B&W 603 S3 Anniversary tower speakers

The new B&W 603 S3 floor-standing speaker is the only model in this range offered by Bowers & Wilkins, which currently includes only three models. It's evident that B&W has invested all its technologies and ambitions into this column speaker.

B&W 603 S3: DESIGN AND FRONT PANEL

This floor-standing speaker has quite generous dimensions for its range, standing over a meter tall and with a depth of over 30 cm. However, its slim 19 cm front gives it an elegant look.

To ensure stability, it rests on a substantial base (26x40 cm) equipped with decoupling spikes. It's not suited for small spaces.

A speaker grille, in black or grey jersey depending on the finish (black, white, or oak), attaches magnetically to maintain a clean design when removed.

B&W 603 S3: TWEETER

The B&W 603 S3 is a true three-way speaker equipped with 4 drivers. High frequencies are handled by a new 25 mm titanium dome tweeter. This optimized version includes a rear damping cone and a powerful circular magnet, pushing the resonance frequency to 33kHz for unmatched clarity, precision, and distortion-free high frequencies.

B&W 603 S3: MIDRANGE DRIVER

The midrange is reproduced by a 150 mm Continuum cone FST driver. Initially developed for the 800 series, this driver took over 8 years of research and development. It offers superior performance over the Aramid Fiber used in previous 600 series, ensuring unmatched transparency, dynamics, and natural sound in the midrange.

This driver is housed in a completely separate enclosed volume from the lower part of the speaker.

B&W 603 S3: BASS DRIVERS

Bass is handled by two 165 mm cellulose membrane drivers, loaded in a Bass Reflex configuration with a rear-firing Flowport™.

B&W 603 S3: CROSSOVER AND TERMINALS

The crossover has been completely redesigned, utilizing high-value polypropylene capacitors with 5% tolerance and high-precision air-core inductors.

It connects to an excellent quality dual gold-plated terminal.

B&W 603 S3: INSTALLATION

Installation is straightforward, though care should be taken to place the B&W 603 S3 away from walls and room corners. Recommended for spaces larger than 25 m².

Using high-quality speaker cables like Transparent The Wave or Viard HD12 HP instead of the default straps is advised for optimal performance. Excellent results were achieved with these cables.

B&W 603 S3: TESTING AND LISTENING

From the outset, the B&W 603 S3 impresses with its scale, naturalness, and dynamics.

Music fills the room with surprising ease, maintaining precise and realistic spatialization.

The midrange, a hallmark of B&W's craftsmanship, is clear, present, and less colored than previous series, delivering the transparency and presence the brand is known for.

The articulate and expansive bass provides superb depth without trailing off, pleasing enthusiasts of this frequency range.

The tweeter offers precise, distortion-free highs that integrate seamlessly with the rest of the range, making these speakers ideal for audiophiles seeking detailed, clear, lively sound with convincing bass.

The B&W 603 S3 exhibits remarkable balance, making it a flawless and highly versatile speaker. It requires pairing with dynamic electronics capable of delivering sufficient current. An integrated amplifier of around 100 watts is recommended for optimal performance.

It's worth noting that these speakers demand excellence from their audio components.

The B&W 603 S3 floor-standing speakers deliver exceptional performance at a still affordable price.

Highly recommended +++!