603 S3 - Speaker BOWERS & WILKINS - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	3-way column speaker
Brand	Bowers & Wilkins
Model	603 S3
Dimensions (H x W x D) approx.	1000 x 200 x 300 mm
Weight approx.	20 kg
Nominal impedance	8 ohms
Sensitivity (SPL @ 1W/1m)	90 dB
Frequency response	48 Hz - 28 kHz
Recommended amplifier power	30 - 200 W RMS
Connectivity	Dual binding posts (bi-wiring possible)
Cabinet finish	Satin black, matte white, dark walnut
Protective grille	Removable, magnetically attached
Included accessories	Metal spikes, rubber feet, foam port plugs, Allen key, wrench, safety washers
Recommended placement	Floor-standing, use base with spikes or rubber feet
Bi-amping/Bi-wiring	Possible (remove jumpers)
Break-in	About 15 hours of normal use
Maintenance	Dust with microfiber cloth, avoid abrasive products
Power consumption	Passive (no power supply)
Compliance	RoHS, REACH, WEEE

Frequently Asked Questions - 603 S3 BOWERS & WILKINS

How to install the base of the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3?

Attach the base using the supplied screws (45 mm), then insert the spikes or rubber feet into the base inserts. Never screw spikes directly into the speaker. Adjust the height for perfect stability and lock with the nuts.

What is the minimum distance from walls?

Place the speakers at least 50 cm from rear and side walls to avoid excessive bass amplification and improve soundstage.

How to bi-wire the 603 S3?

Remove the metal jumpers connecting the two binding post pairs. Connect each pair to a dedicated amp (bi-amping) or to two separate cables from the same amp (bi-wiring). Observe polarity (+/-) for each pair.

Can I use the 603 S3 on a shelf?

No, the 603 S3 is designed exclusively for floor placement. The 606 S3 and 607 S3 models can be placed on a shelf, not the 603 S3.

How to reduce bass level if necessary?

Insert the foam plugs into the rear port. Use the outer piece first (moderate reduction), then both together (maximum reduction). You can also move the speaker further from the wall.

What is the break-in period for the speakers?

Allow about 15 hours of normal level operation for the suspensions to loosen. If the speaker has been stored in cold, let it return to room temperature over a weekend before use.

How to clean the cabinet of the 603 S3?

Use a soft microfiber cloth slightly damp. Never apply product directly to the speaker. Avoid abrasive, acidic, or ammonia-based cleaners. Do not touch the drivers.

Are the protective grilles removable?

Yes, gently remove the grilles by grasping the corners and pulling forward. This allows for more accurate listening.

What to do if polarity is reversed?

If the speaker's + is connected to the amp's -, the stereo image will be degraded and bass weak. Check the color of the rings: red for +, black for -.

How to recycle this product at end of life?

According to the WEEE directive, do not dispose of the speaker with household waste. Check with your local waste disposal center for proper recycling.

USER MANUAL 603 S3 BOWERS & WILKINS

Welcome and thank you for choosing Bowers & Wilkins.

Our founder, John Bowers, believed that imaginative design, innovative engineering and advanced technology were keys that could unlock the enjoyment of audio in the home. His belief is one that we continue to share and inspires every product we design.

This is a high performance product that rewards thoughtful installation, so we suggest that you take some time to read this manual before you begin. Continue on page 3 →

	Grille	Foam Plug	Rubber Foot (self-adhesive)	Rubber Foot (screw-on)[SWCB]	Spike Foot[box]	Plinth Allen Key	45mm Screw[KWBH]	Plain Washer[box]	Shakeproof Washer
603 S3
606 S3607 S3
HTM6 S3	[A8KG]

Carton Contents

The table above illustrates the component parts that are packed with the product. In the unlikely event that anything is missing please contact the retailer from whom you purchased the speakers.

Environmental Information

This product complies with international directives, including but not limited to:

i. the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) in electrical and electronic equipment,
ii. the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of CHemicals (REACH)
iii. the disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE).

Consult your local waste disposal authority for guidance on how properly to recycle or dispose of this product.

1. Positioning 603 S3
   

Technical diagram showing assembly of a bolt and nut assembly with labeled components and a magnified inset detail.

Speaker Installation

603 S3

603 S3 is intended to be floor mounted only. For proper stability, always install the provided plinth, then ensure that the speakers stand firmly on the floor using the spike or rubber feet supplied.

You may attach the plinth during the unpacking process, following the illustrations above or the diagrams on the top flap of the carton.

Warning

The plinth MUST always be used, with the rubber or spike feet inserted into the plinth. DO NOT insert rubber or spike feet directly into the cabinet.

Simple line drawing of a Y-shaped object with a central conical feature and a circular arrow symbol at the base (no text or labels)

<36mm

<15mm

Important Safety Notice

Sharp spikes, do not touch.

The spike feet are designed to pierce carpet and rest on the floor surface. Initially, screw the lock nuts onto the spikes just far enough to leave the nuts floating just above the carpet when the spikes are resting on the floor beneath. Then, screw the spikes fully into the threaded inserts in the plinth. If the cabinet rocks when placed on the floor, unscrew the two spikes that do not touch the floor until the cabinet rests firmly without rocking. Finally, lock the nuts against the base and gently tighten the nut to stop the spike foot rotating. It may be more convenient to fit and adjust the spike feet after speaker positioning has been optimised.

If there is no carpet and you wish to avoid scratching the floor surface, use either a protective metal disc (a coin perhaps) between the spike and the floor, or use the supplied rubber feet. Fit the rubber feet and level the cabinet in the same manner as with the spike feet.

Technical line drawing of a mechanical assembly with mounting brackets and alignment lines (no text or symbols)

606 S3 / 607 S3

The 606 S3 and 607 S3 are primarily designed to be mounted on a dedicated floor stand (FS-600 S3), but may be placed on a shelf if preferred. However, it should be noted that this offers less flexibility to optimise the speaker's performance. If shelf placement must be used, we recommend using the foam plugs (supplied) to optimise port performance (see Section 4: Fine-Tuning).

In both installation cases, the speakers' tweeters should be approximately at ear height at your usual listening position.

Note: If using a shelf, ensure that it is strong enough to properly support the weight and fit the four self-adhesive rubber feet to the underside of the speaker.

HTM6 S3

If using a projection television with an acoustically transparent screen, position the speaker behind the centre of the screen. Otherwise, position it either directly below or above the screen using either a floor stand, furniture unit or wall shelf, ensuring the speaker is as close to ear height as possible. If the speaker is to be placed either on a shelf or in a rack shared with other AV equipment, fix the four self-adhesive rubber feet to the base of the speaker. They provide a degree of vibration isolation.

>0.5m 1.5m - 3m >0.5m

Speaker Positioning

In either stereo or home theatre installations, try to ensure that the immediate surroundings of each speaker are similar in acoustic character. For example, if one speaker is adjacent to bare walls while the other is adjacent to soft furnishings and curtains, both the overall sound quality and the stereo image are likely to be compromised.

Conventional Stereo Systems

To begin with, the speakers should be positioned between 1.5m and 3m apart at two corners of an equilateral triangle completed by the listening area at the third corner. The speakers should be placed at least 0.5m away from the back and any side walls (as per the illustration above).

5 Channels 7 Channels

>0.5m 110° - 130° ~40°

Home Theatre Systems

If the speakers are to be used for the front channels in a home theatre system, they should be placed closer together than for 2-channel audio, because the surround channels tend to widen the image. Positioning the speakers within approximately 0.5m of the sides of the screen will also help keep the sound image in scale with the visual image. As with conventional stereo positioning, the speakers should ideally be at least 0.5m away from any side walls.

0.5m - 1m 0.5m - 1m

Stray Magnetic Fields

The speaker drive units create stray magnetic fields that extend beyond the boundaries of the cabinet. We recommend you keep magnetically sensitive articles (CRT television and computer screens, computer discs, audio and video tapes, swipe cards and the like) at least 0.5m from the speaker. LCD, OLED and plasma screens are not affected by magnetic fields.

1. Connections

Conventional Connection Bi-Wired Connection

-LF -HF +LF +HF

-LF -HF +LF +HF

Important Safety Notice

All connections should be made with the audio equipment switched off. When using audio equipment in normal operation, touching uninsulated speaker

terminals or wiring may result in an unpleasant sensation. The 600 S3 speaker terminals accept a variety of cable terminations: 4mm banana plugs, 6mm and 8mm (1/4 in and 5/16 in) spades, or bare wires up to 4mm (5/32 in) diameter.

Important Safety Notice

In certain countries, notably those in Europe, the use of 4mm banana plugs is considered a potential safety hazard, because they may be inserted into the holes

of unshuttered mains supply sockets. In order to comply with European CENELEC safety regulations, the 4mm holes in the ends of the terminals are blocked by plastic pins. If you are using the products in any country where these conditions apply, you should ensure that any banana plugs cannot be used in an unsafe manner by children or other uninformed persons. The plastic pins can be removed if you wish to use banana plugs.

Ask your dealer for advice when selecting speaker cable. Keep its total impedance below the maximum recommended in the speaker specification and use a low inductance cable to avoid attenuation of high frequencies.

There are two linked pairs of terminals on the back of the speaker. For conventional connection (above left), the terminal links should remain in place (as delivered) and just one pair of terminals connected to the amplifier. For bi-wire connections or bi-amplification (above right), the terminal links should be removed and each pair of terminals connected to the amplifier or amplifiers independently. Bi-wiring can improve the resolution of low-level detail.

Ensure that the positive terminals on the speaker (with red ring) are connected to the positive output terminal on the amplifier and the negative terminals on the speaker (with black ring) are always connected to the negative output terminal on the amplifier. Incorrect connection will not result in damage but will cause poor stereo imaging and loss of bass. Always screw the terminal caps down fully to prevent rattles.

1. Fine-Tuning
   

dB Hz dB Hz dB Hz

Before fine-tuning, make sure that all the connections in the installation are correct and secure.

Moving the speakers further from the walls will generally reduce the volume of bass. Space behind the speakers will also help to create an aural impression of depth. Conversely, moving the speakers closer to the walls will increase the volume of bass. If you want to reduce the volume of bass without moving the speakers further from the wall, fit the foam plugs or, for less severe bass reduction, the foam rings in the port tubes (above).

If the bass seems uneven with frequency this will most probably be due to resonance modes in the listening room. Even small changes in the position of the speakers or the listening position can have a profound effect on how these resonances affect the sound. Try moving the listening position or locating the speakers along a different wall. The presence and position of large pieces of furniture can also influence resonance modes.

If no alternatives exist, you can adjust your loudspeakers' low-frequency performance using the supplied foam plugs. The plugs are a two-piece part, allowing for a degree of fine-tuning using either the outer, larger-diameter piece in isolation or the two parts together. Using solely the outer, larger-diameter foam piece will deliver less bass attenuation than the complete plug assembly.

If the central image lacks focus, try moving the speakers closer together or angle them inward so that they point at a location just in front of the listening position. If the sound is too bright, increasing the amount of soft furnishing in the room (heavier curtains for example) may help balance the sound. Conversely, reducing the amount of soft furnishing may help brighten a dull sound.

For the most discerning listening, remove the grilles by gripping around their edges and gently pulling them away from the cabinet.

1. Running In 6. Aftercare

The performance of the speaker will change subtly during the initial listening period. If the speaker has been stored in a cold environment, the damping compounds and suspension materials of the drive units will take some time to recover their correct mechanical properties. The drive unit suspensions will also loosen up during the first hours of use. The time taken for the speaker to achieve its intended performance will vary depending on previous storage conditions and how it is used. As a guide, allow up to a week for the temperature effects to stabilise and 15 hours of average use for the mechanical parts to attain their intended design characteristics.

The cabinet surfaces will usually only require dusting. We recommend you use a soft microfibre cloth. If you wish to use an aerosol or other cleaner, apply the cleaner onto the cloth, not directly onto the product, and test a small area first, as some cleaning products may damage some of the surfaces. Avoid products that are abrasive, or contain acid, alkali or anti-bacterial agents. Do not use cleaning agents on the drive units. Avoid touching the drive units as damage may result.

1. Déballage

Technical diagram showing assembly of a bolt and nut assembly with labeled parts and a magnified inset view.

Simple line drawing of a Y-shaped object with a central conical feature and a circular arrow symbol (no text or labels)

<36mm

<15mm

Technical line drawing of a mechanical assembly with mounting brackets and fasteners (no text or symbols)

606 S3 / 607 S3

>0.5m 1.5m - 3m >0.5m

5 Channels 7 Channels

>0.5m 110° - 130° ~40°

0.5m - 1m 0.5m - 1m

Champs magnétiques

Technical diagram showing assembly of a bolt and nut assembly with labeled parts and a magnified inset view.

Simple line drawing of a Y-shaped object with a central conical feature and a circular arrow symbol at the base (no text or labels)

<36mm

<15mm

Technical line drawing of a mechanical assembly with mounting brackets and alignment lines (no text or symbols)

606 S3 / 607 S3

>0.5m 1.5m - 3m >0.5m

>0.5m 110° - 130° ~40°

Heimkinosysteme

0.5m - 1m 0.5m - 1m

Technical diagram showing assembly of a bolt and nut assembly with labeled parts and a magnified inset view.

Simple line drawing of a Y-shaped object with a central conical feature and a circular arrow symbol at the base (no text or labels)

<36mm

<15mm

Technical line drawing of a structural joint or bracket with mounting feet and connection points (no text or symbols)

606 S3 / 607 S3

>0.5m 1.5m - 3m >0.5m

5 Channels 7 Channels

>0.5m 110° - 130° ~40°

0.5m - 1m 0.5m - 1m

Technical diagram showing assembly of a bolt and nut assembly with labeled parts and a magnified inset view.

Simple line drawing of a Y-shaped object with a central conical feature and a circular arrow symbol at the base (no text or labels)

<36mm

<15mm

Technical line drawing of a mechanical assembly with mounting brackets and alignment lines (no text or symbols)

606 S3 / 607 S3

0.5m - 1m 0.5m - 1m

Fluxos de campos magnéticos

Technical diagram showing assembly of a bolt and nut assembly with labeled parts and a magnified inset view.

Installazione

603 S3

Simple line drawing of a Y-shaped object with a central conical feature and a circular arrow symbol at the base (no text or labels)

<36mm

<15mm

Technical line drawing of a mechanical assembly with mounting brackets and fasteners (no text or symbols)

606 S3 / 607 S3

>0.5m 1.5m - 3m >0.5m

5 Channels 7 Channels

>0.5m 110° - 130° ~40°

Sistemi Home Theatre

0.5m - 1m 0.5m - 1m

Campi magnetici dispersi

Technical diagram showing assembly of a bolt and nut assembly with labeled parts and a magnified inset view.

Luidspreker Installeren

603 S3

Simple line drawing of a Y-shaped object with a central conical feature and a circular arrow symbol at the base (no text or labels)

<36mm

<15mm

Technical line drawing of a mechanical assembly with mounting brackets and alignment lines (no text or symbols)

606 S3 / 607 S3

>0,5m 110° - 130° ~40°

Home Theater Systemen

0.5m - 1m 0.5m - 1mm

Technical diagram showing assembly of a bolt and nut assembly with labeled parts and a magnified inset view.

Simple line drawing of a Y-shaped object with a central conical feature and a circular arrow symbol at the base (no text or labels)

<36mm

<15mm

Technical line drawing of a structural joint or bracket with mounting feet and dimension lines (no text or symbols)

606 S3 / 607 S3

0.5m - 1m 0.5m - 1m

Technical diagram showing assembly of a bolt and nut assembly with labeled parts and a magnified inset view.

Simple line drawing of a Y-shaped object with a central conical feature and a circular arrow symbol (no text or labels)

<36mm

<15mm

Technical line drawing of a mechanical assembly with mounting brackets and alignment lines (no text or symbols)

606 S3 / 607 S3

>0.5m 1.5m - 3m >0.5m

>0.5m 110° - 130° ~40°

0.5m - 1m 0.5m - 1m

Technical diagram showing assembly of a bolt and nut assembly with labeled parts and a magnified inset view.

Instalace reprosoustav

603 S3

Simple line drawing of a Y-shaped object with a central conical feature and a circular arrow symbol at the base (no text or labels)

<36mm

<15mm

Technical line drawing of a structural joint or bracket with mounting feet and connection points (no text or symbols)

606 S3 / 607 S3

>0.5m 1.5m - 3m >0.5m

>0.5m 110° - 130° ~40°

Domácí kino

0.5m - 1m 0.5m - 1m

Technical diagram showing assembly of a bolt and nut assembly with labeled parts and a magnified inset view.

Simple line drawing of a Y-shaped object with a central conical feature and a circular arrow symbol (no text or labels)

<36mm

<15mm

Technical line drawing of a mechanical assembly with no visible text or symbols

606 S3 / 607 S3

>0.5m 1.5m - 3m >0.5m

>0.5m 110° - 130° ~40°

Házimozi rendszerek

0.5m - 1m 0.5m - 1m

Technical diagram showing assembly of a bolt and nut assembly with labeled parts and a magnified inset view.

Instalacja głośnika

603 S3

Simple line drawing of a Y-shaped object with a central conical feature and a circular arrow symbol at the base (no text or labels)

<36mm

<15mm

Technical line drawing of a structural joint or bracket with mounting feet and connection points (no text or symbols)

606 S3 / 607 S3

>0.5m 1.5m - 3m >0.5m

>0.5m 110° - 130° ~40°

0.5m - 1m 0.5m - 1m

Technical diagram showing assembly of a bolt and nut assembly with labeled parts and a magnified inset view.

Hoparlör Kurulumu

603 S3

Simple line drawing of a Y-shaped object with a central conical feature and a circular arrow symbol at the base (no text or labels)

<36mm

<15mm

Technical line drawing of a mechanical assembly with mounting brackets and alignment lines (no text or symbols)

606 S3 / 607 S3

>0,5m 110° - 130° ~40°

0.5m - 1m 0.5m - 1m

Manyetik Alan Paraziti

Technical diagram showing assembly of a bolt and nut assembly with labeled parts and a magnified inset view.

扬声器安装

603 S3

Simple line drawing of a Y-shaped object with a central conical feature and a circular arrow symbol at the base (no text or labels)

<36mm

<15mm

要安全说明

钉脚尖锐，请勿触摸

Technical line drawing of a mechanical assembly with mounting brackets and alignment lines (no text or symbols)

606 S3 / 607 S3

Technical diagram showing assembly of a bolt and nut assembly with labeled parts and a magnified inset view.

揚聲器安裝

603 S3

Simple line drawing of a Y-shaped object with a central conical feature and a circular arrow symbol (no text or labels)

<36mm

<15mm

重要安全須知

尖銳釘腳，請勿觸摸。

Technical line drawing of a mechanical assembly with no visible text or symbols

606 S3 / 607 S3

>0.5m 1.5m - 3m >0.5m

揚聲器定位

>0.5m 110° - 130° ~40°

家庭影院系統

0.5m - 1m 0.5m - 1m

雜散磁場

Technical diagram showing assembly of a bolt and nut assembly with labeled components and a magnified inset detail.

スピーカーの設置

603 S3

Simple line drawing of a Y-shaped object with a central conical feature and a circular arrow symbol at the base (no text or labels)

<36mm

<15mm

重要 安全上の注意

Technical line drawing of a structural joint or bracket with mounting feet and connection points (no text or symbols)

606 S3 / 607 S3

>0.5m 1.5m - 3m >0.5m

スピーカー設置位置

>0.5m 110° - 130° ~40°

0.5m - 1m 0.5m - 1m

ホームシアターシステム

Technical diagram showing assembly of a bolt and nut assembly with labeled parts and a magnified inset view.

스피커 설치

603 S3

Simple line drawing of a Y-shaped object with a central conical feature and a circular arrow symbol (no text or labels)

<36mm

<15mm

중요한 안전 유의 사항

Technical line drawing of a mechanical assembly with no visible text or symbols

606 S3 / 607 S3

>0.5m 1.5m - 3m >0.5m

스피커 배치

>0.5m 110° - 130° ~40°

홈 시어터 시스템

0.5m - 1m 0.5m - 1m

표유 자기장

Worthing West Sussex

BN11 2BH England

EU Importer:

Bowers & Wilkins

Beemdstraat 11

5653 MA Eindhoven

The Netherlands

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