The Bowers & Wilkins 685 S2 bookshelf speakers deliver a compact, midrange-focused sound that suits two-channel systems and front‑channel home theater use.
Quick value snapshot and target buyers
The 685 S2 sits in the mid-tier of Bowers & Wilkins’ 600 Series as a compact bookshelf that balances price, finish options and sonic refinement.
Buyers who get the most from these speakers are hi‑fi beginners wanting a credible first system, two‑channel fans who need detailed vocals and small‑room home theater owners seeking clear front channels.
Expect a speaker designed to prioritize midrange accuracy and stereo imaging over earth‑shaking bass; it pairs best with an amp and room treatment that respect that focus.
Key selling points that keep it competitive
The 685 S2 wins on footprint: it fits on stands or shelves without dominating a room.
Its midrange clarity makes vocals and acoustic instruments sound immediate and present; that quality matters more than raw bass for many listeners.
Brand strength matters too: Bowers & Wilkins’ reputation brings resale value and dealer support that easier rivals often lack.
The build and engineering that define the sound
The cabinet uses internal bracing and rounded edges to reduce panel vibration and diffraction, which improves tonal neutrality off‑axis.
The tweeter is mounted in a small housing that decouples it from the main baffle, reducing cabinet‑borne resonances and sharpening treble detail.
Mid/bass drivers use a rigid cone material that keeps breakup modes high, which helps with coherence and midrange definition at typical listening levels.
Crossover design and internal damping
The crossover emphasizes a smooth handoff between tweeter and mid/bass to keep phase and timing coherent across the listening axis.
Internal damping and carefully placed bracing reduce cabinet coloration, which lets the speaker present cleaner harmonics and more believable instrument timbres.
Those network choices also shape off‑axis response, so placement and toe‑in materially affect perceived tonal balance.
What the 685 S2 sounds like in real listening
Highs are detailed with a controlled edge; you hear air and texture without exaggerated sibilance.
The midrange is forward and articulate, which makes vocals and acoustic guitars particularly engaging and easy to follow in mixes.
Bass is present and tight for a bookshelf design but stops short of deep extension; you’ll get punch and rhythm more than room‑shaking low end.
Soundstage and imaging excel for the size: instruments anchor clearly across width, with surprising depth and microdynamics that reward focused listening.
Objective performance you should know
Don’t expect deep sub‑bass; the speaker’s useful bass ends earlier than small floorstanders, so plan for a subwoofer if you want authoritative LF performance.
Sensitivity is moderate, so choose an amp that can deliver clean power without strain; clipping at high volumes will muddy midrange detail.
Pay attention to impedance dips around crossover points; some modestly powerful amplifiers handle those dips better and keep dynamics intact.
Room setup and placement tricks
Start with the speakers 20–40 cm from the rear wall to balance bass reinforcement and midrange bloom; closer will increase bass but risk boom.
Tilt them slightly inward with toe‑in so the tweeters aim near your ears; 0–15 degrees is a good starting range—adjust in small steps until imaging locks.
Stand height matters: set the tweeter at seated ear level, typically 90–110 cm from the floor, for precise imaging and consistent tonal balance.
If the room booms, add a rug and move reflective objects away from first‑reflection points; bass traps help but small acoustic fixes often yield the biggest return.
Amp, AVR and source pairing
Match the 685 S2 with an amplifier that provides clean watts rather than sheer peak power; 30–100 Wpc of stable solid‑state power covers most listening situations.
Tube amps can add warmth, but choose ones with adequate current to avoid softness at higher volumes.
Prioritize a clean source chain: a reliable DAC and decent preamp or AVR with simple room correction will improve clarity more than expensive speaker cables.
Getting tight, full bass with a subwoofer
Add a subwoofer when you need extension below the speaker’s natural roll‑off or when watching movies; set the crossover between 60–80 Hz for a seamless blend.
Adjust sub level and phase by ear and with room correction tools; aim for a smooth transition without a noticeable gap or a peak at the crossover point.
Use DSP or automatic room correction sparingly: correct severe peaks and nulls, but avoid broad EQ cuts that smear imaging and midrange presence.
Small upgrades and accessories that deliver measurable improvement
Stands that put the tweeter at ear height and decouple the speaker from the floor improve focus and bass definition; prioritize mass and stability.
Isolation pads or spikes reduce cabinet coupling and tighten bass; test with and without to confirm benefits in your room.
Upgrade to high‑quality banana plugs or short, well‑terminated speaker cables for consistent connections; skip exotic wiring unless you can A/B in your system.
How the 685 S2 compares with direct rivals
Compared with the KEF LS50 Meta, the 685 S2 trades slightly narrower imaging for a fuller midrange presence and easier amplifier matching.
Against Q Acoustics 3030i, the 685 S2 offers a more forward vocal presentation while the 3030i may produce a bit more low‑end heft for the money.
Monitor Audio Bronze 2 competes on punch and finish options; choose the 685 S2 if you prioritize midrange clarity and vocal detail above raw bass power.
Practical buying advice: new vs used
Buy new if you want warranty coverage and guaranteed cosmetic condition; buy used to save money but inspect thoroughly for driver damage, grille integrity and cabinet repairs.
On used pairs check for cone delamination, loose binding posts, and consistent sound from each speaker—play familiar tracks and listen for imbalance or buzzing.
Request serial numbers and confirm any claimed service history; mismatched serials or unexplained repairs are negotiation points.
Troubleshooting common issues and long‑term care
Rattles and buzzes usually come from loose grill pins, loose binding posts, or a displaced internal brace; tighten visible fasteners and test again before opening the cabinet.
For dust or grille cleaning use a soft brush and low suction vacuum; never spray cleaners directly on drivers or cloth grilles.
If a driver fails, match replacements by part number and date; aging capacitors in the crossover can also change voicing and are a common service item after many years.
Who should buy the 685 S2 today — checklist and upgrade paths
Buy the 685 S2 if you value midrange clarity, need a compact speaker for a small to medium room, and plan to prioritize vocals or two‑channel listening.
Consider a subwoofer or larger B&W floorstanders if your room is large or you demand deep, authoritative bass.
Upgrade paths: step up within B&W to larger 600 Series floorstanders or move to competitor models with larger cabinets if you need more low‑frequency weight or wider imaging at high SPL.
These speakers reward careful pairing and placement: give them a stable stand, decent amplification, and a basic room treatment and they perform well beyond their size and price.
