B&W 607 S2 Anniversary vs. Klipsch R-120SW

Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition Speakers Klipsch R-120SW Subwoofer
MSRP
$800 $600
Dimensions (H × W × D)
11.81” × 6.50” × 9.13”
300mm × 165mm × 232mm
16.50” × 14.00” × 19.20”
419mm × 356mm × 488mm
Power Type
Passive Powered
Frequency Response
52-28,000 Hz 29-120 Hz
ASR Score
3.2 n/a
ASR Score w/Subwoofer
5.3 n/a
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: The Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition is a compact bookshelf speaker known for its refined soundstage and rich detail, marking a significant upgrade with its new crossover and improved components. In contrast, the Klipsch R-120SW is a dedicated subwoofer designed to deliver deep, impactful bass with its 12-inch spun-copper IMG driver. While the 607 S2 excels in midrange clarity and treble precision, it's the R-120SW that will satisfy your craving for room-filling low-frequency effects. Together, they could complement each other, but their performance goals are distinct—articulate audio fidelity vs. powerful bass depth.

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to selecting high-end audio equipment for a home stereo system, the choices can sometimes be as nuanced as they are numerous. On the table today are two heavyweights in their respective categories, each with its own set of aficionados and sonic signatures. The Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition speakers are a compact marvel from a storied British manufacturer, highly regarded for their detailed soundstage and midrange clarity. On the other hand, the Klipsch R-120SW subwoofer is an American powerhouse known for its deep, authoritative bass response that claims to shake the very foundations of your home theater setup.

Design Philosophy and Build Quality

Bowers & Wilkins brings over fifty years of speaker design to the table with the 607 S2 Anniversary Edition. These bookshelf speakers are part of a lineage that has consistently focused on marrying form and function, boasting Continuum cone technology and refined crossover design for improved resolution and openness. The Klipsch R-120SW, with its emphasis on raw power, features a spun-copper Injection Molded Graphite (IMG) woofer that allows for exceptional low-frequency response, encased in a rigid MDF cabinet designed to eliminate resonance and vibration.

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

Sound Character: Clarity vs. Power

The 607 S2 Anniversary Editions are renowned for their pristine clarity, especially in the midrange. The speakers' lifelike reproduction captures the essence of vocals and acoustic instruments, bringing a level of detail that can make you feel as though the artist is performing right in your living room. Conversely, the Klipsch R-120SW is all about the power and depth of bass. It's built to complement your main speakers and fill in the low end, making movie explosions rumble and giving electronic music that chest-thumping presence.

When paired wisely, these two products can complement each other beautifully. The 607 S2s accurately reproduce the nuances of music, while the R-120SW can handle the demand for bass without breaking a sweat. However, without careful integration and calibration, the R-120SW's dominance in low frequencies could potentially overwhelm the more refined qualities of the 607 S2s, masking their detailed performance.

Klipsch R-120SW Subwoofer
Klipsch R-120SW arrow (at Amazon.com)

Intended Use and Listener Preference

It's essential to consider the intended use when comparing these two products. Bowers & Wilkins' 607 S2 speakers are geared toward audiophiles who prioritize a balanced sound signature for critical listening of music. Their sweet spot is a room where nuances are appreciated, and the listening experience is more intimate. Meanwhile, the Klipsch R-120SW is a subwoofer designed for home theater enthusiasts who want their soundtracks to have an impactful and cinematic quality, making it an excellent addition for those who love to feel the on-screen action.

In terms of listener preference, those who lean towards vinyl collections, jazz ensembles, or chamber music will find the 607 S2s to be a revelation. The Klipsch subwoofer, however, will likely appeal more to the listener who craves the visceral experience of live concerts or the thrill of action movies, seeking an immersive, room-filling sound that really packs a punch.

In the end, the choice between Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition speakers and the Klipsch R-120SW subwoofer is more than a question of quality—it's a question of what you want to experience when you sit down to listen. A carefully configured system that includes both could offer the best of both worlds, ensuring a full spectrum of sound that caters to the discerning ear of the audiophile while satisfying the hunger for blockbuster bass that the home theater buff demands. As with all things audio, the magic is in the mix.


Check Current Prices:

Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition Speakers
Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition Speakers
Klipsch R-120SW Subwoofer
Klipsch R-120SW Subwoofer
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.