AV speaker kits £800-£1400

✯ Supertest No. 322

B&W DM 603 S3, LCR60 S3 and DM600 S3

£1000

For Super build, finish and styling; very capable all-round performance

Against Mighty front speakers

Verdict ★★★★★

Superb, although not quite as flexible as some similarly priced systems that include a subwoofer

OK, so looks don’t count for much in technical terms, but for all that, you simply cannot fail to be blown away by the tactile and visual appeal of B&W’s DM 600 S3 range. It’s built to a stan- dard that, in this test, no-one else comes even close to matching.

But B&W’s audio engineering matches the quality of its manu- facturing. The DM 603 S3 floorstanders form this package’s front end, and they offer a fine blend of standard 600-series virtues – focus, clarity, precision and agility – coupled to bags of bass from a dedicated 16.5cm

bass driver. This much power needs a substantial partner, but the LCR60 S3 centre is up to the job: it’s an oversized ‘left, centre, right’ speaker (hence LCR) that can be used as a complete ‘front- three’ array if you wish. So far, so big, but the reverse is true of the surround speakers: the new DM 600 S3s are baby versions of the standard DM601 S3s, using com- pact 13cm mid/bass drivers, and simple wall-hanging brackets.

Setting up the B&Ws is made easier because of optional foam inserts for both the front and the rear ports of the large DM 603 S3s, which can be used to ‘tune’

each speaker to your room’s size and acoustics. However, these speakers still need plenty of space to work at their best: they’ve got bags of low-end presence, so much so that you could be forgiven for asking ‘where’s the sub?’, at least with music listening. The forceful low-end on Nickelback’s driving rock sounds great, and the bal- ance has all the expected B&W virtues of precise imaging, clean vocal presence and spectacular detail with Lambchop’s subtle sounds. Switch to multichannel, and that same power provides ample energy and force with

WHAT’S IT GOT?

Sensitivity 88 to 90dB/W/m

Impedance 8ohms

Biwirable Yes

Subwoofer B&W models optional

Drive units:

Treble 25mm;

Mid/Bass 13cm and 16.5cm;

Bass 16.5cm

The Mexican’s pumping music score, while the dialogue from The Man Who Wasn’t There is exemplary in both its clarity and its natural, being-there timbre.

So this system is beautiful and sounds great – where’s the catch? There isn’t really one, although for the average living room you might find that the DM 603 S3s are a little too much, foam or no foam, and unlike an active subwoofer, they don’t have a direct volume con- trol. But if you have the space, these B&W speakers certainly have the quality.

REPRINTED FROM July 2002

LCR60 S3, DM600 S3 specifications

Bowers & Wilkins is a renowned name in the audio equipment industry, known for delivering high-quality sound through innovative technologies. Among their esteemed offerings are the LCR60 S3 and DM600 S3 speakers, which cater to audiophiles and casual listeners alike with their remarkable performance and stylish designs.

The Bowers & Wilkins LCR60 S3 is a versatile speaker that excels in home theater setups as a center channel speaker or can be used in stereo configurations. Its design focuses on delivering clear and detailed sound, contributing to an immersive audio experience. The LCR60 S3 features a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter and two 5-inch woven composite drivers, which together produce a sonic profile that is both dynamic and accurate. This speaker is engineered to minimize distortion, allowing for crisp highs and robust mids that enhance movie dialogues and musical performances alike.

One of the standout technologies in the LCR60 S3 is the Flowport bass reflex system, which helps to improve low-frequency response while maintaining clarity. The cabinet is also designed to reduce resonance, ensuring that the sound remains uncolored and true to the source material. With a frequency response that extends from 60 Hz to 20 kHz, the LCR60 S3 covers a wide range of sound.

On the other hand, the DM600 S3 is another impressive offering from Bowers & Wilkins, designed to deliver high-fidelity audio in a more compact bookshelf speaker format. This speaker features a similar design philosophy, employing a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter and a 5-inch woven composite driver to deliver exceptional sound quality. The DM600 S3 is known for its ability to handle power well, making it suitable for a range of musical genres and content.

The DM600 S3 also benefits from the brand's extensive research into speaker design, featuring sophisticated crossovers that ensure seamless integration between the drivers. The rear-ported design and well-braced cabinet allow for better airflow and enhanced bass performance, which is particularly notable given its size.

Both the LCR60 S3 and DM600 S3 come in elegant finishes that emphasize Bowers & Wilkins' commitment to aesthetics as well as acoustics. They can be easily integrated into various home setups while providing audio that is true to the artist’s intent. With their combination of technology, design, and sound quality, these models are excellent choices for anyone looking to elevate their listening experience.