both Bowers & Wilkins and ELAC continue to push the boundaries of what we can expect from compact, room-friendly speakers.


Check Current Prices:

Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition Speakers
Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition Speakers
ELAC Debut Reference B6.2 Bookshelf Speakers
ELAC Debut Reference B6.2 Bookshelf Speakers
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

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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.