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- Review count2
- Helpfulness votes45
- First reviewApril 2, 2012
- Last reviewJanuary 18, 2015
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- Average rating4.5
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excowboy9's Reviews
This Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series 683 S2 FP35327 3-way floorstanding loudspeaker features two 6-1/2" dual-layer aluminum woofer cones, a 1" decoupled double-dome aluminum tweeter and a 6" Aramid fiber FST midrange cone for lush, dynamic sound.
Customer Rating
4
Excellent speaker in this price range
on January 18, 2015
Posted by: excowboy9
from Loveland, CO
I purchased these speakers a few months after they were released. I auditioned them along with the CM9 s1 (the S2 had not yet been released) and the Martin Logan Motion 40s. I had auditioned the 683 s1 a few years back. The speaker has been completely redesigned with respect to the S1 with the new double dome tweeter, aluminum composite woofers, and more compact cabinet. It retains the FST midrange driver but with some modifications similar to the fantastic PM1 standmount speaker. The S2 cabinets are very solid and the speaker weighs in at just under 60 lbs (which might reduce unwanted cabinet resonances). One of the things I enjoyed most about the S1 was the fantastic midrange performance provided by the incorporation of the FST driver. However, the S1 lacked some clarity regarding the higher frequencies and ultimately that's what kept me from purchasing a pair. When auditioning the S2 I immediately noticed the improvement in clarity largely due to the new tweeter. During auditioning I realized this improvement brought the performance very close to the CM9 s1. However, I felt that the CM9 s1 tweeter was still slightly better than the 683 s2. But, for about 50% of the cost the 683 S2 brings you to about 90-95% of the performance of the CM9 S1 (the CM9 S2 is of course a different matter altogether). Aesthetically, it's not as pleasing with the black ash veneer compared to the gloss black of the CM9 but this wasn't a major factor in my purchase decision.
Next, I listened to the Martin Logan Motion 40s. The Motion 40s are a very nice looking speaker but more expensive at $2000 for the pair. They feature a folded motion tweeter (similar to ribbon tweeter technology) and are also 3-way. I immediately noticed the superior low end performance. However, this wasn't really a factor for me considering that I would be using a subwoofer in my setup at home. The higher frequency performance was great but I felt that it wasn't quite as neutral as the 683 S2. I "ABed" back and forth between both speakers and was torn between the two but ultimately I preferred the 683S2. To my ears, the 683 S2 was simply more neutral but not fatiguing. Sure, it's not as nice to look at with a slightly more utilitarian appearance (it looks like a speaker) but this was a secondary consideration (and much less important) for me anyway.
Final thoughts:
The redesigned 683 is a winner. After getting them home I realized that they performed best in a medium to large room and placement was important for bass response. They do like a little power (3 ohm dips) but this isn't a problem for a quality AVR or dedicated 2-channel preamp/amp setup (what I'm currently using). Pleased with the purchase. There are definitely some competitors in this price range especially with internet direct brands.
Next, I listened to the Martin Logan Motion 40s. The Motion 40s are a very nice looking speaker but more expensive at $2000 for the pair. They feature a folded motion tweeter (similar to ribbon tweeter technology) and are also 3-way. I immediately noticed the superior low end performance. However, this wasn't really a factor for me considering that I would be using a subwoofer in my setup at home. The higher frequency performance was great but I felt that it wasn't quite as neutral as the 683 S2. I "ABed" back and forth between both speakers and was torn between the two but ultimately I preferred the 683S2. To my ears, the 683 S2 was simply more neutral but not fatiguing. Sure, it's not as nice to look at with a slightly more utilitarian appearance (it looks like a speaker) but this was a secondary consideration (and much less important) for me anyway.
Final thoughts:
The redesigned 683 is a winner. After getting them home I realized that they performed best in a medium to large room and placement was important for bass response. They do like a little power (3 ohm dips) but this isn't a problem for a quality AVR or dedicated 2-channel preamp/amp setup (what I'm currently using). Pleased with the purchase. There are definitely some competitors in this price range especially with internet direct brands.
My Best Buy number: 2037149523
I would recommend this to a friend!
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41of 41voted this as helpful.
Learn moreabout Magnolia PremiumInstallation These speaker stands feature vertical metal columns that can be filled with sand to dampen resonance for crystal-clear sound. Each base features adjustable screw-in spikes to enhance stability.
Posted by: excowboy9
from Loveland, CO
I bought a second pair for my Ascend Sierra-1s (20 lbs a piece). I have another pair for some B&W 685s. These are sturdy stands that are perfect for larger and heavier standmount speakers such as the B&W 685s. They are stylish and match my other B&W products. They come with an array of floor spikes whether they are intended to be installed on carpet or hardwood floors. The top of the stand is wide enough to comfortably support most speakers. The stands can also be filled with sand if needed for even more stability (to prevent toppling by dogs or children). I would recommend Blu Tak between the speaker and the stand as well to prevent sliding (since the speaker simply rests on top of the metal plate). They just raised the price from $100 to $150 recently but they're still a fair value for this price. You won't find a sturdier 24" stand unless you order from Sanus directly.
What's great about it: Stable, stylish
What's not so great: Price is on expensive side
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Bowers & Wilkins - 6-1/2" 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers (Pair) - Black Ash Vinyl
(41)Durability
5
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4of 5voted this as helpful.
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Experience true digital fiber-optic surround sound audio connections with this cable that is designed to connect both standard and high-definition components by sending digital surround sound audio signals through Toslink digital audio (S/PDIF) jacks.
WHAT IN THE WORLD IS THIS FOR
I was given this cable and i have zero club what it does and what it is used for. Please help me
The cable is used for high quality digital audio from DVD, video game system, or music sources. You can use it if your receiver or amplifier has the connection capability. Furthermore, only the newer DVD players provide this type of connection. Blu-ray, the new Xbox S console, PS3, and HD televisions all should have this capability as well.
13 years, 3 months ago
by
excowboy9
Loveland, CO