The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 Anniversary speakers remind me of what it’s like to date a Las Vegas showgirl and see them in their stage makeup. It adds dimensions to the already present beauty and makes it uber apparent from across the room.

There's much to like about these speakers: working hard, and with a powerful amp and clean recordings, they can deliver a rich, well-layered and involving sound. But you really do have to let them flex their muscles if they're to spring to life, as they can be just a little too polite when you don't urge them on. Although far from an ideal partner for low-powered budget amps, fed well they can thrive.

This latest entry-level standmount from B&W is better than ever, then. Okay, the 607 S2 Anniversary doesn’t have the lavish finish of higher-end designs from this stable, but it looks neat enough and in sonic terms is right on the pace. Its strength is its basically friendly and engaging sound that makes you want to listen to music, no matter what type or genre.

This is still a benchmark for all round ability that rivals will look to and for this reason more than any other, the 603 S2 Anniversary warrants recommendation.

The Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition is a very accomplished compact speaker where everything is right. It takes the music task in stride and brings out the joy of playing. It clearly prefers a good recording, because flatly produced pop songs can quickly sound a bit dull and tame. Here you need speakers with more energy in the deepest bass.

Like Toy Story, the technology behind the Bowers & Wilkins 600 series only gets better with age. If you want to hear every last detail in your music then upgrading to the 606 will bring some of the benefits of hi-fi without an exorbitant price tag. The speaker's not all about transparency though -- there is still a decent bass foundation for more forceful styles of music.

The changes look small on paper but the 606 S2 are now the speakers to beat at this level