Bowers & Wilkins - 600 Series 686 S2 5" 2-Way Bookshelf Loudspeakers (Pair) - Black

I normally don't even bother leaving reviews on items that I've purchased, but I felt compelled to for these B&W speakers. I got 2 of these bookshelf speakers as part of a 5.1 surround sound system from Best Buy about 6 months ago now. I was looking to upgrade from a Bose home theater system that I had been using for a few months that I was completely unimpressed with. Having put this B&W system to extensive use, I can honestly say that I've never been happier with a purchase decision in my life. Unfortunately for me, I doubt I'll get to cherish that blissful feeling ever again... These speakers are made using the highest quality, aerospace grade materials (like the "Rohacell" carbon-fibre reinforced Kevlar "cone" material...) in such a way that'll prevent them from losing their laser-precise sound quality for far longer than I'm likely to inhabit this world. It's unlikely I'll ever be provided the opportunity to replace them (with newer B&W speakers obviously), but worse things have happened though, right? Whether these speakers are blaring electronic dance music, belting out anthemic country tunes, harmonizing classical ensembles, or immersing an audience into the midst of a chaotic war-zone surrounded by the hiss of machine gun fire and the earth-shattering roar of mortar shell explosions -- Everything that comes out of these speakers sounds truly heavenly. The realism and clarity of sound that B&W speaker systems produce is down-right shocking. For example: On numerous occasions I've left TV shows playing in my living room while doing work in my study, heard a knock at my front door, opened the door expecting to welcome a guest, and then laughed when I realized that the sound actually emanated from my speakers during a scene in the TV show I'd left on. What's even more impressive though, is the fact that my dog started barking and ran to the door each time this happened too. He's a French Bulldog... Do you have any idea how MASSIVE their ears are!? Seriously, just do yourself a favor and go with B&W products. Your only regret will be the fact that nothing else you purchase will ever make you this happy again.

These were the first of several pairs of speakers that I brought home to audition. I installed them in a stereo setup for music only, no surround. They received ample power from a vintage Carver M1.0t amp and I auditioned them entirely with CD's of various genres. My listing space is an off-set, medium size room where the speakers are placed on a shelf just above ear level and very near the rear wall. The forward facing ports on the B&W 686 S2 certainly help with the near-wall installation in keeping the base tight. These speakers image incredibly well, particularly given the less-than-ideal conditions of my listening space. I quickly forgot that I was listening to book shelf speakers and became completely immersed in the music. The highs were crisp, the base tight, and in the middle nothing less than perfect. So why only 4 out of 5 stars? Because as good as these are, I found that there are better speakers at a similar price point. At least better for my circumstances. If you're shopping in the $400 to $600 range I encourage you to explore your options, there are plenty. I landed on the Elac Uni-Fi UB5. Your space, your equipment, and your musical preferences are your own, so I encourage you to audition as many speakers as you can in your own home and don't pay too much attention to what everybody else likes.

I am rather frustrated right now. I took delivery of these B&W 686 speakers today and was all excited to integrate them into my HT system. Installation took all of five minutes. Piece of cake. They also sound fantastic. There is however - in my opinion - a fundamental design flaw in the 686/685 bookshelf speakers. Although I bought the B&W speaker stands that the Magnolia rep recommended, you can NOT fasten the speakers onto the stands. They just sit there. Now that will be fine in 99% of instances, but should your pet or small child bump in to said speaker stands, you run the risk of having your beautiful 686/685 speakers fall off. There is NO way to secure these speakers onto the stands, even though there are screw holes in the stands. After a long conversation with the Magnolia rep, I was informed that my only two options are to either 1) put velcro tape between the speaker and the stand (which seems absurd), or 2) upgrade to the CM1 speakers that have built in screw holes in their bases - that will only cost me an additional $500. I have no idea what the rationale was at B&W to NOT include pre-drilled holes to secure these wonderful speakers onto their stands. Bottom line, I give these speakers 5 stars for sound quality and 1 star for design. I'm probably going to return them because of the stand fastening issue.

I was looking for a new pair of bookshelf speakers to replace my aging Paradigm Titans. I went into the Magnolia section and into the audio room. I asked to listen to the B&Ws and was immediately floored. I came back to the store the next day and purchased them. My only concern was that they would be efficient enough to be driven by my restored 1959 Dynakit Stereo 70 amp. Well....no problem. They're still breaking in....the sound is still a little tight but it's getting better. They're almost there. They are as neutral as the day is long, and the soundstage is big, wide, and deep. I use them with a M&K subwoofer, so they don't have to handle the extreme low end. As a matter of fact, I'm using the muffling rings in the ports to cut down a bit on the low end. They just sound better that way in my listening environment. They are great little speakers. Highly recommended!!!

I bought these for a family room 2 channel music. They sound great overall, obviously need a Subwoofer to fill 70hz on down. I found the highs to be very clear and revealing, perhaps a bit too insightful on older recordings that’s were not done well. I powered them with a Yamaha r-s700 amp and they definitely came to life and the overall sound was balanced as a whole but the Sonics character is on the sharp side. I decided to return them for the Elac Debut 2.0 6.2 and was very surprised at how much better they sound than the B&W’s, clear highs but not any sizzle to it, definitely what I was looking for in the long run. I would recommend these to someone that likes the brighter side of a speaker sound. Fit and finish is top notch as well

These speakers are wonderful for music. I have not tried them for home theater. For music, the resolution is outstanding. For the price, these speakers delivery exceptional clarity and a lovely tonality. They are very easy to listen to to extended periods, and make you really enjoy the music. I also have KEF Q100 speakers, and I feel these are very comparable--both have different strengths and weaknesses, but both are outstanding speakers in the middle range of consumer audiophile speakers. These should be on the short list of anyone looking for clarity, balance, and lovely sound. These are not bass-heavy, so for home theater or for those who just love thumping bass, I would add a subwoofer.

What an incredible set of bookshelves! B & W knocked these out of the park! Rock solid imaging. Lively, but not too forward treble. Set these up properly, or get some one who knows how to setup a pair of stereo speakers for you, and you will be rewarded with amazing sound! As for the layperson below who panned this speaker over lack of attachment holes, do what every one else does. Use blu-tac.... speakers with attachment holes is a very, very rare thing. Obviously the B&W stands were designed to be used with a specific speaker model, not as a universal stand. Just because your representative mis-informed you is no reason to pan a speaker for missing a very, very minor feature.

This is the 2nd set of speakers that I have purchased in the last few years. We all know that with the larger HD TV screens you need a method to amplify the volume from your TV. Don't pick something that can't be sufficiently turned up to accommodate larger rooms. Of course if you have a spouse that always has the volume up very loud this might be the speaker system to pick. The previous set of speakers were excellent but when my spouse turned up the volume to the extreme he blew the first set. He has had this set of speakers turned up to the point you need ear plugs of just leave the house and they are holding up just fine. I am glad we had options, these speakers are still reasonably low profile and fit well under the TV console.