B&W 686 Bookshelf speakers

The model 686 is the junior shelf speaker system in the series, but even it, despite of the size, is quite heavy (4,9 kg). 686th model is two-way and made in bass-reflex typed body. The bass reflex port is placed on the back wall. The branded technology of "golf ball surface" allows reducing turbulence of the stream and decreasing noise of air in the bell. Foam plugs to decrease the return at low frequencies are included. An inch tweeter with aluminum dome from the rear side is added with sound-absorbing Nautilus tube. This technology turned out to be so effective that was used almost in all speaker systems of B&W including budget ones. The tweeter is designed for a working band up to 50 kHz. Well-reputed diffuser made of Kevlar is used in 130-mm MF/LF driver. Matte black stationary bullet in the center of the driver levels return of the driver at MIDs for better fit with the tweeter. Spring terminals are very handy and well thought. Two pairs are provided for those who want to use bi-wiring or bi-amping.

Listening to different models of B&W you always note the following: the sound of components confirms high authority of the British brand. The capabilities of the speaker system are really high, but they are not afloat. It happens that one component immediately makes a favorable impression, but eventually you find out one or other minor hiccups in its sound. The situation with B&W 686 is different. First you admit that the sound is good, but simple, however, later, a special trust appears to it due to the complex of advantages, the main of which are accuracy, precision, sensitivity on the foundation of tonal neutrality and wide frequency range. Considering that Hi-Fi component should be neutral and transparent in relation to material of a recording, I must admit that B&W 686 is one of the most convincing representatives of Hi-Fi.