B&W 603 S3 upgrade from B&W DM640's? HELP PLease

[gonzonator]

Hi I was hoping someone could give me some advice, I have the chance to get a pair of the 603 s3's for $400. I currently have the original DM640's, would this be a upgrade? The 640's I have are in great shape, but I keep thinking that the newer speakers would be a smarter choice due to the age of the 640's. The other thing that is bothering me is that the 640's are 3 way speakers, and the 603's are 2.5 way. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

[madmac]

Well.....I know this is a moot point but I would kinda' listen to them and evaluate if you like them. Typically, and I know this might rattle some feathers, 3 way speakers tend to sound better than 2 way ones. Like all other aspects of electronics, speaker technology has come a long way over the years so they will likely be more accurate sounding. However if I have to guess, going from a 3 way speaker to a 2 way one will likely not impress you. There will be something missing (ie..good midrange performance) that was there in your 3 way setup.

[gonzonator]

I was thinking the same thing about going from a 3 way to a 2.5. But like you said I wonder about the improvement in technology since the 640's were made. I don't know if the improved accuracy and newer speaker would be worth the change. I would be buying from a private sale so it's hard to listen to the 603's before I go see them. Has anyone heard both these speakers, or have the 603's to give me some insight?

[stuofsci02]

I used to have the 603s3. I have not heard the DM640, but I think they will be quite comparable. If you can flip your DM640 for the same price it might be a good chance to try out some new gear. I think the 603 looks nicer.

Madmac has indicated that he feels a 3-way sounds better then a 2-way. I will play devils advocate and indicate that it can be easier to make a 2-way sound better and so for cheaper speakers a two-way can be very good. But it really all comes down to design..

[gonzonator]

I think I can sell the 640's for the same price, I believe they were $1600 originally. I think the 603's were $1000 a pair. I like the look of the 640's especially the two black mid/bass drivers. It's really not the look I am contemplating it's the performance. If they sound similar then maybe the upgrade may be worth it due to having a newer built speaker with newer components. I am always torn with the whole idea of new speakers vs older because I have listened to so many "vintage" speakers they have blown me away. I really don't know if newer is better, obviously depending model etc.

[stuofsci02]

I think I can sell the 640's for the same price, I believe they were $1600 originally. I think the 603's were $1000 a pair. I like the look of the 640's especially the two black mid/bass drivers. It's really not the look I am contemplating it's the performance. If they sound similar then maybe the upgrade may be worth it due to having a newer built speaker with newer components. I am always torn with the whole idea of new speakers vs older because I have listened to so many "vintage" speakers they have blown me away. I really don't know if newer is better, obviously depending model etc.

I think if I were in your position I would keep the DM640 if you are happy with them. I have always been of the position that you should take a sure upgrade path and not a side to side jump unless you feel you want to just have something different.

[sgtjim57]

I own the 603s3, have for many years now. I enjoy the way they sound but can not compare them to anything else in the B & W line. It is claimed the 603s3 is a 2 1/2 way, if that matters.