B&W 607 S2 Anniversary vs. MartinLogan Motion 15i

Speaker Comparison

When the quest for the ultimate bookshelf speaker emerges from the shadows of the listening room, a few names resonate with the promise of audio nirvana. In that revered list, Bowers & Wilkins and MartinLogan are luminaries, each brand bringing forth its own interpretation of acoustic excellence. The Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition and the MartinLogan Motion 15i bookshelf speakers stand as titans in the compact speaker category, offering enthusiasts a taste of high-end sound without the need for cavernous space or an endless budget. While they both aim to enchant the most discerning ears, their approaches diverge like two distinct melodies in a complex piece of music.

The Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition is an evolution, a fine-tuning of an already successful recipe. It celebrates the classic British sound with a warmth and clarity that is both inviting and precise. The 607 S2 features a Continuum cone, borrowed from B&W's higher-end series, which claims to offer a cleaner and more accurate performance. This Anniversary Edition also comes with upgraded crossovers, a nod to the audiophiles who appreciate the subtle yet impactful role these components play in the symphony of sound reproduction.

In contrast, the MartinLogan Motion 15i dances to the beat of a different drummer, employing an advanced Folded Motion tweeter. This unique design enables the speaker to reproduce crisp highs with lightning-fast response times, creating a soundstage that is both expansive and pinpoint accurate. This technology is the heart of the Motion 15i's allure, setting it apart from conventional dome tweeters and giving it a distinctive edge in rendering the finest details in a musical performance.

Design Aesthetics and Build Quality

The aesthetics of a speaker can be as important to an audiophile as the sound itself. The Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 exudes a classic charm with its traditional boxy shape, refined by elegant curves and a choice of three sophisticated finishes. The attention to build quality is evident in the solid cabinets and the luxurious feel of the grilles. The 607 S2 doesn't scream for attention but rather waits to be discovered and admired.

MartinLogan's Motion 15i, on the other hand, presents a more modern visage, with a sleek, slanted top and the distinct large front-facing Folded Motion tweeter that serves as both a talking point and a visual marker of its advanced audio capabilities. The build quality is robust, with a variety of finishes to choose from, ensuring that these speakers will find a home in any contemporary listening space.

Sound Character and Performance

Delving into the sound, the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition delivers a fuller-bodied experience, with a rich midrange that makes vocals come alive. The bass is tight and controlled, impressive for a speaker of its size, allowing it to handle a wide range of genres with aplomb. It excels at providing a smooth and cohesive sound that can fill a room without being overbearing. The Anniversary enhancements ensure that even the most subtle nuances are captured and conveyed with a palpable sense of realism.

The MartinLogan Motion 15i, propelled by its Folded Motion tweeter, offers a different kind of audio indulgence. There is an airy quality to the highs that gives a sense of openness and breath to recordings. The midrange is clear and articulate, ensuring that each instrument and voice is distinctly placed within an expansive soundstage. While the bass might not have the same heft as the B&W, it remains articulate and well-defined, suitable for most music types, especially those that thrive on detail and texture.

Concluding Thoughts

Ultimately, choosing between the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition and the MartinLogan Motion 15i bookshelf speakers comes down to personal preference. The 607 S2 Anniversary Edition is for those who seek warmth, richness, and a speaker that blends seamlessly into the fabric of their favorite music. It's for the listener who wants to be enveloped by sound and appreciates the legacy of a storied brand.

The MartinLogan Motion 15i, with its razor-sharp accuracy and innovative tweeter design, is for the audiophile who is after precision and clarity, one who craves a speaker that unveils every layer of the music with meticulous detail. It's a statement piece that doesn't just play music; it reveals it. Whichever path one chooses, either of these speakers will transform a listening space into a private concert hall, where every note and every breath is a testament to the art of high-fidelity sound.