Bowers & Wilkins S1 685 Bookshelf Loudspeakers

The Bowers & Wilkins 685 S1 is a compact two-way bookshelf loudspeaker from the acclaimed 600 Series, developed to deliver the company’s characteristic balance of clarity, dynamic expression, and musical engagement in a more room-friendly form factor. Positioned as the larger standmount model within the range, the 685 S1 combines substantial low-frequency capability with the imaging precision expected from a compact monitor design.

A defining feature of the speaker is Bowers & Wilkins’ woven Kevlar® mid/bass driver, a technology long associated with the brand’s higher-end loudspeakers. Paired with an aluminium dome tweeter and Flowport rear-firing bass reflex system, the 685 S1 was engineered to produce a presentation that is both energetic and well controlled, with strong scale for its size.

The cabinet design and driver integration allow the speaker to function comfortably in both stereo hi-fi and home theatre applications, making it one of the more versatile models in the 600 Series lineup.

Specifications

• Type: 2-way vented-box bookshelf loudspeaker
• Tweeter:
  • 1 × 25mm (1″) aluminium dome tweeter
• Mid/Bass Driver:
  • 1 × 165mm (6.5″) woven Kevlar® cone driver
• Frequency Response:
  • 49Hz – 22kHz (±3dB)
• Frequency Range (-6dB):
  • 42Hz – 50kHz
• Sensitivity:
  • 88dB (2.83V / 1m)
• Nominal Impedance:
  • 8Ω (minimum 3.7Ω)
• Recommended Amplifier Power:
  • 25W – 150W into 8Ω
• Crossover Frequency:
  • 4kHz
• Cabinet Loading:
  • Flowport rear-firing bass reflex system
• Dimensions (H × W × D):
  • 340 × 198 × 331 mm
• Weight:
  • 7 kg each

In practical listening, the 685 S1 became known for delivering a presentation that feels larger and more authoritative than its compact dimensions suggest. The larger 6.5-inch Kevlar driver provides stronger bass extension and dynamic capability than many bookshelf competitors, while the aluminium tweeter contributes to the speaker’s open and detailed high-frequency character.

The speaker performs particularly well in:

• medium-sized stereo systems,
• standmount audiophile setups,
• desktop nearfield environments with adequate space,
• and as front or surround channels within higher-quality home theatre systems.

Its tonal balance favours an energetic and lively presentation without sacrificing the coherence and imaging precision that made the 600 Series widely respected among enthusiasts.

The rear Flowport design also helps reduce port turbulence and chuffing at higher output levels, contributing to cleaner bass performance and improved low-frequency composure.

A versatile and highly regarded bookshelf loudspeaker combining strong dynamics, detailed imaging, and classic Bowers & Wilkins Kevlar-driver character.

Condition: Good

Colour: Black

Note: Unit does not include original packaging or additional accessories.