The Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition speakers have their fair share of fans for their detailed sound, but they might not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you’ve heard people saying they're a bit bright or harsh, especially in the treble range, you’re not alone. Our research indicates that some folks find the treble a bit strong, making dialogue sound a bit sharp or sibilant when the volume cranks up. Someone even pointed out that this made conversations hard to follow and not really to their liking.
This might be because of the Decoupled Double Dome tweeter in the 606 S2s, which is designed to produce clear, detailed highs. While that often gives clarity and great separation, it can sometimes lead to a treble that feels too forward and tiring, especially if you're listening for long stretches.
Some professional reviews also have mixed feelings about this. Some reviewers love the precise highs and the broad soundstage, but others, like Andrew Robinson, mentioned that the highs might be too much for folks who are sensitive to treble or when listening to music that's not well-recorded.
If you love detailed sound and can handle a bit of brightness, these could be just right for you. But if the treble seems a bit overwhelming, you have a few options to tone it down. You could try moving the speakers around, change up your room's acoustics, or pair them with an amplifier that's on the warmer side. Tinkering with an EQ to reduce the treble can also make things more comfortable, adapting the sound to better suit your taste.
Ultimately, whether these speakers work for you will depend on your sound preferences. If you can, try them out in different settings or even at a store. That could really help you figure out if they’re a good fit.
And if they consistently seem too bright for you, it might be worth looking at other speakers that lean towards a warmer sound, which might match your preferences better.