Hello i am new to this forum, just seeking advice apon the B&W 683 s2 loud speakers. For the price are the B&W 683s worth thr price? I want to eventually get the entire set, unless there is another speaker of equivalent for a better price.
What is the price? A review of these speaker from nearly three years ago said the retail price was $1650 per pair. Now that B&W has a new line of speakers, what's their price? If the price is the same $1650 per pair, I'd pass.
https://www.stereophile.com/content/bowers-wilkins-683-s2-loudspeaker
Reviews by big name audio magazines are, in my opinion, questionable. I'd quickly read the text of the review, but pay more attention to the measurements page.
https://www.stereophile.com/content/bowers-wilkins-683-s2-loudspeaker-measurements
In particular, look at figures 1 and 3. Figure 1 shows the impedance of these speaker dips as low as 3 ohms at 124 Hz and again at about 400-500 Hz. Between those frequencies, at about 200-300 Hz there is a rise in impedance that suggests some kind of cabinet resonance occurs. That impedance blip may look small, but its a warning sign (see also figure 3 at 200 Hz). Figure 1 also suggests (but does not guarantee) that the 683 might present a difficult load for a receiver.
Figure 3 shows frequency response curve of the 683. I want to point out two features that makes me believe these speakers are flawed. First, at 200 Hz in both the red and green traces, there is a blip which corresponds to the impedance blip at the same frequency. The reviewer avoids saying anything bad, but suggests this glitch does exist, and avoids further discussion. I wonder if it might be an audible flaw.
Second is the very ragged frequency response above about 1500 Hz, of the mid range driver combined with the tweeter (blue trace). Variations of more than ±5 dB are definitely audible. B&W's famous yellow Kevlar mid range driver is infamous for a highly audible and noisy resonance at roughly 3500-4000 Hz. It is clearly seen in the blue trace as a prominent peak just below 4000 Hz. Depending on the music being played, those peaks & valleys can be noticeable and even ugly sounding.
In summary, I wouldn't pay $1650 per pair for these speakers. But I'm not buying them. If you can get them for a lower price, you might like them enough to pull the trigger. As a guess, that price might be no more than $1000 per pair.
