B&W 607 S2 Anniversary vs. MartinLogan Motion 20i

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to the vibrant world of high-fidelity audio, the choice of speakers is as much about personal preference as it is about technical prowess. Today, we'll dive into a comparison that pits the compact British engineering marvel, the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition bookshelf speakers, against the sleek American-made MartinLogan Motion 20i towers. Both sets of speakers aim to deliver exceptional sound quality, but they approach the task with different philosophical and design methodologies that resonate with diverse groups of audiophiles.

The Aesthetics and Build

The Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition boasts a classic, refined design that is compact enough to fit into most living spaces with ease. The build quality is robust, with the speaker's cabinet meticulously constructed to reduce resonance and enhance the clarity of sound. In contrast, the MartinLogan Motion 20i is a tower speaker that exudes modernity, with its slender form factor and the distinctive folded motion tweeter giving it a futuristic edge. The larger footprint of the Motion 20i demands more space, but it offers a visual statement that some may find more appealing in a contemporary setting.

The Sound Signature

Bowers & Wilkins are renowned for their precise and natural sound signature, and the 607 S2 Anniversary Edition is no exception. These bookshelf speakers deliver exceptional midrange clarity, and their Continuum cone technology ensures articulate and detailed bass response despite their smaller size. The MartinLogan Motion 20i, on the other hand, leverages its larger cabinet and the unique properties of its folded motion tweeter to produce a soundstage that is wide, immersive, and exceptionally detailed at the high end. The bass response is authoritative, aided by the larger drivers and the tower design, offering a more visceral listening experience.

Versatility and Placement

The compact size of the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 makes them incredibly versatile. They can be placed on stands, shelves, or mounted on walls, making them an excellent choice for those with limited space. They also tend to be less fussy about placement compared to floor-standing speakers. The MartinLogan Motion 20i speakers, being towers, demand a more considered placement within the room, ideally with some space from the walls to allow their sound to develop fully. However, with the right positioning, the Motion 20i speakers can fill a room with sound that bookshelf speakers may struggle to match.

Conclusion: Different Strokes for Different Folks

Ultimately, the decision between the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition and the MartinLogan Motion 20i comes down to personal preference and room dynamics. The 607 S2 excels in spaces where a compact, unobtrusive speaker is needed, without compromising on sound quality. The MartinLogan Motion 20i is the choice for those seeking a bold visual statement and a sound that's as large and detailed as the speakers themselves. Both are exceptional performers in their respective categories, and either choice would be a testament to the owner's discerning ear for quality audio reproduction.