I have had the 602's for around 2 months, and they really are an outstanding speaker for the price range( I got mine for $470). It's got a pleasing midrange and a good highs(although at times can be a bit too shrilling) and a decent bass. Imaging on these babies is impressive. I have heard the 602's connected to a subwoofer, and they do sound a lot better with it. But if you want more bass to th 602's, you could probably get higher stands and have the bass woofer, or bass port at ear level (as opposed to the recommended - tweeter at ear level), and its better than moving the 602's closer to the wall, which would spoil the bass and give it a boomy sound. Overall, one of the best speakers at the price range

Boom, boom, tizz, tizz.Ask them what time it is and they wouldn’t have a clue.
Don't bother with them.
Get your self a pair of Epos ES14s powered by a Naim NAP250 power amp, that’ll tell what time it is even when it’s dark!

I just plunked down $470 (plus tax) for a set of B&W 602s, and all I can say is they exceeded my expectations. I'm a rock critic and own several different stereos (one in the car, one in the bathroom, one at work, one in the living room); the problem is, I rarely sit down and just ENJOY music. I was up until 3 a.m. last night, a work night, listening to these 602s. They're astonishing. Even more bizarre, I ended up listening to a lot of classical music - not my typical favorite - because it sounded so friggin' good. If you're considering the 602s, don't hesitate. They're incredibly warm and put out an amazing range of sound and detail. I'm running a pretty low-fi Sony/Kenwood system into them, too. Stunning. Truly. I'm going to have to focus on writing critical album reviews, because EVERYTHING sounds good now ... heh heh ...

I recently purchased a Dennon AVR2600 and REALLY wanted to buy some NHT 1.5s to use as front main speakers. After listening to the NHT it was clear I would need a sub to complete the set, so we hooked one up (an NHT 10" that brought the total price close to the 2.5i). An A/B comparison between this set up and the 602 (without a sub)left the NHT in the dust, particularly on lively tracks, like Stevie Ray Vaughan's Voodoo Chile. The NHT is more "accurate" and handles vocal tracks particularly well, but my money (substantially less than I had planned) went to the B&W and some nice stands.
This is by far the best speaker I found in the price range.

These speakers are not bad. They are very sensitive and can play moderately loud without sonding strained. Bass was acceptable especially if you listen to small scale orchestral works or acoustic jazz.It does have some problems that I am sure many people will disagree with; first, it is very bright and tends to cause ear fatigue after a few minutes of listening;second ,for the price there are better speakers especially if you prefer a more "natural" sound. My personal preferences are NHT superone,NHT 1.5, B&W CDM2.

Well, I just got myself a pair of 602s, and I am in love. They make music happen. I may be biased because they're the speakers I actually have, but I feel they blow the pants off of the Energy C2, and the Energys impressed me in a major way when I heard them. The 602s sound incredibly clean and pure. They can get down to about 35 Hz comfortably, which is low enough for good bass on almost anything. Listening to quiet parts of songs, I get the impression that the singer is standing right next to me, crooning into my ear. They handle loud beautifully as well; as my neighbor put it "Wow, I'm floating in music!" They are truly beautiful speakers, well worth the price.

I just listened to the 602's after hearing a lot about them. I own a pair of Energy Connoisseur C-2s mated to a Marantz SR-880. Well, I wasn't that impressed with the 602's very much at all. They sounded fine, indeed, but they didn't blow me away the way I do when I listen to the C-2s when I get home. I honestly think the C-2s are a much more musical speaker. But, after listening to Energy's Veritas V2.8, nothing can compare anymore! Sadly, not even the C-2s...

While you were getting a "master's degree," it is ashame that they did not teach you how to spell "acoustics." And to the Brit: Cute review, but utterly uselss. I would like to hear a dedicated critique of the 602s. I listened to the 602s only once, but for the price range, they seem to do an admirable job of presenting music with clarity and definition.

I have only one thing to say: The B&W DM 602's are truly excellent speakers. I have a master degree in Acustics Engineering, if any one has the background to judge sound it's me. For the price and size of these speakers, they leave any other speakers in it's class buried in shameful silence.

While I haven't auditioned the 602's I agree with Mr. hurd. I don't feel the "acustic engineer's" review holds much water. I have a master of science degree in Audiology, and I would NEVER claim that I am a better judge of sound than the next person. He may be better suited to judge the build of the speaker, but not how you and I HEAR what is produced. Audition equipment in person.