Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series Decoupled dual-layer 1" speaker 686 S2

Model #:686 S2

Bowers & Wilkins Small is beautiful. The 686 S2 is the most compact speaker in the series, but don't underestimate its power and precision. That's thanks to a new Decoupled Double Dome tweeter and improved design.

An ideal bookshelf or wall-mounted speaker, the 686 S2 is designed to fit into any space and still sound perfect. Its main driver is a 5-inch bass/midrange unit which benefits from a new 25mm voice coil which makes for a higher sensitivity speaker with bass more suited for placement near a wall.

Bass performance is vital but can often suffer in smaller speakers. Not in the 686 S2, however. That's because a front-firing Flowport, dimpled like a golf ball around the aperture for smoothly regulated airflow, delivers superior bass response without the risk of rattle. Its placement ensures the speaker cabinet is slimmer than predecessors and can be wall mounted without affecting performance.

Like the rest of the range, and despite its smaller size, the 686 S2 also features a Decoupled Double Dome aluminium tweeter for superior high-frequency response. The 686 S2 even features a built-in bracket for easy wall mounting, although this small, versatile and precise speaker sounds great anywhere.

Specifications
Technical featuresDecoupled Double Dome aluminium tweeter with Nautilus™ tube loading Flowport™
Description2-way vented-box system
Drive units1x ø25mm (1 in) aluminium dome high-frequency 1x ø130mm (5 in) woven Kevlar® cone bass/midrange
Frequency range-6dB at 54Hz and 50kHz
Frequency response62Hz - 22kHz ±3dB on reference axis
DispersionWithin 2dB of reference response Horizontal: over 60º arc Vertical: over 10º arc
Sensitivity (84)85dB spl (2.83V, 1m)
Harmonic distortion2nd and 3rd harmonics (90dB, 1m) <1% 110Hz - 22kHz <0.5% 180Hz - 20kHz
Nominal impedance8Ω (minimum 5.2Ω)
Crossover frequencies4kHz
Recommended amplifier power 25W - 100W into 8Ω on unclipped programme
Max. recommended cable impedance0.1Ω
DimensionsHeight: 315mm (12.4 in) Width: 160mm (6.3 in) Depth: 229mm (9.0 in) cabinet, grille and terminals
Net weight 4.6kg (10.1 lb)
Finishes Black Ash White

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