B&W 607 S2 Anniversary vs. Pioneer SP-FS52

Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition Speakers Pioneer SP-FS52 Tower Speakers
MSRP
$800 $260
Dimensions (H × W × D)
11.81” × 6.50” × 9.13”
300mm × 165mm × 232mm
35.19” × 8.88” × 10.63”
894mm × 226mm × 270mm
Power Type
Passive Passive
Frequency Response
52-28,000 Hz 40-20,000 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 realm of accessible high-fidelity, the B&W 607 S2 Anniversary Edition speakers offer a refined, articulate performance, celebrating 25 years of acoustic innovation with improved crossovers and a luxurious finish. These bookshelf marvels project an expansive soundstage with pristine highs and mids, ideal for meticulous listeners. In contrast, the Pioneer SP-FS52 towers, designed by the legendary Andrew Jones, deliver remarkable value with their three-way design, ensuring a rich, full-bodied sound that belies their modest price. They stand tall as budget-friendly floor-standers, capable of filling a room with warm, engaging audio. Choosing between the two hinges on space, budget, and sonic preference.

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to enriching our lives with the magic of sound, both the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition and the Pioneer SP-FS52 tower speakers stand as testaments to audio engineering and passion for performance. Though they hail from different audio philosophies and price brackets, comparing them can be a fascinating exploration for any audiophile. The former, a compact stand-mount speaker bursting with British audio heritage, and the latter, an affordable floor-standing model crafted by the legendary Andrew Jones, each offer distinct approaches to sound reproduction.

The Legacy of Sound

The Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition speakers continue a legacy of excellence that has been synonymous with the brand for decades. Celebrating their storied history, these speakers come with improvements over their predecessors, such as upgraded crossovers and new capacitors, promising an even more refined listening experience. They represent the upper echelon of the bookshelf speaker segment, with a focus on delivering detailed and accurate sound that is faithful to the original recording.

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

Design Philosophy and Aesthetics

In contrast, the Pioneer SP-FS52 towers, designed by acclaimed audio engineer Andrew Jones, take a more utilitarian approach to their aesthetic and design. Standing tall and unassuming, these speakers are built with a mind towards the budget-conscious enthusiast who still craves a full-bodied sound. The curved cabinet design not only adds a touch of elegance but also serves to reduce standing waves within the cabinet, enhancing the clarity and accuracy of the audio output.

Sound Characteristics

When delving into their sound characteristics, the 607 S2 Anniversary Editions shine with their remarkable resolution and wide soundstage. The Continuum cone technology, a Bowers & Wilkins staple, ensures a seamless and transparent midrange that is hard to rival in their class. The highs are crisp and airy, thanks to the Decoupled Double Dome aluminum tweeters, allowing for an immersive and articulate sound that can reveal the nuances in complex musical passages.

Pioneer SP-FS52 Tower Speakers
Pioneer SP-FS52 arrow (at Amazon.com)

The Pioneer SP-FS52, meanwhile, focuses on delivering a warm and rich sound. The three 5-1/4" woofers ensure deep, robust bass that is surprising for speakers at this price point. The 1" high-efficiency soft dome tweeter, while perhaps not as revealing as the Bowers & Wilkins' offering, still provides smooth and extended highs. These towers are adept at creating a large and enveloping soundstage that can fill a room with ease, making them excellent for both music and home theater applications.

Listening Experiences and Applications

Those who opt for the 607 S2 Anniversary Edition will find themselves engulfed in a precise and analytical listening experience, ideal for intimate sessions where every detail is savored. They excel in genres like jazz, classical, and acoustic, where their ability to articulate the subtlest of sounds comes to the fore. Conversely, the Pioneer SP-FS52 speakers lend themselves to a more relaxed listening scenario, where the aim is to enjoy a full and satisfying sound that doesn't demand your undivided attention.

Ultimately, the choice between the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition and the Pioneer SP-FS52 comes down to personal preference and the intended use. The B&W offers an elite, refined experience tailored for the discerning listener who values precision and detail, while the Pioneer provides an exceptional value proposition, delivering a pleasurable and engaging performance that punches well above its weight. Both stand as strong contenders in their respective fields, each with the potential to unlock the beauty of music in their unique ways.


Check Current Prices:

Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition Speakers
Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition Speakers
Pioneer SP-FS52 Tower Speakers
Pioneer SP-FS52 Tower 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.