Quad S2 vs.B&W 706 S2 Speakers
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- Опубліковано 9 лип 2024
- Quad S2: Refinement, Musical Sound.
Price: $899 (August, 2020) MSRP: $1195.
706 S2: Dynamic, Spacious Sound.
Price: $2000 (August, 2020)
Music by Grace Mahya: ebay.us/5WV1Ny
Associated Equipments;
B&W 706 S2: ebay.us/BbRKMl
Wharfedale Evo 4.2: amzn.to/32A27lc
ELAC UniFi UF52: amzn.to/3lq9B1s
KEF LS50 Meta: amzn.to/3jDLknd
Denon PMA-SX11 Integrated Amplifier: ebay.us/DQXAGa
PS Audio AC-12 Power Cable: amzn.to/2YQo2Tx
Sony HAP-Z1ES: amzn.to/3ckCZ5w , ebay.us/6gTUDh
Denon DP-47F Turntable: ebay.us/Td0aLF
Denon DL-301 MK II MC Cart: ebay.us/7CNpKo
AudioQuest King Cobra RCA Cables: amzn.to/33bDQlF
AudioQuest Big Sur RCA Cables: amzn.to/3aab3in
Belden 8402 XLR Cables: ebay.us/ray0SA
Oyaide Black Mamba Alpha AC Power Cord: ebay.us/3VffSw
TBR-DS Custom Speaker Cables.
Hey!
Only Option To Listen UA-cam Sound Demo is with good headphones, not your favorite sound system because listening to two rooms at once is not a good thing, no matter how good your sound system is.
My Preferred Headphones For UA-cam Sound Demos: amzn.to/2wAkk54
All music playback is FLAC files via Marantz USB DAC to PMA-SX11 analog input stage.
All sound samples were recorded from 6-8ft away at the listening position with stereo microphones.
If you use these links to purchase any items from Amazon or eBay(No Extra Cost To You), I get a small percentage which help support my work and helps me keep going.
0:00 Build Quality
1:33 Sound Quality
10:18 Quad S2 (Sound Sample)
11:06 B&W 706 S2 (Sound Sample)
11:54 Quad S2 (Sound Sample)
16:13 B&W 706 S2 (Sound Sample)
Sir, you're videos are an ABSOLUTE pleasure to watch. So very informative and so well done. I enjoy all of them, whether I agree with you or not.
Thank you.
I love it when you described the speakers as "timeless". That's a very elegant way to describe its sound signature.
One of the most accurate and honest review I have ever seen.. keep it up mate!
I always come to you for sound tests - thank you very much
Absolutely the Quad - it’s much more balanced. Thank you for your interesting reviews and revealing demonstrations.
Great to see you man! Both sets of those speakers are gorgeous! Great commentary as usual. Have a great day!
Thanks
Both sounding good . The b&w moved me with the second track . Really felt the emotion .
Hello. Very good presentation as always. I like that you keep a level of quality and gentle in all of your reviews. Good to see someone who is no persist.. or trying to convince others to agree with him, etc. Maybe it's a matter of character! Keep going this way.. Thank you very much!
wow they sound AMAZING!
Great review. Am already a fan of S2. Would love to see your comparision of S2 with wharfedale evo 4.2, particularly in mid range, musicality and bass response. Thanks.
I am as well , waht i want to know is how they fair against classic Studio Monitors , Active . To see if 2000$ is worth it or you get same performance on a studio monitor of about 500-1000
As always, an excellent review. Thank you for doing these, very helpful. I’m curious, have you had a chance to listen to the Klipsch Fives? I’d like to know what you think of those. Thanks again.
Fantastic sound on both Speakers wow.
I've had the Quads for a couple weeks and have put some hours on it. Have watched movies as well as listened to music. In comparison, I used Focal 807Ws to determine strengths, weaknesses, preferences using a Hegel h-160, a SoundArtist SA-200IA and an inexpensive but good performing class D amp.
In a nutshell I suppose, the strengths of the Quad S-2 using any of the amps with varying degrees of SQ according to each amps capabilities, the Quads depict voice and instrument playback with pinpoint accuracy, think 20/10 vision vs 20/20 or so. The Focals have always been more focused in this regard to other sub $1000 speakers but the Quads seem to have more precision in outlining voice and instruments. Probably instrument separation was close as I didn't notice a big difference. Now the accuracy does come at a price, with the Hegel, the Focals are smooth, forward with some depth and dimensionality and are quite euphonic. All of which I like and qualities which draw me into the music. With the Hegel, the Quads were smooth but presented a drier, flatter soundstage. While perhaps more accurate, the presentation was a bit smaller but that flatness was unappealing to me. Perhaps there are audiophiles that prefer this presentation but not me. A previous review alluded to this as well in comparison to mid tier Wharfedales.
Moving to the SoundArtisit, a lower tier class AB amp, the SQ of both speakers were affected to some degree but not enough to prove useless. I would say this amp was not a good match for the Focals as the upper mids and highs stood out more than the bass and lower mids (amp wise) making the Focals too bright and unbalanced (the amp itself should be described this way). I think this particular amp, while refined for the price is too unbalanced across frequencies. However, on the Quads, they added some life, some sparkle they were missing on the Hegel. I wouldn't say they escaped their 2-D soundstage, they just sounded a bit more exciting which they really needed to. I think people may like the Quads a bit better on brighter amps as opposed to darker, but that's my own speculation. Perhaps the Denon accentuates the highs?
Also to note, I found the Quads very enjoyable watching movies with the added clarity enhancing speech, non-musical micro details as well as soundtracks. I won't say they were always better than my Focals, just different as both present fine definition. I might like some things better on the Quads as well as some things better on the Focals. But for speech, the Quads do it very well. So the biggest difference is regarding music playback. I would say the Quads are missing something that brings out one's emotions when listening to music. It could be for me at least, they are too dry and analytical as they seem to fail to draw me into the musical experience. With the Focals, I always seem to just stop what I'm doing as they captivate attention and present a very emotional experience for me. The Focals "may" be less accurate, transparent,. etc., in comparison to the Quads but the Quads are just not as enjoyable to listen to.
Now, on a cheap little class D, the Focals are still a very nice speaker but dynamics suffer the most. So large differences between micro details and larger sounds aren't as great. Probably similar with the Quads but the Quads still sounded good on class D. You are giving up some dynamics and refinement with a cheaper class D but I did prefer it to the SoundArtist at 8X the price. The SoundArtist went back as it wasn't up to expectations but probably typical for its' price point. Still, on class D, I preferred my Focals to the Quads with music even though the Quads provide more refinement with voice and instruments. The Quads just don't draw me into the music. For strictly movies, either is fine but for music, I think the Quads are sensitive to finding the right amp or may be fine for someone who prefers accuracy while accepting a more 2-D soundstage, less excitement, less emotion perhaps?
Also, when I get close, in between my Focals the tweeter/woofer remain very cohesive and it sounds like you are wearing headphones. Some speakers do this, some don't. The Quads don't. It's like there's a bit of a disconnect between drivers. I don't think the Quads would work well in nearfield. Also, the Quads don't disappear int the room as well as the Focals do but they should given they have a smaller woofer...a trait which some say exists.
So, there's a perspective you can take with a few grains of salt. I think the Quads are talented in some things but fail to draw me into a musical experience even though I do like the highly defined quality of how voice and instruments are presented. As one who always preferred a more analytical sound, they are just too much so and kind of boring to me. Fine for movies, really fine but lacking with music only. I guess, there's a coloration or presentation I prefer that makes a speaker sound "musical". I've noticed this quality in other speakers as well. I probably would less prefer a studio monitor although I wouldn't place the Quads in this category.
With a 5 inch woofer, an amp that really grips with strong bass might not be best either. While expensive amps are overkill for the above speakers used, the Hegel and Focals are a great match. The Hegel may be OK with the Quads but with a set of Triangle Zetas I have, the mids get too muddled. The Triangles and the cheap class D are a nice match. Seems speakers with paper woofers like class D amps. I think the Quads do well with either class D or A/B amps with not to high damping factors. It's just for me, they lack some emotional engagement with music.
Lastly, there is no perfect speaker, the Quads are detailed and accurate, a set of Monitor Audios had very nice tonality for piano decay, very natural, the Focals give enough and give up little not being the best in everything but have enough to give me what I need. Can I get "more" of the same with improvements where needed? I think we all try to do that but at some point I guess you accept that what you have is good enough. If the music captivates you, you are on the right track. No perfect speaker, no one way to enjoy music. Happy listening.
Like the punchier bass of the B&Ws, but as soon as you go to vocals, the Quads are clear and the B&Ws are very sibilant.
Based on your review I've bought a pair of Quads and they are every bit of what you've said about them. It's been a month now and I enjoy them more and more each day. Thanks for a great and honest review.
Enjoy! Thank you.
Had my Quad S2's for around 30 months and paired with a Naim Uniti Atom I'm ecstatic, they sound *phenomenal*.
Toyed with the idea of trading them in for the new Kef LS50 Meta's but swiftly thought nah, why should I? The Quads sound that good.
£600 well spent.
Yes now I’m using Quad S2 piano finishing, pairing with tube amp kt88 triode mode very musical can listen the whole day!
Great choice!
PLEASE try an S5! Would love to hear your opinion. Known the S2 and absolutely LOVE it!
The B&Ws have a more 'impressive' sound with boosted treble and slightly bumped up bass. But the Quads sound just so natural... especially in the mids.
Agree
I think the Quad's sound soft and way too bass heavy
@@Yeolde777 - Quite the contrary. Their treble stands out and more prominent than the KEF Q350s, Wharfedale Evo 4.2s and BOstons Acoustics A26 that i have. Can be unforgiving with poor sources.
The vocals on the Mona Lisa track are more expressive on the B&Ws, they just seem to me to be the more dynamic and musically communicative speaker overall. However, the top end is a bit sharp compared to the smoother sounding Quads. A great demo as usual.
I use a pair of 22l2 as the front speaker in the cinema speaker system. When the scene had a dog barking, my whole family suddenly looked around because I thought there was a neighbor's dog barking. Prove that these speakers reproduce extremely realistic sound.
How many years has it been? What a journey it’s been to arrive at the Quads. I saw the ribbon tweeters and nearly ran but thought I’d check in for a Saturday night listen, and I am so glad I did. As always, thanks for the sharing and making the journey worthwhile
Quad for me. Less bright on the treble and more natural sounding.
Nice review
From my back and forthers...You can barely tell but the BW can do more. It's a tiny bit fuller on both ends I'd say extended. It's a tiny low in the mids but.. wow.... Both are unbelievable. Wish I could be there for myself to feel the bass.
Thank you man for all of your reviews ! Perfect job ! Do you know PIEGA speakers ?
Yea I do but I have not tried them in my system, thanks
The B&WS are 4 dB louder in the brightness region. It would be interesting to see the off axis response.
Tharbamar, I see the Quads have become quite your standard speaker for comparison as you are putting it aside the likes of this B&W, Ls50 Meta, Evo 4.2. So I believe you see them as really great speakers indeed. I'm trying to decide between getting the Evo 4.4 and Quad S5. What would you pick? Thanks
Another great comparision!!How can you explain that being a smaller and cheaper speaker can compete with 706??thanks and cheers from Argentina!!
Excellent review, I like the Quad S2 very much, they have something special clarity, detail and yes you are right vocals are beautiful.
Wow small drivers can sound very accurate but the B&W mid/bass sounded a little fuller
It definitely would have the bigger output from the larger driver, more excursion and the large port.
Yes, Quad S2 in Mona Lisa sound more natural, and guitar strings.
Both very good speakers. Even if B&W beats Quad it seems marginally given the greater disparity in price. So many choices between 1 and 2 grand...that's a good thing.
Gonna have to chose the B&Ws.
Love these but the tweeter is not gonna last too fragile?
That ribbon looks exactly like a fountek, not complaining though i think they're great
Apparently the ribbon is a specially designed for Quad and is very probably made by Fountek to Quad specs. Unlike other ribbon tweeters it extends to just 22khz probably to minimise any harshness.
'Mona Lisa' sound like a soft cool breeze on a summer's day with the Quad's, very nice. So effortless and natural sounding.
Thanks to you I am very intrigued by the Quad S2. Unfortunately its not currently available in Germany. I would think that a fairer match to the B&W 700 series would be Quad's Z series. In terms of each manufacturer's entry level series the S pitches against B&W's corresponding 600 S2 Anniversary series so its impressive that it managed to hold its own here.
I would request that you review a Z series speaker as your next Quad. It would be more interesting than doing another S.
It is perfect match as they sit in the same price range. Z2 are double in price
Hi,love your videos.I am into b&w and have a question for you.How does an 805 nautilus compare to an 706 s2.I mean pricewise they are about the same.Cabinwise the 706 must be way inferior and there is something about the prestigious design of the the 805 but the 706 has incorporated much newer technology into its drivers.Which one is the better buy from a sound quality perspective?
Great review... I,m going for the S2,s. What stands did you use for these speakers?
I’m using B&W STAV24 Stands, thanks
Great ballance between talking and sound testing on this channel, youtubers who just talk without giving a sound test should be muted and then their reviews will be complete ;) Once again excellent comparison Tharbamar !
Thank you.
It may come down to the type of music you listen to ?
10:35 11:35 Is it just me or the Hi-Hat sound in Quad is more on the left side and BW is slight on the right. But from the yt audio samples i listen it images at center.
I’ve narrowed my best bookshelf speaker for the money down to the Quad s-2, KEF q350, Definitive Technology D-9, and last but not least ELAC uni-fi B5. But I don’t think I can run the ELAC’s because I just don’t have the Money to buy the power needed for a speaker like that. All I have is a Sony STR-DN-1080. What are your suggestions for a beginner Home Theatre and music enthusiast? Thanks! your videos are awesome I spent my whole free time today watching tons of your videos, your reviews are AMAZING!
Quad S2 or KEF Q350? either speaker is very good, S2 for more refinement most accurate voices and Q350 for bass performance and dynamic attack, please choose base on your taste, thanks
Would you consider the S-2 viable for near field desktop usage? Or do you think the S-1 are more recommended for that?
Indeed 706 seems more harsh and the S2 more natural. Maybe with warmer amps the 706 may work a bit better.
Hey, can you please make a review on Definitive technology D11 and compare them to other speaker. Thank you 🙏🏻
I have the older SM45s which I really enjoyed although they were less detailed and a little laid back regarding movies, nothing like many british speakers but in comparison to more audiophile speakers. They were close to Kef Q100s in detail but I liked the SM45s better for superior build and looks as well as being very dynamic. The Q100s could get beamy. Tonality isn't top tier but better than many and Def techs like power and good amps. For the money, there are alot of choices today.
I would really have to be in front of them! I am sure they are both very nice units. They jolly well ought to be!
Thanks for comparing these speakers. I have a Yamaha A-S1200. I am following your speaker reviews and I am eyeing Evo 4.2, Klipsch RP600M, Quad S2 and 706 S2. May I know your precious advice on what speaker to get? Or maybe you have other speakers to review on the way that will match the Yamaha. My current speaker is the very old B&W685. Thanks! I have learned a lot from your channel.
Your amp will sound great with Quad S2, refinements and musicality makes it great choice for music listening. Thanks
Thanks for the tip!
Between dali menuet and s2 what would you recommend,i like revealing and forward speakers,thank you in advance
Отличный канал!!! Спасибо!!!
Nice review. I wonder how the Quads compare to the KEF R3's....
We have to compare with Quad Z1 or Z2 to be fair but S2 may be only lacks in bass response compare to R3. I will find out in near future, thanks
I understand why you have held on to both of those, I have to say the sound reproduction is very good on the Quads. They do seem to be better balanced. i would go with the B&W's and not because i own the 805 matrix horizontal's. I tend to think they are just a bit more detailed and i have always loved a speaker that tells you exactly what your source of material and system just is. I would keep the Quads around if i could though, they would be my go to speaker when having get togethers, due to the different sources of music used. For pure listening, i would have the B&W's set up for myself. Wonder if the 706's wouldn't be as forward if you dialed down on the volume?
Great comparison. I do prefer the B&W but do like the idea of a folded ribbon. Keep up the awesome content. P.S - love your sound demos👌
7:10 Tharbamar, I was wondering the same thing about integration. I got the Klipsch RP600M around a year ago and was a bit turned off by disconnect at crossover point. I got KEF instead, and that issue went away, however now I can't listen as long because KEF is a bit bright and can wear on me. I know you used to be a big fan of the LS50. How does the Quad compare for you? Is it integrated that well? Is Quad warmer than LS50? Thanks for your great review!
Drivers integration is as good as LS50, seamless between ribbon and bass driver. S2 is not a bright sounding speaker, you can also check out Evo 4.1 if you like a bit more smoother sound. Thanks
Thanks for a practical review and comparison. I just bought the quad s2 used from another gentleman and the only thing that worries me is the Amplifier matching. I have a pair of 20yr old Cary audio cinema 1 ss monoblocks. I hope they pair well 🤞🏼
Both good
Bonjour and merci for those reviews about Quad S2 !
i was about to get the LS50 Meta's but after all i heard in ur reviews and read in the comments, i think the Quad's are definitely more for me.
"for long term buy" & "not tiring for long sessions"
those speak to me !
but i have a question : has anybody experienced a match with Cambridge Audio CXA-81 ?
i read here that they don't match much with "warm" amps like Marantz 8006 and i heard that Cambridge is kinda opposite sound compare to Marantz, but still not neutral.
So i'm really wondering as this CXA81 matches almost all i need plus sentimental value (my 1st real amplifier was a Cambridge audio A1, in 1996 and i loved it).
Mr Tharbamar, i'm going to post this on the 3 or 4 videos related to the Quads.
I really do hope u will not consider this as spam. !f so i apologize in advance and please delete them.
THANX A LOT for all ur work
@Tharbamar Can you review the Dynaudio Special 40. Better yet, a comparison with B&W 705 S2?
May be in the future, thanks
Great Review! I have the Quad S5s and its all the goodness of the Quad S2 on a grander scale! It would be great if you got it and reviewed it as well! Coincidentally, I was doing an A &B (& C) comparison between the KEF Q350s, Evo 4.2s (as i had purchased new stands) and the Quad S5s today (obviously not on stands). I never cease to be amazed at how incredible the S5s sound (despite having had them for over 2 years now), especially after a quick switch from the other two speakers.
Yes Quad speakers need more attention, many people were missing out from great sounding speakers.
Tharbamar Also Piega Classic deserve more attention. Excellent speakers with a sweet, detailed, refined and full bloodied sound. I have Piega Classic 7.0. They outclassed all others I listen to and borrowed home, like the B&W 704 S2 which I liked but they just didn't reach anywhere near the level of the Piega's.
Thanks I will try them in the future.
is Quad s2 good speaker for movies as well (set them as the main R and Main L as part of 5.1)? appreciate any comments and experience sharing.
Both nice sounding loudspeakers but that B&W sibilants! Deal-breaker. Vocals on S2, fantastic.
On these recordings I prefer the S2. Perhaps that’s not surprising, as I have a pair of Quad Z1s myself :)
Since there are very few Quad Z series reviews around, may I suggest that you try the Z series instead of another S Series?
Good suggestion. I fancy a pair of Z1s but you don't read much about them.
@@Alan_Mac I sold mine then bought the Z2s, then the MA PL100IIs and ended up with ATC for a more true to the source sound. There are two reviews online, I believe: one from sound and vision and another by sound “sinc” (both for the Z1 - it’s even harder to find one on the Z2s).
Hello Tharbamar, I have BW CM8 and interested of getting the S2. The CM8 is a bit forward sounding and I struggle with it sometimes. I can’t get a demo so i will be buying it based on your reviews! - Thank you for the demo
Grumpy468 hey thanks for the reply and input ! Yes , i kinda of agree what you said and wish had the CM10 but was trying to save a few dollar and space. I did demo the ls50 and RP600m as well but wasn’t convinced and did not get that wow factor. Im really hoping to demo the S2 and a few more reviews... i was also considering sound artist sc8b :)
Did the quad s-2 have any “break in” period that you noticed?
I literally set my pair up yesterday and they sound excellent out the box. Very pleased for the relatively small price.
Yes they do sound great out of the box, bass will improve after about 50 hours, thanks
@@Tharbamar I can confirm. I have the Quad Z2 and out of the box they are disappointing, but after >40 hours they open up and really improve.
I enjoy my Optimus Linaeum with ribbon tweeters. If I upgrade, I would chose Quad S2!
Is the Quad Z4 better than the Bowers & Wilkins 702S2 ?.
Music taste = Rap, R&B, Urban pop etc.
Room size = 5m x 5m ( 2.5m high ceilings )
Thank you
706 s2 are the best,,thanks for the comparison..
What about Elac BS 263 against the Quad S2?
I asked before, but didnt get an answer (with all understanding :))
Im curious of how you would compare focal 906 to these Quads?
All the best and thank you for making these videos! / Patrik
I might have missed it, Quad S2 is more musical and suites my taste, Aria 906 is a little too neutral and bass is on light side, high level listening is not that impressive. Thanks
@@Tharbamar Thank you. The S2 sounds like a winner. A good looker too.
AussiePat they are really really good considering other speakers in that price range. Just don’t expect them to be giant killers.
While I really can't be certain, and while the 706s have a bit more detail and sharper edges, the Quads seem to add or present more color into the individual instruments. What I mean by that for example, the tone of the piano is more natural, while the 706s seem more homogenized among instruments or presenting less color or specific tonal qualities associated with a particular instrument. Can't be certain just something I am picking up.
A speaker I heard once that imparted the same tonal characteristics on every instrument including voices was the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170. While being detailed in sound, everything kind of sounded the same. Weird to me. Lots of detail in comparison to other budget designs, but that homogenization of sound was there. At the time, I only remember one other person who didn't like them while everyone else raved. A reason why comparisons are useful. It shows differences and with differences, we can start understanding what preferences we like in speakers. It is rare if not just plain unobtainable at any price one gets all the boxes checked off perfectly.
next demo with drums and saxophone?
Quad S2 !!
好喜歡解說者的口音喔
Hi Tharbamar, i am deciding which speaker to get. Mission QX2, B&W 606, or Wharfedale Evo 4.2.
May i have your opinion ? Thanks :)
I have not heard QX2.
606 and Evo 4.2 is very different sounding. Both speakers are capable of producing every details but in different ways, 606 is brighter and more dynamic but forward sound, Evo 4.2 is rich and warm with great drivers integration, you have to decide base on your taste. Thanks
Hello Mr. Tharbamar, so, as I can understand, you preferred Quad S2 than the Focal Aria 906. Let me ask you if they are paired with a Rel T7x or a pair of them, is still the Quad better than the Focal's? And in your opinion should we pair it with a subwoofer to take advantage from the bass and room environment in general? Thanks.
Yes in stereo pair listening them in close range but T7x and 906 will blend nicer because of their high frequency drivers. I would say 906 is better choice if you’re using with sub and it can handle more power as well, thanks
The quads take my 1st place ribbon.
What do you think of the Bowers & Wilkins 683 S2 model, thanks
They are okay, a little unrefined for my taste, thanks
So interesting how the voice sounds flat and unengaging on the 706 after the S2. I may order the S2 tonight, final re-checking of reviews and sound samples now :) Upgrading from B&W 685. Exciting times! But since no one will read this, I guess it doesn't matter... haha
Enjoy! Thanks
@@Tharbamar Thank you Tharbamar! And I just placed the order. I very much like your unbiased and thorough approach to reviewing and informing. Keep up the great work :)
Would the slightly smaller woofer and enclosure perform any different in a large room as a 6.5" woofer in a speaker with a slightly larger box like the triangle br03? I know it may not be ideal in a large room, just wondering if there would be much difference
Yes it will perform better in bass performance and high decibel.
@@Tharbamar thanks for the reply. So the smaller woofer/enclosure would perform better than the larger woofer/enclosure due to being higher quality?
Would it perform alright if crossed over with a sub at the proper point in a large room
What amp do you use
The Quad S2 nicer highs
How would these compare against the NHT C3 speakers? Any plan to test the NHT's?
I have not heard NHT in very long time, I will try them if I can in the future, thanks
Hope to see Quad S5.
Having a hard time finding the Quads in black anywhere online. Any distributors in the US have these available? Thanks for the detailed review.
Music Direct have them in black.
Suddenly at full retail. I may have bought the last discounted one today.
How tall are the speaker stands ? 24-inches ?
Now, this might be a weird question to ask, but:
What if you build a nice PC system; you have a nice AMP/DAC and all the good equipment - but instead of going with crappy pc-branded speakers as stereo-setup; is going with Bookshelf speakers worth it? On PC, I personally always listen to music - especially when trying to focus on things. Which means, you sit closely to your monitor, maybe less than half a meter (1,5 foot or something, am from europe).
I'd still love to get really high quality speakers, especially for bass hungry music, yet still delivering top-notch in the other ranges.
On one review, you said, the B&W would be best with 6 foot (1.8 meters) distance - somewhere in that range. You didn't say anything about the Quad S2 in that regard.
Would you recommend any Bookshelf speakers for top-notch sound, just with the addition that it still sounds amazing when only sitting 1,5 foot (0,5 meters) away, or something in that range? Maybe even the Quad S2? Or am I completely heading towards the wrong direction?
Looking forward for any helpful answers, much greetings, am a new fan of your channel and the community. :)
Simple answer is you can use any bookshelf speaker for near field desktop, you just need to position them right to get the best sound, my favorite would be either LS50 passive or active if I were serious about desktop, thanks
Thanks for your quick reply!
Re-listened to your comparisons of the LS50 Meta & the Quads S2. I have to go with the Quad S2, even tho I preferred the heavy bass of the KEFs. The Quads just had much more pronounced (yet not over pronounced) mids & highs. I guess that justifies the loss of a bit of bass, in the long run - especially for daily usage.
However, that's just my opinion. :P
Thanks again, very much appreciated.
Does mean your selling the 706s2
Hello Tharbamar, Between KEF Reference 1 and B&W 805D3, which in your opinion is the better speaker for 2.0 or 2.1 stereo? By chance, did you announce the winner of the speaker cables that you were promoting the other day? Thanks
Personally I could go with either speakers, slightly prefer Reference 1 more balanced sound. The winner is already announced on community post, thanks
@@Tharbamar Thanks, Could you please make a pair of speakers cables for me?
Quad Z4 on sale at Underwood Hifi distributor for 4K - given how well this S2 fits your sound preferences and how good your amp is, these top of the line floorstanders could be the end game ticket. 4K for a potentially elite speaker is a bargain IMHO. Wish I could have paid that instead of 7K for my B&W 804 D3s!
Yes Z4 will be very good choice, what I love about Quad S2 is makes me forget about reviewing the product, I just kept on listening 3-4 albums continuously, wonderful little speaker.
@@Tharbamar yes the Z4 could be killer, but no dealer in my city carries quad as far as i can tell. Btw are you going to keep buying bookshelves or is your ultimate speaker going to be a floorstander?
All of these are samples, I will be trying some towers in the future, thanks
Were those SPL matched for sound samples? I have a feeling B&W a bit louder. If that is the case we're not comparing apples to apples...
Yes it's level match with SPL meter, B&W is not louder it's the forward sound signature.
The only thing I really don't like which alot of speaker companies have adapted is the silverish ring outlining the drivers.
Me neither, I preferred design like Quad S2.
You could probably cover that carefully with a marker and tape to stop colour outside the lines.
@@RennieAsh One could, but the point is that it was a bad design idea to begin with.
I like the vocal in B&W 706 S2, little bit bold and spacious compare to Quad S2, but the treble is little bit peak, make the guitar distored
I. Have dynaudio audience 52 preferred them to quad z2 in a direct comparison what would you consider an upgrade many thanks John
Hi, are you sure ? Don't the trebles are harsh with the Dynaudio for long sessions ?
Easy on this one. Quad!
I have a pair of Z2s. It will be interesting if you could review them.
Ashley Sia I’m being offered the Z2s for approx USD 1650. Does it make sense to go for them as i already have the Quad S5s?
@@darpanbhuyan1909 You have to listen to the Z2 to decide if you like the sound. I personally have not heard the S5 before but they should have deeper bass given the cabinet volume.
@@ashleysia743 - I have my low frequencies taken care of by a sub (REL T9i) so strong/deep bass is not a concern. My dealer is unfortunately situated around 700 miles from my location so can't fly down to audition them either.
@@darpanbhuyan1909 Based on my audition of S2s, the difference is that Z2s sound bigger and has a more serious presentation. It also needs quite a bit of power as it's only 84db sensitivity.
The Ascend Acoustics Sierra would be interesting since it also has a ribbon tweeter and is in the same class.
But Quad S-2 has better balance, for sure.
The Sierra measures noticably better than all of them
Hi Tharbamar, I'm wondering do you think the Quad S2 desperately needs a subwoofer for all round music listening (not movie)?
It will be all based on size of the room and your preference, I do not need subwoofer in small room but I do need it in big room personally.
@@Tharbamar thank you. The Wharfedale Evo 4.2 was too much in my small room - Singapore govt flats. I think specifying the size of your room is important. Thank you. I'm getting the Quad S2
B&W for me. The Quads are really nicely balanced though. I like them both.
Please compare B&w 606 s2