B&W 607 S2 Anniversary vs. Presonus Eris E3.5

Speaker Comparison

The pursuit of audio perfection often leads us down the rabbit hole of endless gear comparisons, hoping to strike that harmonious balance between cost and quality. In the world of compact speakers, Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition and PreSonus Eris E3.5 emerge as prominent contenders, yet they cater to distinctly different audiences. The 607 S2 Anniversary, a testament to Bowers & Wilkins' longstanding legacy in the high-fidelity space, is purpose-built for the audiophile with an ear for intricate details. On the flip side, the Eris E3.5 is designed with the pragmatic, budget-conscious home studio enthusiast in mind, offering a near field monitoring solution that punches above its weight without breaking the bank.

Design Philosophy and Build Quality

Upon first glance, the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition exudes a sense of sophistication with its clean lines and classic aesthetic, celebrating the brand's 25 years of acoustic innovation. The attention to detail is palpable, from the meticulously crafted cabinets to the Continuum cone technology inherited from their higher-end siblings. Contrastingly, the PreSonus Eris E3.5 sports a utilitarian design, more focused on functionality than flair. While it may not win the same design accolades, its compact and rugged construction shows a clear emphasis on studio durability and practicality.

Audio Performance

Sound signature is the heart and soul of any speaker, and here is where the two make their most profound distinction. The 607 S2 Anniversary Edition is known for its warm, expansive soundstage and the remarkable clarity that Bowers & Wilkins is renowned for. The Continuum cone delivers a pristine midrange, free from the coloration that often plagues lesser speakers, while the Decoupled Double Dome tweeter offers a treble experience that's as smooth as it is detailed. In contrast, the Eris E3.5, with its woven composite drivers, aims for an honest, flat response; a no-frills representation that is essential for audio mixing, ensuring that the tracks produced translate well across various playback systems.

In the low end, the Bowers & Wilkins 601 S2 Anniversary Edition surprises with its bass response, considering its size. It's tight and controlled, yet full-bodied when the track demands it. The PreSonus Eris E3.5, while not as deep in its bass reach, provides a balanced and accurate low-end that serves well for near-field monitoring and can be adjusted via the onboard Acoustic Tuning controls to tailor the bass response to the room's acoustics.

Functionality and Connectivity

Functionality-wise, the 607 S2 Anniversary Edition is straightforward – it's a passive speaker that requires a separate amplifier or receiver to bring it to life. This offers the flexibility to pair it with a variety of high-quality amplifiers, but it also adds to the overall cost and complexity of the system. The Eris E3.5, being active monitors, simplifies the setup by having the amplification built-in, which is especially attractive for those who wish to minimize additional equipment. Furthermore, PreSonus furnishes these monitors with unbalanced RCA and balanced 1/4" TRS inputs, making them adaptable to various studio environments.

For the home audiophile, the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition is a clear choice if the aim is to indulge in the nuances of a favorite vinyl or to get lost in the depths of a high-resolution digital track. The investment here is not just in a speaker, but in a listening experience that aspires to replicate the original recording's emotion and intention. Meanwhile, for the aspiring mixer or those in need of reliable studio monitors, the PreSonus Eris E3.5 offers a cost-effective and honest tool that ensures what you create in the studio translates well into the real world.

Choosing between the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition and the PreSonus Eris E3.5 boils down to understanding your listening needs and preferences. Whether you’re leaning towards audiophile-grade listening pleasure or professional studio accuracy, both sets of speakers stand out in their respective realms. It's a testament to the fact that in the end, the perfect speaker isn't the one that simply sounds good, but the one that resonates with your purpose and brings joy to your ears.