I was initially drawn to the 606 S3 speakers by their ability to deliver vibrant and defined sound across all registers. When I began my listening experience, I decided to stream compressed tracks over Spotify. Immediately, the speakers showcased their prowess by creating a clear and well-defined center image. With their impressive instrumental separation and broad stereo imaging, these speakers truly excel when it comes to acoustic and jazz-leaning tracks. For example, the flute in Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” sounds airy and delicate, shimmering with an ethereal quality. Similarly, Elton John’s “Your Song” is layered in lush orchestration, with the piano’s subdued tone captivating the listener.
What truly sets the S3 speakers apart is their ability to uncover the nuances and intricacies of sharper recordings. When listening to bright horns or hot percussion, the speakers bring forth a cool tonal color and vivacity that can be both invigorating and captivating. This is especially evident in Notorious B.I.G’s “Hypnotize,” where the articulation is so exceptional that I discovered the presence of a second cymbal hit, which revealed the closure of hi-hats. However, this energetic attack also comes with a touch of aggression, reminiscent of a tech bro at a wine tasting.
The brash and forward nature of the speakers is equally pronounced in the dialogue of certain TV content, particularly sitcoms like “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation.” The crispness of the “s” consonant takes center stage, adding an extra sizzle to the overall audio experience. As I continued to listen to the speakers over several days, I noticed a reduction in hiss, which could be attributed to either the speakers warming up or my ears adjusting to their sound – or perhaps a combination of both.
As I delved into high-quality recordings, such as well-crafted films like Sam Mendes’ “Skyfall” or Ridley Scott’s “Alien,” the 606 S3 truly stepped up its game. The speakers revealed textural effects and delivered articulate dialogue without any jarring pops or inconsistencies. Additionally, when I listened to hi-res files over Amazon Music in HD, the sound became even sweeter – adding more depth, breadth, and a smoother tone to the overall audio experience. It became evident that these speakers truly shine when paired with the best content available, making their purpose as top-tier audio equipment unmistakable.
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One aspect of the 606 S3’s sound signature that particularly stood out to me was its bass response. The speakers provide a solid and smooth foundation, elevating any audio experience – whether it be explosions in action films or the deep thump of an 808 kick in songs like Too Short’s “Just Another Day.” Initially, the bass may have seemed slightly loose, but adjusting the speakers a few more inches from the wall resulted in a perfectly balanced bass response. Additionally, for those who desire even more control over the bass, the speakers come with foam bungs for the bass ports.
However, despite the many positive attributes of the 606 S3, I find myself somewhat torn. Just when I am about to fully embrace these speakers, they occasionally deliver an excessive and spritely punch in certain elements like cymbal hits or TV monologues. This leaves me contemplating whether they would be the ideal primary speaker setup for my personal tastes. Personally, I would lean towards investing in something smoother and more laid-back, such as the excellent Focal Vestia No1. Although they may demand a slightly higher price, they offer a similar sonic richness without the extra bite.
Ultimately, if you have made it this far, chances are you have a good idea of where you stand. Throughout my time spent with the 606 S3, I had moments of pure sonic joy that surpassed my initial expectations. If you prefer a bit of extra pep in your audio experience, these speakers will reward you with an exceptional level of detail, definition, stereo imaging, and musicality – characteristics that truly make them stand out in their price range and beyond.
