Has anyone listened to either of these speakers? If so, what are your opinions, especially negative impressions? The 601 is the smallest speaker in B&W's 600 Series 2 line, and the DS6 is their THX dipole surround speaker from the same line.

I'm thinking of using the DS6 dipoles as L & R surrounds (surprise :), and a pair of 601s as "ES/EX" rear surrounds.

The tech specs look good for both, and I can get them for what I consider a good price. My problem is that I've been unable to audition them in a decent listening environment, and the store with the good prices charges a restocking fee for returned merchandise. So, I thought I'd solicit some experiences before deciding to take the chance.

Thanks for your opinions! -Bruce

Hi Bruce,

My System consists of:

603 - Front L & R
CC6 - Centre
DS6 - Rear L & R
DS6 - Centre Rear ES/EX Duties

I have no problems with the DS6 rears, i think they are very good speakers which sound excellent in this configuration.

I chose the DS6's as the rear centre because i think i prefer the more diffused sound instead of the direct sounding 601's. Unless i'm mistaken i think this is the recommended setup anyway.

There has been some critisism of the bass handling of these speakers, but believe me i've had no problems. The speakers have handled everything i've thrown at them.

Hope this helps !

Sluggy

I almost bought the CC6 but I heard the Klipsch reference series and there was no doubt. The salesman was pushing me into the B&W but even he admitted they sounded muffled compared to the Klipsch. Also do a search at some of the stereo review sites. The end users opinions on the B&W's got very mixed reviews. Look at the Klipsch reference series and it is almost 100% great reviews. Also the volume needs to be a lot louder for the B&W's. I have no ax to grind as I was just an end user looking for a good speaker at a fair price. I also bought the matching mains RB5-II's and a Velodyne SPL-1200 I need a seatbelt when the room shakes. 1500 watts ;)

This message was edited by ECHOSLOB on 02/23/02 16:25.16.

I have recently upgraded from a very old Pro Logic sytem to HDTV/AV Recvr./New Spkrs. I have a friend who has teh Klipsch reference series in his home theater, and they sound great. I have B&W 603 fronts, B&W 601 Surrounds and B&W LCR6 Center. I demoed the CC6 but found it not to my liking. I love my B&Ws, and have had previous models for years. The LCR6 makes all the difference, and would also be great for fronts. B&W speakers are inefficient however, and do require a lot of power. My Denon 3802 works fine for them, as I don't need to make my ears bleed. I think speaker preference comes down to a personal choice. I like how warm and full sounding the B&Ws are. The Klipsch are great speakers, I personally prefer the sound of the B&Ws, but it's up to you. I woudl recommend going with the LCR6 if available, or the new LCR60 if using Series 3 B&Ws. The Series 2 B&Ws are availbale at pretty good discounts now though. Just my $0.02. Enjoy, what ever you decide.