Review: B&W DM-602 s3 Monitor


Category: Speakers

The 602 S3 monitors will blow you away. After a few hours of use, it is almost as if you are sitting in the middle of an orchestra. I know there are better speakers out there (B&W nautilus for one) but for a mere $550, nothing I have heard sounds anywhere near as good. These speakers are some of the clearest for the price range, and I challenge anyone to find mids and highs that sound this clean.

My musical taste mostly includes classical music, but I am also a huge movie buff. B&W by far keeps it's reputation as a "classical" speaker, yet I was truly amazed at how well they performed in a home theatre setup. The setup itself was incredibly easy, because the sound disperses very evenly over a wide listening area, making placement less critical. And once again, the clarity made every little aspect of the movie jump off the screen.

Since the 602's replaced my pair of 601 S1's a year ago, I don't have many complaints. My pet peave for any speaker is the booming bass. B&W seems to do everything it can to prevent that, and it accomplishes its' goal. Yet without the B&W 650 sub to accompany the 602's, the mids and highs are a bit overwhelming. But most small monitors aren't meant to pack a punch. This is why subs were created.

As good as the 602's are, if I could own any monitor, it would be the B&W Signature 805. I've auditioned them over and over again, and once I have the cash I will pick them up. But for now, I'm completely satisfied with my 602's. Perhaps what makes them so great, is that most of the technology in the 805's is passed down to the lower B&W series.

If you are looking for a moderatly priced monitor, and are interested in clarity and incredible precision, check out the B&W 602 S3's.

Associated gear
Marantz 9200 THX reciever
Marantz DV8300

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For the price of these speakers, I haven't heard anything that compares.
thegreatbobbino
I recently purchased a pair of the 602s3 and have to agree totally that they are great. I've bought a lot of speakers in the last 30 years and they are indeed terrific. I can't believe the details I can hear now.
I've owned a pair of 602s1's for about 5 years now, and they still sound great. Very detailed. My favorite speaker for listening to well-recorded vinyl. Very unforgiving of poor recordings,however. Bad sounding cd's won't get sugarcoated. I find they need some dynamic power to really show what they can do. Best $500 I've spent on speakers.
"I challenge anyone to find mids and highs that sound this clean"

Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 is worthy

I agree with you those b&w's are great speakers.
Totally agree with the above reviews. Basically, B&W has allowed its Nautilus technology to filter down to its "bread and butter" 600 series speakers. As a result, the highs are so silky and detailed, especially with vinyl. CDs can get a bit overwhelming depending on source and cables. The best thing I like about the sound is it is a very rich sound and packs a punch in the bass region without a need for a sub. British sound, if that is what it is, is trully different to American sound.
I have owned a pair of the 602s3 two months ago. match them with DENON PMA1500Rii and they sounded really good, but i hope more deep bass from them.
Would like to know anyone's opinion?
Please feel free to give me your advice if they sound better with another amplifier.
My Email: Thai.nh@pm3power.com.vn