B&W 601's vs B&W 685's

[nyindallas]

Last week on a flight I sat next to a passenger who said he owned B&W 601's and after he heard the newer B&W 685's he upgraded and sold the 601's on ebay for $200.00

I was surprised because I really enjoy my B&W 601's and my 600's. I asked him if he heard the 2 models in the same session and he said no. He said the 601's sold and shipped before the 685's arrived.

I am curious. Has anyone actually compared the 601's with the 685's?

 

[KeninDC]

I have the 601 (series 2) and have the new, 683 speakers, so I'm comparing a bookshelf to a floorstander on different systems in different rooms so...

I'm a big fan of the new 68x series. It is a definite upgrade to the 600 series. The sweet FST midrange technology is why. In this case, B&W's high-end research has trickled down to us poor folks. I could curl up and dream away the day in the sweet, natural mid-range.

Still, as much as I love the 683 sound, I'm in no rush to replace my 601 speakers anytime soon. It's a darn fine speaker.

If you are looking to upgrade and dig your 601s, you will likely love the 685 speakers. I would expect the highs to be a tad smoother on them as compared to the 601s, too.

Your call.

 

[ferninando]

so where do the DM602s stand? Are the 685s a new model?

 

[KeninDC]

The 68x series replaces the 60x series. It is still called the "600 series."

Try this link:

http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=2374&sc=hf

I don't see an exact replacement (size-wise) for the 602.

Ken

 

[Brett a]

i can't speak of the B&W monitors, but I did have an experience comparing the older full-range with the new ones.

About a year ago, I went to my local shop to listen to (and hopefully buy) a pair of used DM 604s3's, and after a/b-ing them with the new 683's that replaced them, I left with the new 683's.

The newer 683's were drastically better; tighter bass, deeper soundstage, clearer imaging. The 68x series have a new, totally re-designed Nautilis-tubed tweeter, re-spec'd cabinets and my floorstanders have smaller drivers which includes the new FST midrange driver (from the 800 Nautilus line) which has no foam surround. I imagine the monitors would not have this as they would need that driver to move more as it produces the bass.

Anyway, what I really wanted to say is that when I a/b's the old and the new, the new were unquestionably worth the extra money (old/used vs. new/new)

 

[Xtinc]

I currently own the 603 S1 and I'm saving all my nickels and dimes to get the 683. I believe the 683 is the only 68x model that utilizes FST technology. Does anyone know if it's possible to get these for under MSRP?

 

[Brett a]

I currently own the 603 S1 and I'm saving all my nickels and dimes to get the 683. I believe the 683 is the only 68x model that utilizes FST technology. Does anyone know if it's possible to get these for under MSRP?

I bought mine new at my local shop (Spearit Sound) for $1240. MSRP was $1500. Spearit doesn't sell B&W products online/mail order though. (other things they do)

 

[KeninDC]

I currently own the 603 S1 and I'm saving all my nickels and dimes to get the 683. I believe the 683 is the only 68x model that utilizes FST technology. Does anyone know if it's possible to get these for under MSRP?

You bet. Check your local shop. Brett a's price is in the ballpark to what Myer Emco sells them for around here. I asked about the next sale and they gave me the sale price prior to the Labor day sale. I did that over the phone, paid, then picked 'em up.