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.

Just so happens the store had these on display. Bought the demo's at a heck of a price. Well over half price. Now I have B&W towers in front and in rear. And these being the rear surrounds. Will probably go with SVS for front height speakers, since b&W's are discontinued now. The series I have. Will be running 7.1.2 then.

Jerry at the Stockton store took me into the listening room, selected the speakers & receiver and turned it on. an acoustic guitar was playing, My first instinct was to look around and see who was playing. being a player myself I was blown away by the clarity & presence of these bookshelf speakers. More than I was planning to spend, by comparison to the other brands I wouldn't settle for anything less. I have already recommended to others to go see Jerry.

Sound amazing when combined with my 683 S2s and HTM62 S2.

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.

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.

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!!!

We always had large pioneer speakers, but needed to downsize the physical size of our speakers. These did just that with enhanced sound quality. I have a very sensitive ear for sound distortion. These have CRYSTAL CLEAR SOUND QUALITY!!!