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Bowers & Wilkins has launched its new 600 Series S3, the eighth iteration of its second-longest continuously available series after the 800 Series Diamond. Described as: “the perfect first step to experiencing the ‘True Sound’ of the artist’s intent”, the new range includes four models: the 603 S3 floorstander, the 606 S3 standmount, the 607 S3 bookshelf (right) and the HTM6 S3 centre for home cinema. Each is available in a choice of Oak, White or Black finishes while a new dedicated FS 600 stand for the 606 S3 and 607 S3 comes in Silver or Black.

The company reveals that the new speakers all feature comprehensive updates and changes to every aspect of their acoustic performance with many of the new components derived from the 700 Series S3 and fitted into a redesigned and improved cabinet construction.

The most significant introduction to the new series is the all-new tweeter dome technology, the Titanium Dome. The tweeter is a two-part construction, with a thin, light but rigid 25-micron main dome, braced by a second 30-micron titanium ring. This is housed in an elongated tube-loading system inspired by the design recently introduced in the new 700 Series S3. Bowers & Wilkins claims that the longer tube loading system reduces the resonant frequency behind the dome, resulting in a more open sound that is less impacted by the cabinet that houses it.

In addition, the updated Titanium Dome benefits from a 700 Series S3-sized diaphragm mounting plate for more open dispersion and also includes the latest, more open tweeter grille design taken directly from the recently introduced 800 Series Signature.

The company says its proprietary Continuum Cones continue to feature throughout the 600 Series S3 range with the addition of more powerful, lower distortion 700 Series S3 motor assemblies for midrange and midrange/bass drive units. The paper cone bass drivers in the 603 S3 also now feature 703 S3 motor systems. Crossovers are also updated with the inclusion of high-quality, upgraded bypass capacitors from the 700 Series S3 in a bid to deliver higher resolution and transparency.

The 600 Series S3 cabinets have also been improved. The tweeter and main drive units are now mounted closer together, using intersecting trim rings aimed at improving integration and stereo imaging. On the rear of the speaker, a new terminal tray, taken from the 700 Series S3, is joined by a 700 Series specification bass port, which B&W claims improves performance by creating a stiffer cabinet. The enclosure’s rigidity is further enhanced by upgrading the internal bracing to a higher standard of wood. Finally, the bottom of the 606 S3 and 607 S3 now include metal threaded inserts so that the cabinets can be more securely fixed to the top plate of the matching FS-600 S3 stands.

The floorstanding 603 S3 is the largest speaker in the 600 Series and combines a 25mm Titanium Dome tweeter with a 150mm Continuum cone FST midrange driver and two 165mm paper cone bass drivers for a claimed sensitivity of 90dB (8ohm). It’s priced at £1,100. The 606 S3 standmount has the same 25mm Titanium Dome tweeter alongside a 165mm Continuum cone mid/bass driver. It has a quoted sensitivity of 88dB (8ohm) and costs £750. The 607 S3 bookshelf speaker reduces the size of the mid/bass driver to 130mm for a claimed sensitivity of 84dB (8ohm). It costs £600. The matching FS-600 S3 floor stand comes in at £280 per pair.

Available to buy now, you can find out more about the new Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series S3 here.