B&W 607 S2 Anniversary vs. MartinLogan Motion 2i

Speaker Comparison

When you're deeply enmeshed in the audiophile universe, the quest for the perfect bookshelf speaker can feel like a search for the Holy Grail. On one end of the spectrum, we have the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition, a speaker that carries the weight of a storied brand's reputation for sonic excellence. On the other hand, the MartinLogan Motion 2i bookshelf speakers present an intriguing alternative, wielding their proprietary Folded Motion tweeter technology as a foil to B&W's Continuum cone. Both speakers are compact powerhouses, designed to deliver audio fidelity in a small package, yet their approaches to achieving acoustic nirvana differ significantly.

The Heritage of Sound: Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition

Bowers & Wilkins is a brand synonymous with heritage and high-fidelity. Celebrating its half-century legacy, the 607 S2 Anniversary Edition is a testament to the brand’s commitment to continuous improvement. With the introduction of the updated Continuum cone material, originally developed for their flagship 800 Series Diamond, B&W has trickled down this innovation to the 607 S2, offering a taste of their top-tier performance at a more accessible price point. With a refined 2-way design and a decoupled double dome aluminum tweeter, the 607 S2 promises precise sound staging and a detailed sonic palette that caters to purists seeking natural and accurate reproduction.

Innovative Tweeter Technology: MartinLogan Motion 2i

MartinLogan, on the other hand, has always been about pushing the boundaries of conventional speaker design. Their Motion series, and specifically the Motion 2i bookshelf speakers, leverage the remarkable Folded Motion tweeter. This innovation delivers lightning-fast transient response, with a surface area many times larger than a traditional dome tweeter. The result is a fascinating blend of clarity and smoothness, capable of capturing the delicate nuances and intricacies of music. The Motion 2i, with its compact bass reflex design and eye-catching aesthetics, is not just a speaker; it's a conversation piece that challenges the norms of traditional high-end audio.

Battle of the Bass: Low-End Performance

The Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition speakers boast robust bass for their size, thanks to the Continuum cone midbass drivers. They're adept at producing a punchy and well-defined low end, albeit within the limitations of their modest enclosure. In contrast, the MartinLogan Motion 2i's lean towards a more balanced sound signature, with bass that is tight and accurate but may not extend as deeply or resonate as powerfully as the 607 S2. For those who prioritize a fuller bass response, B&W might have the edge, but if precision and balance are your goals, MartinLogan's offering will not disappoint.

When it comes to the midrange, the Bowers & Wilkins exhibit a warm, inviting character that is both rich and lush. Vocal performances shine on the 607 S2, with textures and timbres rendered beautifully. The MartinLogan Motion 2i, with its high-resolution Folded Motion tweeter, provides a more analytical approach to the midrange. This allows for exceptional detail retrieval and crisp articulation, ensuring that every layer of the music is discernible. Depending on your listening preferences, the warmth of B&W may be preferable for long listening sessions, while the detail-oriented MartinLogan may appeal to those who crave high levels of clarity.

When considering aesthetics and build quality, both Bowers & Wilkins and MartinLogan illustrate a mastery of craftsmanship. The 607 S2 Anniversary Edition is available in multiple finishes that exude a classic elegance, making it a versatile fit for various room decors. The build quality is robust, with attention to detail that reflects the company's high standards. Conversely, the MartinLogan Motion 2i speakers offer a more modern and somewhat minimalist design, which may appeal to those looking for a contemporary edge. The build is equally impressive, with a solid construction that feels premium to the touch.

At the end of the day, choosing between the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition and the MartinLogan Motion 2i bookshelf speakers is less about absolute performance and more about what suits your individual taste in music, aesthetics, and sound presentation. The 607 S2 offers a lush, full-bodied experience that is deeply satisfying, while the Motion 2i delivers an articulate and revealing performance that will delight detail enthusiasts. It's a question of warm immersion versus detailed precision, and the answer lies in which experience resonates with your soul. I'd recommend auditioning both pairs in your own listening environment with your favorite tracks—after all, hearing is believing in the world of high-fidelity audio.