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What Hi-Fi?
What Hi-Fi?
Technology
Tom Wiggins

Acoustic Energy AE300 Mk2 vs Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3: which of these mid-price standmount speakers is top of the pile?

Acoustic Energy United States BW
Acoustic Energy AE300 Mk2 and Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 speakers against a red and grey comparison graphic.
Acoustic Energy AE300 Mk2

Type: Standmounts
Drive units: 29mm fabric dome tweeter, 12cm paper/coconut fibre mid/bass
Ported: Yes (rear)
Bi-wire: No
Impedance: 6 ohms
Sensitivity: 86dB
Dimensions (hwd): 32 x 17 x 27cm
Weight: 7.0kg
Finishes: 3 (walnut, matte black, matte white)

The Acoustic Energy AE300 Mk2 arrived earlier this year with little fanfare from the British hi-fi brand, but on paper these unfussy, compact speakers have real promise. Do they live up to it?

Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3

Type Standmounters
Drive units 25mm tweeter, 16.5cm mid/bass
Ported? Yes (rear)
Bi-wire? Yes
Impedance 8 ohms 
Sensitivity 88dB 
Dimensions (hwd) 34.4 x 18.9 x 30cm
Weight 7.05kg 
Finishes x3 (white, black, oak)

These Award-winning mid-range speakers have been our favourites for a few years now, offering a big, easy listen in a classy-looking package – but can they fend off these latest challengers?

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