B&W 607 S2 Anniversary vs. Elac Carina BS243.4

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to bookshelf speakers, audiophiles are often faced with a choice that comes down to minute details and personal preferences, given the wealth of high-quality options available. Two noteworthy contenders in this arena are the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition Speakers and the Elac Carina BS243.4 Bookshelf Speakers. Both of these speakers promise an engaging listening experience, but they do so through different means and with their own unique sonic signatures.

The Heritage of Sound

Bowers & Wilkins, a storied name in the world of high-fidelity audio, has long been associated with producing speakers that provide a pristine and accurate audio experience. The 607 S2 Anniversary Edition is no exception, building upon its predecessor with refined components and a celebratory attention to detail. This speaker is part of B&W's illustrious 600 series, a lineup that has consistently offered an accessible entry point to the brand's signature sound. Elac, on the other hand, while perhaps not as historic as Bowers & Wilkins, has earned its place in the hearts of audiophiles with the Carina series. The BS243.4 speakers are a testament to Elac's commitment to innovation, featuring their acclaimed JET folded ribbon tweeter, which promises a crisp and airy high-end.

Design Philosophy and Build Quality

From a visual standpoint, the B&W 607 S2 speakers exude a classic and timeless appeal with their clean lines and minimalist design. They're compact and suitable for a variety of settings, whether placed on stands or nestled into a bookshelf. The build quality is solid, with an attention to detail that is expected from Bowers & Wilkins. In contrast, the Elac Carina BS243.4 offers a more contemporary design with its curved cabinets that not only provide a modern aesthetic but also contribute to the acoustic performance by reducing standing waves within the enclosure. The build quality of the Carina is equally robust, with a luxurious fit and finish that speaks volumes about Elac's commitment to craftsmanship.

Soundstage and Imaging

When it comes to soundstage and imaging, both speakers offer an impressive performance, but with distinct characteristics. The B&W 607 S2 Anniversary Edition provides a wide and open soundstage, accurately placing instruments within an expansive stereo field. The resolution and layering are remarkable, allowing listeners to pinpoint the location of each sound with ease. Conversely, the Elac Carina BS243.4 also delivers a spacious soundstage, but with a slightly warmer and more enveloping sound. The integration between the JET tweeter and the mid-bass driver results in a cohesive and unified sound field that draws the listener into the performance.

The 607 S2's Continuum cone technology, a B&W hallmark, delivers a midrange performance that is marked by clarity and neutrality, with vocals that are articulate and present. The transparency in the midrange allows for an intimate connection with the music, revealing nuances and subtleties that lesser speakers might obscure. The Elac Carina, with its newly designed compound curvature aluminum drivers, offers a slightly richer and fuller midrange, which may be more forgiving and enjoyable for long listening sessions, especially for those who prefer a more laid-back presentation.

Bass response is another area where these two models diverge. The B&W 607 S2 Anniversary Edition speakers are capable of surprising punch and depth for their size, but they may not satisfy those looking for room-shaking lows without the aid of a subwoofer. The Elac Carina BS243.4 speakers, with their rear-ported design, provide a more pronounced and authoritative bass that belies their bookshelf stature. While neither speaker is a substitute for a dedicated subwoofer in a home theater setup, the Carina's low-end performance is particularly impressive for music listening.

In the domain of high-frequency reproduction, the B&W 607 S2 again showcases its precision, with the Decoupled Double Dome tweeter offering a crisp and detailed top-end that avoids sibilance and harshness. The Elac's JET tweeter, a unique design element, yields an ultrasonic high-frequency response that extends well beyond the range of human hearing, ensuring that the highest of highs are rendered with nuance and without distortion. This can result in a sense of air and detail that is hard to match, particularly for recordings with a lot of high-frequency content.

Ultimately, the choice between the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition Speakers and the Elac Carina BS243.4 Bookshelf Speakers will come down to personal taste and the specific requirements of one's listening space and audio system. Both speakers are remarkable achievements in their own right, offering distinct sonic flavors that cater to different preferences. The 607 S2 is for those who prize accuracy and detail above all else, while the Carina BS243.4 will appeal to listeners who desire a warm, full-bodied sound with an exceptional top-end. Whichever path one chooses, both these speakers stand as a testament to the enduring power of high-fidelity audio to enrich our lives with exquisite sound.