B&W 607 S2 Anniversary vs. Polk Audio HTS 12

Speaker Comparison

When discussing the realm of high-fidelity audio, the conversation inevitably pivots to the integration of speakers that excel in their respective domains. This is particularly true when comparing the delicate and precise Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition bookshelf speakers to the robust and room-filling Polk Audio HTS 12 Powered Subwoofer. Both of these audio components represent the pinnacle of their categories, promising to deliver an immersive listening experience, albeit through vastly different means.

Clarity and Detail vs. Power and Depth

The Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition is a celebration of the brand's commitment to acoustic excellence. With its Continuum cone technology and an upgraded crossover, it ensures a clear and articulate sound that is bound to satisfy audiophiles who crave nuance and detail. The 607 S2 extracts every ounce of emotion from the music, be it the subtle brush of a snare or the gentle decay of a piano note, allowing listeners to appreciate the intricate layers in their favorite recordings.

On the flip side, the Polk Audio HTS 12 subwoofer brings a different set of sonic attributes to the table. It is designed to plumb the depths of low frequency, delivering a powerful and visceral bass response that can be felt as much as it can be heard. With its 12-inch driver and patented Power Port technology, the HTS 12 extends the lower end of your audio setup, ensuring that movie soundtracks and music genres that thrive on bass are rendered with impact and authority.

Integration into the Listening Space

The compact nature of the 607 S2 speakers lends itself to seamless integration into most listening spaces. Their relatively small footprint allows audiophiles to place them on stands or shelves without commanding too much space. Despite their size, they project a wide and accurate soundstage, which makes them versatile for both stereo listening and as part of a larger surround sound setup.

Contrastingly, the Polk Audio HTS 12, with its larger physical presence, requires more consideration in terms of placement. The subwoofer's output can be greatly affected by room dynamics and positioning. However, once properly integrated, it anchors the audio experience with its substantial bass delivery, filling out the sonic spectrum in a way that smaller speakers like the 607 S2 simply cannot achieve on their own.

Building a Cohesive System

When it comes to building a cohesive audio system, the synergy between speakers and subwoofers cannot be overstressed. The Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition, while full-bodied for its size, benefits from the addition of a subwoofer like the Polk Audio HTS 12 to handle the low-end frequencies. This combination allows the 607 S2 to focus on midrange and high frequencies, resulting in a more refined and balanced overall sound.

The Polk HTS 12, while it can stand alone to add bass to any system, reaches its full potential when paired with high-resolution speakers like the 607 S2. This pairing creates an encompassing audio environment that captures the full spectrum of sound, providing an end-to-end audio experience that is both powerful and precise. Together, these two components can offer a richly textured soundscape that brings the listener closer to the original recording's intent.