I began my listening by streaming compressed tracks over Spotify. The audio system have been fast to indicate off their vivid definition throughout registers, with a transparent and well-defined middle picture, loads of instrumental separation, and broad stereo imaging. That’s very true with acoustic and jazz-leaning tracks. The flute in Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” sounds ethereal and glimmering, whereas Elton John’s “Your Music” is layered in lush orchestration with a beautiful tone in his subdued piano.
The S3’s sound profile exposes a cool tonal colour and loads of zip within the devices and results of sharper recordings. Brilliant horns are inclined to sound significantly uptight, whereas sizzling percussion can typically snap like a bear lure, particularly notable in Infamous B.I.G’s “Hypnotize.” The articulation was so good I immediately realized after years of listening that there are two cymbal hits, the second of which reveals the hi-hats closing. However that comes with a serving to of aggression, like a tech bro at a wine tasting.
The brash, ahead assault additionally comes by means of in dialog of sure TV content material, particularly sitcoms like The Workplace and Parks and Rec. The “s” consonant actually will get the highlight there, popping with further sizzle. I seen much less hiss as time went on, both as a result of the audio system warmed or my ears warmed to them, or probably some mixture of each.
As I listened over a number of days, the 606 S3 actually stepped up with high-quality recordings. Properly-made movies, from Sam Mendes’ Skyfall to Ridley Scott’s Alien, revealed textural results and articulate dialog with out these standout pops. Listening to hi-res information over Amazon Music in HD additionally sounded sweeter, not solely including extra dimension and breadth but in addition a smoother tone. These audio system actually shine along with your finest content material, and whereas which may sound apparent, it appears significantly essential right here.
For me, one of the essential parts of the 606 S3’s sound signature is the bass response. It holds down the inspiration with agency and clean musicality that could be a pleasure, from explosions in motion movies to the 808 kick in Too Brief’s “Simply One other Day.” It sounded a bit of free at first, however transferring the audio system a number of extra inches from the wall zeroed issues in brilliantly. If that’s not sufficient, the audio system additionally include foam bungs for the bass ports.
I nonetheless discover myself considerably torn on the 606 S3. Simply as I’m about to totally fall for them, they pop in with an excessive amount of spritely punch in a cymbal hit or a TV monologue, leaving me questioning in the event that they’d match as my main speaker setup. Personally, I’d spend money on one thing smoother and extra laid-back just like the fabulous Focal Vestia No1, which give comparable sonic riches with out the additional chew. (They’ll additionally value you a bit extra.)
If you happen to’ve come this far, although, you in all probability know the place you stand. I’ve had moments of pure sonic pleasure with these audio system, greater than I anticipated as we first acquired to know one another. If you happen to’re the sort who likes some further pep up high, you’ll be rewarded with element, definition, stereo imaging, and musicality that stands out at this value and above.
