B&W LCR600 S3 Center Channels

B&W LCR600 S3 Center Channels 

DESCRIPTION

This is the larger of the two LCR (Left, Centre, Right) models in the range and its greater volume and larger drivers make it more suitable to partner the larger models in the range – DM603 S3 and DM604 S3 – as a centre speaker.

Like the LCR60 S3, the ability to use the LCR600 S3 in either horizontal (more usual in the centre position) or vertical orientation, together with its magnetic shielding, makes it an extremely versatile speaker. This is especially relevant when considering the practical problems of successfully accommodating five speakers in a domestic home theatre installation.

Most LCR systems will be used for enjoying movies. However, all B&W speakers have a long design heritage rooted in the high quality reproduction of music and our LCR models are no exception to this design philosophy.

USER REVIEWS

Showing 1-10 of 21  
[Jul 31, 2009]
dkbohn
Audio Enthusiast

Got a great price on these from Soundhounds


Just like many others I found that these speakers to be very nice. In the beginning I thought they were a little better than pretty good, but after a little break-in period they started to sound better, shortly after that I BI-AMPED them and thats when they really came alive, I'm telling you a huge difference. Before I Bi-amped them I would have said a solid 7/10, but after I must say 9/10 for sure.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
[May 28, 2005]
sactohye
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Sound is clean and clear no matter how loud

Weakness:

None.

The B&W LCR600 is currently being driven by a Sherwood Newcastle R-725 receiver. It makes up the center speaker in my home cinema system along with the DB604S3 for the left and right channel, DM602S3 for the rear and an ASW650 subwoofer. The LCR600S3 sits perched atop a Mitsubishi WT-42315 RPTV. Straight out of the box, male voices tended to sound a bit bass-heavy, so I set the Center Speaker to Small in the decoder’s setup and put the foam plug supplied with the loudspeaker in the port. This took some of the bass away from male voices so that they now sound more natural. This loudspeaker has a rear-firing port, which might account for this phenomenon. Higher frequency sounds are clean and clear. The sound from this loudspeaker is excellent no matter how loud it’s played. I have never heard any distortion or breakup from it, even at uncomfortably loud levels. With all the technology and quality built into this loudspeaker, it’s surprising it doesn’t cost more than it does. After four months of listening to it, I can find no weaknesses. The LCR600S3 is an excellent value and is hard to beat.

Similar Products Used:

B&W CC3, JBL SC-305

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Apr 12, 2005]
smokehouse
AudioPhile

Strength:

Detailed, clean, beautiful clarity. Super clean for a center channel and a breeze to listen to. Great presence and soundstage, simply amazing for movies.

Weakness:

All the strengths listed above will only manifest AFTER purchasing good equipment, especially strong amps and detailed processors. Not a real weakness but more a requirement. IT’S HEAVY! BEWARE!

I bought this to replace a LCR6 S2 speaker. First off I must say that to my ear, there is little to no difference between the two other than looks. The highs, mids and bass are equally as defined after the initial break in period. Not unlike many other well-made speakers the LCR600 requires good equipment. This is not a weakness, but it is a requirement. Every time I upgrade this speaker sounds better. Not just better, MUCH better. A few years ago I upgraded to better cables (ok, I know some don’t buy into this so just ignore this part if you think it’s bull). That immediately brought more detail, especially in the highs. Highly recommended (I went with Straightwire Octave). The big changes however came when I replaced my Marantz SR-7400 with a Rotel RMB-1075 5ch amplifier (used the Marantz as a pre/pro). This speaker literally came alive. The bass had much more punch, the soundstage opened up and the voices flattened out and instantly became more lifelike. I thought I had it made until ditching the 7400 and replacing it with a Sunfire processor. Every improvement added by the Rotel was doubled and then some. Every time I upgrade my stuff this speaker just gets better. I know this guy has a limit and won’t sound better each and every time I upgrade. I strongly doubt this would sound like a Wilson center if running off a $25,000 amp but it’s are absolutely worth every penny and then some. I would describe this speaker as warm and inviting. The tweeter is absolutely amazing and produces some of the sharpest highs I’ve heard in a speaker of this class. Man, I love those Kevlar mids as well. As a center this is easily one of the best I’ve heard anywhere close to $500, heck it out performs many $1000 center channel speakers as well. Absolutely blows away the CC6 S2 and LCR60, well worth the extra $$. One last thing, beware the size and weight of this thing! I have mine on a Lovan stand in front of my Hitachi RPTV. I strongly doubt it would be smart to place thing on top of my set let alone many other TV sets.

Similar Products Used:

CC6 S2, LCR6 S2, Polk, Monitor Audio, Jamo, mordaunt Short, JBL

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
4
[Nov 17, 2004]
Tone
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Warmth, texture to sound, clarity, looks.

Weakness:

Requires lots of clean power, no banana plugs

This review is actually for B&W's S2 model of this exact same speaker called the LCR6. Okay, I was in the market for a B&W LCR600 S3 and lucked out to find a used mint condition predecesor LCR6 S2. I had just hooked up the newly acquired B&W LCR6 to my right stereo channnel and played Rush's Tom Saywer, then look over with wide eyes at Michelle (total babe girlfriend). As I pan the balance left and right to the sweeet-sounding Mission 764 tower and then to the LCR6 she confirms immediately that the B&W sounds way better....and that I'm "NOT EVEN TO THINK ABOUT UPGRADING TO MORE OF THESE EXPENSIVE SPEAKERS!!" Enough said?? I'm not into $30,000 stereos, but I am into $7,000 ones, and have been for 2 decades - even my $7,000 car stereo has a JMLAb front end in the form of high end component Focals. So take it from someone who is probably right for your price range (considering you are looking at this regularly $750 Canadian priced Center Channel and not a $2,500 one) - this speaker sounds warm, clear, sweet and makes me want to turn that sweetness up more and more. I detected no harshness whatsoever in 2 channel stereo mode, and expect the same once I integrate it into my surround system. As expected, at 89db and 8ohms the B&W seems to require ample amounts of clean power, but what a payoff in sound quality. From this experience I may soon end up uprading everything to this next level of B&W speakers. Note: I purchased this unit used so it was probably broken in upon arrival - from the other reviews I suspect this is an important thing to remember if you are buying one of these or a LCR600 S3.

Similar Products Used:

Mission Paradigm

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jun 26, 2004]
andrewdavis10
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Clarity over the entire range. Great low end. Bi-Wireable (try it, great use of time and copper wire)

Weakness:

Long break in time. Size (it's big)

I have read other reviews about this speaker stating that it is a bit 'woofy' 'huffy' or over-large and chest in the tenor range of speech. I have to agree perfectly...at first. This is a thouroughly capable and nuanced speaker that takes a long time to break in. Given a f3ew months of regular use, the mid-tenor range evens out, and this speaker goes from a good speaker to a greak speaker.

Similar Products Used:

LCR 60 - I've read people recommending the use of the LCR 60 with smaller speakers and I have to say this: Get the highest quality center speaker you can. The center speaker is responsible for 40% or more of the audio soundtrack of a movie. Speaker matching is great, but if you go a little bigger and fuller for the center, it will onlt sound better, not worse...so err on the side of quality.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
4
[Mar 21, 2004]
coolmonk
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

- Beautiful looks - Excellent build - Detailed vocals - Clear highs/lows

Weakness:

I find no weakness for the LCR600 S3 center speaker. Given the price and performance, you wouldn't either considering your setup matched and everything is properly configured. Size matters for many people, but bigger is better for me! =]

My home theatre setup: - B&W DM602 S3 fronts - B&W LCR600 S3 center - B&W DM601 S3 surrounds - Denon AVR-3803 - Denon DVD-2200 - 32" HDTV Sony KV-32HS500 I posted a review on the B&W DM602 S3 bookshelves not too long ago and stated there that I would eventually get the LCR600 S3 center speaker to match my fronts. Well folks, it's finally been done so let's begin... As many reviews have already swore by, this thing is impressively large and heavy. I feel bad for my 32" Sony HDTV for having to take on such a painful task as to support the LCR600 on top. I would suggest not placing this center speaker on anything smaller than a 32" TV. In a standing position, it is noticeably taller and deeper than the DM602 bookshelf speaker, although a bit slimmer in width. Pop off the grill and two yellow kevlar cones shine beautifully, making the LCR600 even more attractive than the already beautiful DM602 S3. During the first week of use, the LCR600 sounded a bit closed-in and tended to be overshadowed by the room-filling sound of my DM602 S3 bookshelves. I kept thinking to myself, "Maybe the LCR600 was made only to match the bigger 600 series such as the DM603 and DM604." Well, after plentiful hours of movies and music, the LCR600 has finally broken-in and opened up to perfectly match with my front speakers. Many reviews on here will say that the smaller LCR60 S3 center speaker is a better match for the DM602 S3, but I disagree. I listened to both the LCR60 and LCR600 paired with the DM602 S3 side by side and there is just no way that the smaller center can produce richer clarity. The LCR600 has a much larger cabinet, thus producing a fuller midrange and getting better low frequency (those deep male voices). It is almost identical in size to the DM602 S3 speaker, therefore, also producing the same richness in tonality. Remember, the center speaker is the MOST important piece in home theatre speakers. Do not settle for less when choosing your center! The LCR600 does a fine job with vocals in movies. I would be lying if I said it didn't make a difference in hearing the actors/actresses better...because it does! It's amazing how it makes you pay more attention to the subtle nuances and detail in a soundtrack. In the past, I always preferred listening to music in 2-channel stereo, but the LCR600 has really shown the potential of Dolby ProLogic II. Music never sounded so nice coming the center speaker as it has with the LCR600. I find myself using Dolby ProLogic II mode more often than stereo mode when listening to my CDs, which is very uncommon. I don't want to overpraise this speaker because I understand that the richness in clarity that it produces cannot compare to that of the Nautilus HTM1 or HTM2. Regardless, it is still every bit as detailed and clear as any center speaker for under $1,000. Believe it!

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
[Dec 15, 2003]
G
Casual Listener

Strength:

Great sound overall, very clean, lots of power handling capability.

Weakness:

It's huge. A bit pricey, but good value.

I bought the LCR600 to replace an old center channel that was well past it's prime. I'm completely satisfied with this speaker. I have the 603 S3 mains, and they matched perfectly once I broke it in. The sound is clear as a bell, I'm re-watching movies now and am amazed with what I was missing. I have not seen any problems with shielding at all on this speaker. I've had it on top (too big) and now beside my TV with no impact at all on picture.

Similar Products Used:

B&W 603 S3

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Dec 12, 2003]
thammer
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Unbelievable bass, vocals, and highs for 1 speaker. This 1 speaker is capable of filling an entire room with incredible sound!

Weakness:

If I had to pick I'd say size :(

This was the floor model that's why the price is lower. I just wasn't pleased with my Boston Acoustics VR10 and recently purchased B&W602 S3's for my L and R speakers. I wanted to match my front 3 and listened to both this speaker and the LCR60. I brought the Boston speaker to the store to compare and lets just say I had to laugh as their is NO comparison! Bring all your 'Mass Market' Sony, Pioneer, Kenwood friends to a store with this speaker and do the same - they'll be sold on the spot! The LCR60 is a great speaker. I just noticed a tighter bass on the 600 and oddly enough (specs say they are the same here) more clarity in the vocals. The price diff. between the 2 for me was only $100 so I went with the 600. If you watch TV, and/or listen to music daily - go with the 600 - this thing ROCKS!

Similar Products Used:

Marantz, Paradigm, Kimber Cable

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
4
[Nov 30, 2003]
Meddle
AudioPhile

Strength:

Range, the range bull**** i wrote previously are not valid PRICE! Sound quality - even with my cheap reciever it alone fills my 30 sq. m. living room!

Weakness:

PLASTIC "SPIKES"! - I gotta get good ones! (actally something like rubber pads) dispresion

I must say that this speaker if much more than i first stated (my older review is below). I still have problems with the limited area the tweeter covers, but it's no problem since i'm the only one with the problem, so i never sit on the side! It's a totally different speaker now that it's broken in! I replaced my 602s2 with 602s3 because they simply don't match! Consider bulding a stand or shelf for this monster, and try to amplify and wire it correctly (bi-wire applicable). I think that bi-wiring this improves the speaker because of the 2.5 way design. It takes some sweat off the crossover! The best way to placeit is vertically, but it is often hard! That, or you must have a great room!

Similar Products Used:

lcr60s3, cc6s2, some mission and a cheap infinity one

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Aug 26, 2003]
scoob-5
Casual Listener

Strength:

Blends perfectly with larger B&W 6 series speakers. Wonderful highs and smooth midrange for dialog.

Weakness:

None. Build a dedicated stand to mount this thing and you won't be disappointed.

Bought this LCR600 s3 along with the DM602 s3 for the front soundstage in our HT. Replaced NHT SuperOnes at all 5 locations. (Went up to 7.2 system now, with CSW S300 sides and BIC America DV52si rears. Also a CSW P500 sub for the front and a Velodyne CT-100 sub for the rear.) As with the DM602s, the LCR600 is an exceptional speaker for reproducing all ranges of music and dialog. Even during the break-in period the sound from this speaker was open and exciting. Now with a few months worth of use the sound has warmed slightly and is very similar to the 602s. I biwired all three front speakers to get the most of the individual drivers and I think it's most noticeable on the LCR600. Biwiring is very easy and you should consider it for all of your speakers that can be biwired. There is no possibility for deleterious effects (if you watch your polarities) and the enhancements may be significant. Overall the LCR600 is turning out to be one of our smartest purchases. I'm very happy that I chose this larger model over the LCR60 and its smaller drivers and cabinet. In our room (14' x 23'), watching as many movies as we do between 6 and 12 each month), the 600 fits our needs perfectly.

Similar Products Used:

NHT SuperOne, Paradigm Monitor.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
Showing 1-10 of 21  

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