Overview

The Bowers & Wilkins 685 S2 is a discontinued two-way bookshelf speaker that was part of the company’s 600 Series. Featuring a 6.5-inch woven Kevlar cone driver with anti-resonance plug and a 25 mm aluminum dome tweeter, the 685 S2 represented B&W’s entry-level offering when it originally retailed for 700 USD. Currently available only in the used market at approximately 415 USD per pair (typical asking/sold examples cluster around 375–500 USD), the speaker uses a decoupled double-dome tweeter and other construction techniques derived from higher-end models. [1][2][6]

Scientific Validity

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Independent NRC data reports sensitivity at 86.4 dB/2.83 V/1 m. Manufacturer specifications list frequency response 52 Hz–22 kHz (±3 dB) with –6 dB points at 45 Hz and 50 kHz, nominal impedance 8 Ω (minimum 4.0 Ω), crossover at 4 kHz, and harmonic distortion (2nd+3rd) <1% from 95 Hz–22 kHz at 90 dB/1 m. Together these indicate adequate technical fidelity for a 6.5-inch passive design; however, comprehensive third-party THD/distortion sweeps have not been published for this model. [1][2]

Technology Level

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Conventional two-way vented-box design with woven Kevlar mid-bass and an aluminum double-dome tweeter mounted using a decoupled scheme. The architecture is sound but not novel versus contemporary competitors; crossover at 4 kHz is standard for this driver complement. [2]

Cost-Performance

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Price basis (review target): 415 USD per pair (used market typical). [6]
Cheapest equal-or-better comparator (new): ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 bookshelf (pair) — 2-way passive with 6.5” woofer; independent measurements show ~±3.4 dB listening-window flatness and –3 dB ≈ 63 Hz; official spec 44 Hz–35 kHz, 87 dB sensitivity. Street price 329 USD/pair. Functions are equivalent, and measured linearity is equal-or-better; bass extension is comparable. CP = 329 USD ÷ 415 USD = 0.79 → 0.8. [3][4][5]

Reliability & Support

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As a discontinued product, ongoing manufacturer support is limited. Passive topology reduces failure points and build quality was solid, but parts availability will diminish over time; purchases rely on unit condition and third-party service.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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Material choices (Kevlar cone, aluminum double-dome tweeter) and decoupling target identifiable performance goals, yet the design does not push state-of-the-art measured transparency. The product prioritized brand and construction themes over aggressive, measurement-driven optimization relative to newer rivals.

Advice

At ~415 USD used, the 685 S2 suits listeners with existing amplification seeking a classic B&W voicing. If neutrality/linearity per dollar is the priority, the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 offers a lower new price with competitive or better measured behavior; if high efficiency is required, consider models explicitly designed for sensitivity, but verify independent measurements before purchase. [3][4][5]

References

[1] SoundStage Network, “NRC Measurements: Bowers & Wilkins 685 S2 Loudspeakers”, https://www.soundstagenetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1645:nrc-measurements-bowers-wilkins-685-s2-loudspeakers&catid=77&Itemid=153, accessed 2025-08-18.
[2] Bowers & Wilkins, “685 S2 Information Sheet (PDF)”, https://www.bowerswilkins.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-bowers_northamerica_shared/default/dw2631a55b/archive-manuals/685-s2-information-sheet-2.pdf, accessed 2025-08-18.
[3] Amazon US, “ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 Bookshelf Speakers (Pair) — DB62-BK”, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B4Q5587, accessed 2025-08-18.
[4] spinorama.org, “Measurements for speaker Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 (ASR)”, https://www.spinorama.org/speakers/Elac%20Debut%202.0%20B6.2/ASR/index_asr.html, accessed 2025-08-18.
[5] ELAC, “Debut 2.0 B6.2 (DB62) — Official Product Page”, https://elac.com/db62, accessed 2025-08-18.
[6] HiFiShark, “B&W 685 S2 — Market Listings/Sales Overview”, https://www.hifishark.com/model/b-w-685-s-2, accessed 2025-08-18.

(2025.8.20)