good.sound

very.very.expensive.750.$.canedian.no.so.good.for.the.prise

psb. .it.is.cheap.for.the.same.sound.check.for.psb.before. .

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psb. image.1.b.bookshelf

Fairly wide frequency range for a speaker this size, very dynamic sounding, GREAT value!

None at this price level... it has weaknesses, but if you don't compare it to speakers costing >$500, it doesn't have many.

These speakers are amazing for the price. I used to own B&W 603's (series 1) but had to get rid of them due to my apartment and I think that these 601 s2's are even better, except that they obviously have a smaller usable frequency range. I bought the 601s2's when they first came out, in 1999. They have a great 'punch' to them, fairly good imaging, a nice wide soundstage, and if driven my decent electronics, they aren't fatiguing either (which I find amazing for speakers this affordable).

As for the other speakers I have listened to that are even remotely in the same area, NHT's tend to sound REALLY bright to me... they have a crispness and a sibilance that sounds really artificial and fatiguing for me.

The Tannoy's sounded terrible. I know without knowing the model number, it doesn't help much, but they were new models (in 2000), the size of the 601's... and they sounded SO boxy to me. The saleman was trying to tell me that they are studio monitors, but I'm a recording engineer and I don't know anyone who would use those speakers. Genelec's, NS10's, KRK's, Dunlavys, yes, but those little terrible tannoy's? I hope not.

The 602's I listened to, although going lower, were more bloated in my opinion. Obviously both of these speakers are ported, but this fact becomes more obvious on the 602's and the result is a messier bottom end, and a more boxy sound. In my opinion, if you're looking at the 602's, you should consider the 601's and a used subwoofer (or none at all) instead.
All in all, I think these are a "must audition" if you're looking for bookshelves in the $300-$400 range.

Of course, I just got rid of them and bought Dunlavy SM-1's which I LLOOVVEE, but you can read about that in the SM-1 review section... or better yet, go listen to some Dunlavy's. And no, I don't work for them. :)

Denon HDCD 5-disc changed (370?)
Rotel RA-985BX integrated amp
- (soon to be replaced by a McCormack DNA-125 and a Rotel RC-1070 preamp)

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B&W 601 (s1), B&W 602 (s1&2), Tannoy, NHT SuperZeros

Nice soundstage - breathy mids, subtle and smooth high end without annoying 'S'ibilance (sp?)

No bass - it's a bookshelf monitor - that's to be expected. Cabinet construction a little lite. Knock test fails.

Incredibly satisfied with these DM 601 S2 monitors paired with my el-cheapo electronics (see figure 1). Have been pairing it with a strong subwoofer to handle all freqs <= 80Hz.

I am considering another foray into more expensive B&W full-range floor standers, but am hesitant cos for less than $500US I have really achieved a level of sonic nirvana for the rock/pop/jazz. Latest disc in drive is The Police Message in a Box.

Does anyone have strong B&W or other rec's for under $2500 ?? I have heard CDM 9NT and have been pretty impressed but they still sound a little too 'boxy ' and stiff (maybe need break-in) to my ears. Nautilus 804 is where I am looking but soooooo pricey $3500-4000 one could buy Martin Logan's *&^%$#@~


Figure 1 - Dorm Room Electronics @ The Bachelor Pad
Nakamichi AV-10
Audio Aero Prima CD (check out www.globeaudiovideo.com)
Sony DVP-S7000 DVD player
Monster interconnects
Monster Z-series speaker cable
B&W LCR 6 center
Boston CR-6 for rear surround
Velodyne CT-120 "Classic Theatre" sub 1x12

If you're reading this I 'd like to thank Butch for hooking me up with the AV-10

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Yamaha, Tannoy, Boston, B&W CDM NT1

Clear, detailed sound

Maybe lacking a certain presence

Once upon a time I was content to listen to my $150 Model 6's until a friend brought over some strange-looking Swedish speakers (the brand escapes me). The 4-ohm speakers quickly overwhelmed my Marantz PM-57 amplifier and it shut itself down. But during that 15 seconds, it became obvious the increased level of detail was putting my Model 6's to shame. They had to go. Being on a budget I settled for the B&W 601 S2s. They were well reviewed and fit perfectly on my 24-inch speaker stands. I've been quite happy with them so far. They were a little harsh out of the box and it took a good month or two to break in the kevlar cones.
The detail of the sound is what I wanted (I hate the thought of missing musical information). Highs and midranges are clear and the bass is tight and musical. (I don't understand people who say the 601s have no bass. They must be accustomed to heavy doses of sub-woofer which I can't stand.)Jazz is what I listen to most and the 601s seem ideal for it They also do a more than servicable job with my R&B and techno disks.
The 601s probably are, as one professional reviewer put it, a little "safe," and they lack the enveloping presence of my friend's Kestrel Hot Rods. But at less than half the cost, I'd say the 601s are a good product for the money.

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Cambridge Soundworks Model 6

A champion given its price range, flexibility, surprisingly fine and clear treble and middle and powerful bass

None for this price, but still none when compared with some higher-budget speakers

More than perfect for those who don't have time, the budget or the living room to become first-class audiophiles. But perhaps are just, just a step away...
High high-value, impressingly versatile, a treat for those of you who like to listen with similar enthusiasm to many genres, let it be jazz, classical, modern, rock, alternative, etc, etc...
About the bass, it's more than one can expect for bookshelf speakers at the price range. I've listened to higher-rated and higher-budget speakers with much less depth (normally those favourites if you're keen on classical music and little else, or meant for larger listening rooms, in my opinion). Try bi-amping, preferably adding a pre-amp, the bass is there, believe me (mine are just bi-wired to a single amp, nevertheless I think it improved a great lot)

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Tannoy, Celestion

Clarity, depth, smoothness, tonal balance, bass is quite articulate for a speaker in this price range, and is more present then most of these posts imply - relatively punchy as well depending on the partnering amplification

At this price not much negative to comment on, the 601 is among the best in this price range, obviously bass is extension will be limited in a speaker this size, and thus will work out better in a smaller room

I can't significantly add much over what has already been said. The 601 is a terrific speaker in this price range and seems to have the best balance of resolution, clarity, smoothness, even tonality, and dynamics of the speakers auditioned. Both the PSB and KEF were slightly more punchy and dynamic sounding, but were also noticeably merkier and boxy sounding. I went back and forth between the 601 and 303. The bass on the 303 is actually tighter then the 601, and there is a more pronounced lower treble that makes details stand out more. The 303 is leaner in this region and can sound a bit bright. The 601 is smoother across the range, and has more image depth and ultimate impact. The 602 is a fairly big step up from the 601. Similar characteristic sound, just fuller and larger. Bass response did seem slightly less controlled then the 601 however. I'm not sure why all the hype around the Sound Dynamics RTS-3 is about, it didn't offend in any way, smooth, but didn't stand out in any way, and construction is cheap cheap cheap!

I am also surprised at the number of posts that indicate the 601 has no bass, thin bass, or that a subwoofer is mandatory. I don't agree. What bass is there is tuneful, quite present, and relatively articulate for a speaker in this price range. A good sub would flesh out the bottom end to good advantage, but is optional imo. In room response goes considerably lower then 601's ~70hz low frequency spec states. I'm using the 601s in a second system with NAD C350 and C521.

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Compared to Kef Cresta 2, PSB Image 1B/2B, Sound Dynamics RTS-3, and B&W DM303, DM602 S2

sound well with many different types of music.
sound well at low volumes as well as high.
great for HT

long break in

when i first bought them i came home, set them up and was super content that the bose am-5's could be put away. 3weeks later I started to wonder if they were really any better than bose or if it was all the hype surrounding them. 6 months later i realize my doubts had to do with the bw's not being broken in well. now that they are they sound very good. today, i decided to turn the bass and treble levels to 5+ on my amp and these speakers are really sounding great. when i tried that 5 months ago, my ears almost fell of it was so horrid, but now that they are broken in, imo, this is the way to make them shine. let me warn you that they do have the ability to make one want to move up in audiophilialand because now i cant wait to own CDM1NT's.

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DM303

Detailed highs, midrange frequencies, and throws a large stage.

The cabinet could use real veneer, for what they use looks a little cheap.

I bought the B&W's 601S2's as my first book shelf speakers, and to match, a CC6S2 to use for home theater so that all three would match tone wise for the fronts. When I first heard them, I could not believe the clarity along with the size of the sound stage I was hearing. With the 601S2's handling the mids and highs, and a good sub to handle the lows, man these speakers sound great. For the price, nothing can touch them. I'm stepping up with B&W, and plan on buying more of B&W's.... Probably three LCR6S2 for all up front, and move the 601S2's for the surrounds !

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Klipsh KG 4's , JBL Studio Monitors.

Tonal balance and level of detail.

Cabinet construction.

After 3 months of frequent play i was bugged by a "boomyness" which eminated fom the speakers . Out of frustration I took the cabinets completely apart and braced the two longest walls of the cabinets. On reassembling the speakers the entire tone of the speakers changed, the bass tightened up immensely, vocals came to life and imaging/focus was times sharper. These are great entry level speakers but the cabinet construction could be better.

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Near 10M Series 2, Proac Response 1

Transparency, coherency, imaging, speed, balance, efficiency

Congestion at high volumes, no ultra-deep bass

I began using these when I realized by beloved electrostats just didn't "get it" with a 28 watt SET tube amp. I was immediately struck by their lovely voicing on all types of music; rock, classical, jazz, and, yes, country. This is a trait shared, more or less, by the entire B&W line.

Good top to bottom balance at all but the highest volumes where they seem to congest. They can't reach down below, say, 40 Hz so if you need deeeeeep bass, for home theater or organ music, invest in some quality subwoofers. They are better in every way over the much admired DM302's, of which I own a pair.

B&W will replace the "S2" line with a newer (S3?) line which is reportedly only marginally better, if at all. This may result in some great close out deals! jc...

Similar Products Used:

B&W DM302, Polk Audio 10's, (Custom) Acoustat 1+1, 2+2, 3