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Klipsch Reference R-50M vs Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3

The Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 is the better speaker for most listeners: cleaner treble from its titanium dome, deeper bass reach, and a more refined cabinet. The Klipsch R-50M is the louder, more efficient option with its horn tweeter, and it plays well with low-power amps. Both are passive bookshelf speakers with no streaming or app control, so the choice comes down to sound character and how hard you drive them.

  • Choose the Klipsch R-50M if you want high output from a modest amp and a lively, forward horn sound for movies and rock.
  • Choose the Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 if you want a more neutral, detailed speaker with deeper bass and better build for critical music listening.

Prices

  • Klipsch Reference R-50M: $284.99 at Best Buy (last seen Nov 7)
  • Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3: $600.00 at Audio Experience (last seen Nov 7)
  • Difference: the Klipsch Reference R-50M is $315.01 cheaper than the Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 at the latest prices (Nov 7)
Klipsch
Klipsch Reference R-50M

Klipsch Reference R-50M
$284.99at Best BuyChecked Nov 7
See all prices and details
Visit Best Buy
Pros
  • Plays loud from low-power amps thanks to high sensitivity
  • Horn tweeter gives a dynamic, forward sound
  • Easy 8 ohm load for budget receivers
  • Magnetic grilles and clean cabinet detailing
Cons
  • Bass rolls off earlier at 58 Hz
  • Horn treble can sound bright to some ears
  • Vinyl wrap looks less premium than the B&W finish
Bowers & Wilkins
Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3

Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3

5(758 ratings)
$600.00at Audio ExperienceChecked Nov 7
See all prices and details
Visit Audio Experience
Pros
  • Deeper bass down to 40 Hz
  • Titanium dome tweeter is detailed and smooth
  • Curved cabinet with a high-quality finish
  • Strong owner ratings and review praise
Cons
  • Impedance dips to 3.7 ohm, so it wants a capable amp
  • Lower power rating limits maximum output
  • Costs more than the Klipsch

What separates them

Klipsch Reference R-50MBowers & Wilkins 606 S3
TweeterEdge-to-edge Tractrix horn with a 1-inch aluminum tweeter25 mm titanium dome in a tapered tube loading
Bass extension58 Hz at -3 dB52 Hz at -3 dB, 40 Hz at -6 dB
Sensitivity and power handlingHigh efficiency, 75 W nominal and 300 W max30 W nominal and 120 W max, needs more amp power
Impedance8 ohm nominal, easy load8 ohm nominal but dips to 3.7 ohm
Cabinet finishVinyl woodgrain over MDF, scratch-resistantCurved cabinet with a premium finish
GrillesLow-profile magnetic grillesDetachable grilles
PlacementBookshelf only, rear port needs wall clearanceBookshelf or standmount, rear port
Smart featuresNone, wired passive speakerNone, wired passive speaker

Price history

$1,200.00$284.99
Nov 7Nov 10
  • Klipsch Reference R-50M: lowest $284.99 on Nov 7 at Best Buy; $424.99 on Nov 10.
  • Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3: lowest $600.00 on Nov 7 at Audio Experience; $1,200.00 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Klipsch Reference R-50M

  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $284.99Free shippingChecked Nov 7
    Visit Best Buy
  • PARTS EXPRESSNew

    In stock

    $424.99Free shippingChecked 4 h ago
    Visit PARTS EXPRESS
  • CrutchfieldNew

    In stock

    $424.99Free shippingChecked Nov 7
    Visit Crutchfield
  • eBayNew

    In stockSold by crutchfield_electronics

    $424.99Free shippingChecked Nov 7
    Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 6 stores and price history →

Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3

  • Audio ExperienceNew

    In stock

    $600.00Checked Nov 7
    Visit Audio Experience
  • HomeCineSolutionsNew

    In stock

    $1,047.76Checked Nov 7
    Visit HomeCineSolutions
  • Abt ElectronicsNew

    In stock

    $1,200.00Free shippingChecked 4 h ago
    Visit Abt Electronics
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $1,200.00Checked Nov 7
    Visit Best Buy

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 14 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecKlipsch Reference R-50MBowers & Wilkins 606 S3
OutdoorNoNo
BluetoothYesNo
Connectivity TechnologyWiredWired
Ports And InterfacesSingle Gold Plated Binding PostsTerminals
Speaker PlacementBookshelfBookshelf, Standmount
Design HighlightsLow-profile magnetic grilles, Edge-to-edge horn…Detachable Grilles
MaterialMDFTitanium (tweeter)
StyleVinyl woodgrain finishSolid construction, Smoothly curved edges
Driver Size5.25" (Woofers)25 mm (tweeter)
Driver ConfigurationRear-firing portsRear-firing port
Driver TypeWoofer, TweeterTitanium Dome high-frequency, Continuum cone ba…
Number Of DriversSingle (low frequency driver)2
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecKlipsch Reference R-50MBowers & Wilkins 606 S3
Frequency Response58 - 21000 Hz (+/-3dB)52Hz - 28kHz ±3dB (from reference axis)
Crossover Frequency1560 HzUpdated crossover
BandwidthLarger bandwidth of frequencies (controlled by …40 Hz to 33 kHz (-6 dB)
Nominal Output Power75 Watt30 W
Max Wattage300 Watt120 W
Nominal Impedance8 Ohm8Ω (minimum 3.7Ω)
Smart FunctionsNo (wireless multi-room capability), No (app en…—
Audio Configuration2-way—
Audio HighlightsBass reflex enclosure design

What reviewers say

Klipsch Reference R-50M

Owners of the Reference series generally praise the R-50M for punchy, detailed sound and easy amplification, and many use it in budget home theater setups. The most common complaints are forward treble and modest bass for the cabinet size.

What people mention
  • TrebleMixedOwners like the detail and sparkle but some find the horn tweeter bright over long sessions.
  • BassMixedThe rear port helps, but reviewers say a subwoofer is needed for real low end.
  • BuildPraisedBuyers describe the cabinet as solid and the finish as neat for the price.
  • AmplificationPraisedThe 8-ohm load and high sensitivity make them easy to drive with budget receivers.

Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3

  • 5 / 5758 ratings

Rated 5 out of 5 across 758 ratings, the 606 S3 is consistently described as a refined, detailed standmount that punches above its size. Owners single out the treble clarity and midrange openness, while noting it rewards good amplification and placement.

What people mention
  • TreblePraisedOwners say the titanium dome tweeter is detailed and airy without sounding harsh.
  • MidrangePraisedVocals come across as open and natural thanks to the Continuum cone.
  • BassMixedReviewers find the low end tight and tuneful but shallow below 52 Hz, so a subwoofer is often suggested.

Questions and answers

Which is better for home theater?
The Klipsch R-50M is the easier match for an AV receiver because of its high sensitivity and flat 8 ohm load. The 606 S3 gives more bass and detail but needs a receiver with solid power.
Which has deeper bass?
The Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3. It reaches 52 Hz at -3 dB and 40 Hz at -6 dB, against 58 Hz for the Klipsch.
Do either need an amplifier?
Yes. Both are passive wired speakers with no Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or built-in amplification, so you need an amp or AV receiver.
Which is easier to drive?
The Klipsch R-50M. Its 8 ohm nominal load and high efficiency suit low-power amps, while the 606 S3 dips to 3.7 ohm.
Is the Bowers & Wilkins worth stepping up to?
For music listening in a treated room with a good amp, yes. Its tweeter and cabinet are a clear step up. For loud movie playback on a budget receiver, the Klipsch does the job.
Can either go outdoors?
No. Neither is weather-resistant, so keep both indoors.

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More comparisons

  • Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 vs KLIPSCH Rp-600M Bookshelf Speaker - Walnut (Pair)
  • Prime Bookshelf vs Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3
  • Klipsch Reference R-50M vs KLIPSCH Rp-600M Bookshelf Speaker - Walnut (Pair)
  • Prime Bookshelf vs Klipsch Reference R-50M

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best bookshelf speakers for stereo music systems
—
Audio ChannelsStereo, 2.0—
Max Output Power300 Watts—
Wi-Fi—No
Power Source—AC 220-240V, 50/60Hz
Weight—7.05 kg
Depth—328 mm (including grille and terminals)
Height—344 mm (cabinet only)
Width—189 mm (cabinet only)
Connections—Speaker Connection
NFC—No
Frequency Response (min) (Hz)—40.0
Memory Card Reader—No
No. of Speakers (pcs)—2
Impedance (min) (ohm)—3.7
Sensitivity (dB) (dB)—88
Speaker Output (RMS) (W)—30.0
Manufacturer Color—Black
Color—Black
App Control—No
  • PlacementMixedThe rear port means owners report the sound changes noticeably when the speaker sits close to a wall.