B&W 683 Speakers

Description

The Bowers & Wilkins 683 is the flagship floorstanding model of the original 600 Series introduced in 2007, bringing technology derived from the company’s prestigious 700 and 800 Series to a far more attainable price point. Designed as a true three-way loudspeaker, the 683 combines deep, authoritative bass with an exceptionally transparent midrange and refined treble, making it equally at home in dedicated two-channel music systems and high-performance home theaters. Its blend of engineering, performance, and value quickly established it as one of the most respected speakers in its class and a favorite among audiophiles seeking genuine high-end sound without entering the luxury price category.

At the heart of the 683 is a sophisticated three-way driver complement featuring Bowers & Wilkins’ renowned 6-inch woven Kevlar® FST™ (Fixed Suspension Transducer) midrange driver, technology adapted directly from the company’s acclaimed 800 Series. Unlike conventional midrange drivers, the FST design minimizes surround coloration, allowing voices and acoustic instruments to emerge with exceptional clarity and realism. High frequencies are handled by a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter housed in a tapered tube-loading assembly that absorbs unwanted rear radiation, reducing distortion while improving transient response. Bass duties are assigned to dual 6.5-inch paper/Kevlar-skinned aluminum cone woofers, which deliver impressive low-frequency extension and dynamic authority.

The cabinet is equally well engineered. Constructed from heavily braced MDF with a distinctive curved front baffle and finished in Black Ash, Light Oak, Red Cherry, or Wenge vinyl, the enclosure incorporates B&W’s Flowport™ bass reflex system. The dimpled port surface reduces air turbulence and audible chuffing, producing tighter, cleaner bass even at higher playback levels. Foam port plugs are supplied, allowing owners to tailor bass output for room placement near rear walls or corners. Dual gold-plated binding posts permit bi-wiring or bi-amplification for enthusiasts seeking maximum performance.

Sonically, the 683 is characterized by its neutral tonal balance, expansive soundstage, and effortless dynamic capability. The Kevlar midrange excels with vocals, presenting singers with remarkable presence and natural timbre, while the aluminum tweeter contributes crisp yet controlled high frequencies. The dual woofers provide substantial bass extension that is both powerful and articulate, allowing the speaker to reproduce everything from orchestral crescendos to modern rock with convincing authority. With a sensitivity of 90 dB and recommended amplifier power of 25 to 200 watts, the 683 performs well with a wide range of quality amplifiers, though it particularly rewards high-current amplification.

Professional reviews were overwhelmingly positive. TechRadar described the 683 as offering “remarkably revealing” performance with “impressive bass extension,” concluding that it delivered a level of transparency rarely encountered in speakers below the £1,000 price point. In a later review, the publication praised its “neutral overall balance,” “fine dynamic range,” and solid engineering, noting that the speaker combined advanced driver technology with excellent value.

Although What Hi-Fi? felt the 683’s presentation leaned toward refinement rather than outright excitement, it nevertheless praised the speaker’s “detailed, full-bodied sound” and its ability to play effortlessly at both low and high listening levels. The combination of accuracy, scale, and composure has helped the 683 remain a popular choice on the used market more than a decade after its introduction.

Today, the original B&W 683 continues to be regarded as one of the standout floorstanding loudspeakers of its generation. Its proven driver technology, solid construction, and balanced sonic character enable it to compete favorably with many contemporary designs, making it an excellent value for listeners seeking a full-range loudspeaker capable of delivering both musical finesse and cinematic impact.

Product Specifications

• Type: Three-way bass-reflex floorstanding loudspeaker
• Tweeter: 1-inch (25 mm) aluminum dome with Nautilus™ tube loading
• Midrange: 6-inch (150 mm) woven Kevlar® FST™ driver
• Woofers: Two 6.5-inch (165 mm) paper/Kevlar-skinned aluminum cone drivers
• Enclosure: Flowport™ bass reflex with supplied port plugs
• Frequency Response: 38 Hz – 22 kHz (±3 dB)
• Frequency Range: 30 Hz – 50 kHz (-6 dB)
• Sensitivity: 90 dB (2.83V/1m)
• Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms (minimum approximately 3 ohms)
• Recommended Amplifier Power: 25–200 watts per channel
• Crossover Frequencies: 350 Hz and 4 kHz
• Connections: Dual gold-plated binding posts for bi-wire/bi-amp operation
• Dimensions (H × W × D): 40.2 × 7.8 × 13.4 in. (1020 × 198 × 340 mm)
• Weight: Approximately 62 lb (28 kg) each