Floorstanding speakers play a crucial role in creating an immersive and captivating audio experience. In this comprehensive comparison, we will examine two popular models: the KEF Q950 and the B&W 603 S2. Both speakers come from highly respected audio manufacturers and offer outstanding sound quality. By delving into their design, performance, features, and other essential aspects, we aim to provide you with valuable insights to help you choose the ideal floorstanding speaker for your audio setup.
Design and Build Quality
The KEF Q950 and B&W 603 S2 share a common goal of delivering exceptional audio performance while exhibiting their unique design philosophies. Let’s explore the design and build characteristics of each speaker.The KEF Q950 features a sleek and modern design that blends well with various room aesthetics. Its cabinet construction employs a combination of high-density fiberboard (HDF) and bracing, which minimizes unwanted resonances and vibrations, resulting in cleaner sound reproduction. The Q950 incorporates KEF’s signature Uni-Q driver array, where the 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter is positioned concentrically within the 6.5-inch aluminum midrange driver. This configuration enables precise sound dispersion and imaging, ensuring a wide sweet spot and accurate reproduction of vocals and instruments. The Q950 also includes two additional 8-inch aluminum low-frequency drivers for robust bass performance. The speaker’s overall build quality is solid, reflecting KEF’s commitment to durability and longevity.The B&W 603 S2 boasts an elegant and timeless design, featuring B&W’s renowned attention to detail. Its cabinet is constructed from high-quality materials, including a combination of MDF and internal bracing, to enhance structural rigidity and minimize resonances. The 603 S2 incorporates B&W’s iconic Continuum cone technology for its 6.5-inch midrange driver, which delivers exceptional midrange clarity and accuracy. The speaker utilizes a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter for precise high-frequency reproduction. The inclusion of two 6.5-inch aluminum cone bass drivers ensures powerful and articulate low-frequency performance. The B&W 603 S2’s build quality exudes craftsmanship and durability, reflecting the brand’s commitment to excellence.
Sound Performance
The KEF Q950 and B&W 603 S2 excel in reproducing high-quality sound, each offering its own sonic characteristics and strengths.The KEF Q950 delivers a balanced and detailed sound signature across the frequency range. Thanks to its Uni-Q driver array, the speaker achieves exceptional coherence and imaging, creating a realistic and immersive soundstage. The Uni-Q driver ensures accurate and precise sound dispersion, allowing you to enjoy a wide listening sweet spot. The Q950’s low-frequency drivers provide deep and controlled bass response, complementing the midrange and treble performance. Whether you’re listening to music or watching movies, the Q950 offers a highly engaging and dynamic audio experience.The B&W 603 S2 delivers a refined and articulate sound reproduction, showcasing B&W’s expertise in driver technology. Its Continuum cone midrange driver excels in reproducing vocals and instruments with exceptional clarity and transparency. The 603 S2’s tweeter ensures smooth and detailed high-frequency response, adding sparkle and airiness to the sound. The speaker’s bass drivers offer precise and well-controlled low-frequency performance, enhancing the overall depth and impact of the audio. The B&W 603 S2’s sound signature is characterized by its accuracy and tonal balance, making it suitable for both critical listening and immersive entertainment.
Features and Connectivity
Both the KEF Q950 and B&W 603 S2 come with a range of features and connectivity options to enhance convenience and versatility in different audio setups.The KEF Q950 features bi-wiring and bi-amping capabilities, allowing you to optimize the speaker’s performance based on your preferences and equipment. It has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms and a sensitivity of 91 dB, making it compatible with a wide range of amplifiers. The Q950’s rear panel includes a set of high-quality binding posts for secure and reliable speaker wire connections. Additionally, the speaker’s Uni-Q driver array benefits from KEF’s advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) port design, which minimizes port noise and turbulence for cleaner bass reproduction.The B&W 603 S2 also offers bi-wiring and bi-amping options for flexible connectivity. It has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms and a sensitivity of 88 dB, making it compatible with various amplifiers. The 603 S2 features B&W’s Flowport technology, which enhances bass response by reducing turbulence and port noise. The rear panel of the speaker includes high-quality binding posts for secure wire connections. The 603 S2 also incorporates B&W’s Decoupled Double Dome tweeter technology, which improves high-frequency performance by reducing unwanted resonances and distortion.
Price
Price is an essential consideration when comparing floorstanding speakers. The KEF Q950 generally falls within a higher price range compared to the B&W 603 S2. The price difference can be attributed to factors such as design, construction, driver technology, and brand positioning. While the KEF Q950 offers advanced Uni-Q driver technology and a larger number of drivers for enhanced performance, the B&W 603 S2 delivers exceptional sound quality with its Continuum cone midrange driver and meticulous craftsmanship. Consider your budget and the specific features and sound characteristics that matter most to you when making your purchasing decision.
Conclusion
Both the KEF Q950 and B&W 603 S2 are impressive floorstanding speakers that offer outstanding sound quality and design aesthetics. The KEF Q950 excels in providing a balanced and detailed sound signature, with its Uni-Q driver array and powerful bass drivers. The B&W 603 S2 delivers a refined and articulate sound reproduction, showcasing B&W’s driver technology expertise.Choosing between the KEF Q950 and B&W 603 S2 ultimately depends on your personal preferences, room size, and budget. If you prioritize a wide soundstage, precise imaging, and immersive audio experience, the KEF Q950 is a fantastic choice. On the other hand, if you value tonal accuracy, vocal clarity, and meticulous craftsmanship, the B&W 603 S2 is a compelling option.Consider auditioning both speakers if possible, as listening to them in person will help you determine which one aligns better with your sonic preferences. Whichever speaker you choose, both the KEF Q950 and B&W 603 S2 will elevate your audio enjoyment, delivering captivating and immersive sound for years to come.