B&W DM603 S3

I live in a medium sized flat with no carpets. These gems where made for this type of bare floor and since installing them, I’ve moved the furniture around to suite the speaker positions; I’ve also taken down the heavy velvet curtains which were interfering with the delivery of the left speaker and am in absolute heaven knowing that whatever kind of music I listen to, I will not ever be disappointed! Fifteen years of total enjoyment and here’s to another fifteen. They are nothing less than awesome!

I love the quality of the sound, the high are so crisp and clear and bass line so deep, I bought after a friend told me and could not believe what I got for the price I paid.

Great sound quality for the price. I’ve had years of experience in audio and sound installations so have use many of the leading brands. We installed these on a recent job and first thing I did was order some for my own house. Can’t find any better for the price in my opinion!

I bought my first B&W 603 speakers when the S1 model came out some 15 years ago and been hooked ever since.

The DM603 S3's are a big leap forward over the S1's, for a start I think they look superb (I have mine in Sorrento) both with grills on or off.

Pair these up with some quality sources and they reward with their incredible treble and very controlled bass.

These speakers are just as at home with classical music as they are with thumping rock or dance.

Position a good 10 inches from the rear wall for best results along with a little toe in.

I can't ever imagine getting rid of these!

The B&W DM603 S3 speakers are very plesant to listen to, from the start off. Listen mostly instrumental Jazz....sounds great. god balance between high mid and low

These B&W DM603 S3 are very good stereo speakers in this range they have uncolored sound, also the aluminium cone bass is very fast and it goes very low. When I first bought them noticed I that the Midrange isn't as loud as the bass and treble.

Run in period is significant, first 8 hours or so are terrible. Then the slightly "dark" tone on the midrange lightens over a longer time, to achieve fast neutral sound.

Most impressive feature of this speaker is the able, no-fuss, no-colour handling of a wide range of music. For example the Mission 782's are slightly sweeter in the mid-range. But under fast complex (both orchestral and thrash metal) the Missions got loose. The B&W 603's stood out by delivering speed and accuracy and not getting out of shape at any time. When it came to the simpler music they are closely matched.

The 603 sounds best (in my room) away from the walls, no bungs fitted. One reason for this is that the soundstage is thrown mainly BEHIND the speakers, Sees strange at first.

Also I find it important to play play the speakers loudish, notable above background levels. Too soft and the mid/treble response is much higher than the bass.

However any soft passages of music are handled deftly - no drop quality.

The (BTW attactively curved) grills do affect the sound significantly. Be ready to take them off often, which is easy enough, not a problem really.

To summarise, very good speakers at resonable cost.

B & W DM603 S3 Speakers. I spent a lot of time selecting a good pair of loudspeakers in the price range 700 - 1500 US$. Checked out the Internet and of course went to many shops for listening sessions. Several models from which I read very positive reviews simply did not need my expectations. If you're in the process of selecting speakers never rely on review but listen and judge yourselve. I liked the B&W 603 S3 from the first time I listened to them. The sound is very natural and clear. The bass is well defined. Perfect tonal balance. They sound good at high as well as at lower sound levels.

Make sure you place them on the spikes and bi-wire them. I really makes a difference. They come with a set of foam plugs, do some experiments with them, in several set-ups the bass is too strong without them.

They sound already very good right out of the box. But be aware the sound changes/improves during the first weeks of usage (break in period).

These speakers are unlike many other speakers in this price range not magnetically shielded. So make sure there is sufficient distance between your TV-set and the speakers (at least 0.5m).

In Hong Kong there is a choice of 3 types finishings although the B&W website only mentions 2. The light oak finish simply looks ugly. The black finish is very sophisticated. In Asia there is also a dark apple finishing which is absolutely fantastic. Because of the wife factor "my" choice was black.

For the money (I paid 6500 HKD) these are very good speakers. Even if you spend substantially more money on speakers you will not easily find a pair that sound better.

Kind regards,

Hans

The B & W DM603 S3 stereo speakers are mains in a surround system matched with DM601 S3's for effects - LCR600 S3 center and the new ASW650 sub. Hard to beat for the price if you enjoy pure, natural sound. BTW - they pump out a lot of sound so you feel the music as well-and that's with my puny 80watt Yam.