I began my listening by streaming compressed tracks over Spotify. The audio system have been fast to point out off their vivid definition throughout registers, with a transparent and well-defined heart 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 Song” is layered in lush orchestration with a stunning tone in his subdued piano.

The S3’s sound profile exposes a cool tonal shade and loads of zip within the devices and results of sharper recordings. Bright horns are likely to sound notably uptight, whereas scorching percussion can generally snap like a bear entice, particularly notable in Notorious B.I.G’s “Hypnotize.” The articulation was so good I all of a sudden realized after years of listening that there are two cymbal hits, the second of which reveals the hi-hats closing. But that comes with a serving to of aggression, like a tech bro at a wine tasting.

The brash, ahead assault additionally comes by way of in dialog of sure TV content material, specifically sitcoms like The Office and Parks and Rec. The “s” consonant actually will get the highlight there, popping with further sizzle. I observed 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. Well-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 together with your greatest content material, and whereas which may sound apparent, it appears notably necessary right here.

For me, some of the necessary parts of the 606 S3’s sound signature is the bass response. It holds down the inspiration with agency and easy musicality that may be a pleasure, from explosions in motion movies to the 808 kick in Too Short’s “Just Another Day.” It sounded a bit free at first, however shifting the audio system just a few 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. Just as I’m about to completely 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 put money into one thing smoother and extra laid-back just like the fabulous Focal Vestia No1, which offer comparable sonic riches with out the additional chunk. (They’ll additionally value you a bit extra.)

If you’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’re the sort who likes some further pep up prime, you’ll be rewarded with element, definition, stereo imaging, and musicality that stands out at this value and above.