Quality B&W Bookshelf Speakers DM601 S2

Attractive, great sounding bookshelf speakers from B&W.

DM 601 S2 measures just 356x204x244mm, or 14x8x9.6 inches (HxWxD), and weighs in at 6.1 kilos (13.4 lb). In my book, this is called a small speaker, though the weight is a little above the norm in this class. The sales literature describes it as a “2- way 4th-order vented system”, or a bass reflex ported speaker.

It uses two drivers, a 165mm (6.5 inch) mid/bass driver and a metal coated 25mm (1″) dome tweeter.

Crossover is at 4 kHz, efficiency is rated at 88dB/1W/1m, impedance is said to be 8 Ohms nominal (4.3 Ohms minimum – kudos to B&W for quoting the worst case!), and response is said to be 70Hz-20kHz +/- 3dB on axis.

Dispersion is also quoted, something I wish other speaker manufacturers would also pick up as a habit, at within 2dB at 40 degrees horizontal and 10 degrees vertical. Harmonic distortion is said to below 1% 88-20.000 Hz at 90dB SPL at 1m. Power handling is said to be 25-100W continuous of unclipped programme into 8 Ohms nominal – impressive for what is supposed to be a small speaker.

Its technical highlight is no doubt the woven Kevlar® bass/mid cone; it is very becomingly yellow in color, but thankfully uses rubber rather than foam surround, so it should last a very long time. The bullet-like CENTER of the cone is a phase plug, now almost mandatory on European speakers with any pretensions. And yes, the reflex port is on the front baffle, much more preferable than on the back.

The front baffle is somewhat uncommon insofar that it is uneven, preferring a slightly “rough” surface to a perfectly smooth one – this should bode well for decreasing front baffle refraction. A good move.

Speakers are equipped with dual pairs of 5-Way bindings, suitable for Banana Plugs and optional Bi-wiring.

Speakers are in very good condition and sound wonderful for this form factor. Asking $495; buy with confidence and benefit from Radique’s “Bumper to Bumper” warranty and Perpetual trade back policy.