The ASW610 occupies the middle ground in Bowers & Wilkins’ 600 Series subwoofer lineup, sitting between the compact ASW608 and the more powerful ASW610XP. Its sealed-box enclosure and long-throw 250mm driver are designed to deliver taut, controlled bass in both stereo hi-fi and home cinema systems, making it a versatile choice for small to medium-sized rooms.
Driver & Amplification
At its heart is a 250mm (10 in) long-throw driver constructed from a mix of paper pulp, Aramid fibre and resin. This composite cone provides the stiffness needed to withstand the considerable forces generated by the voice coil while keeping mass low enough for rapid, precise transient response. The driver is powered by a 200W Class D amplifier, which keeps the compact cabinet running cool even during demanding passages.
Sealed Enclosure Design
Bowers & Wilkins uses a sealed (acoustic suspension) enclosure for the ASW610 rather than a ported design. This approach prioritises tight, articulate bass over raw output. The sealed box also gives the subwoofer more placement flexibility — there is no port to worry about when positioning close to a wall or in a corner.
Controls & Connectivity
The rear panel offers both line-level (RCA phono) and speaker-level (binding post) inputs, plus a 12V trigger input (3.5mm jack) for automated power-on with compatible AV receivers. A fourth-order active low-pass filter with variable cutoff frequency allows the ASW610 to be blended smoothly with the main speakers. Additional controls include bass extension selection, bass roll-off alignment, auto sense on/standby, and a phase switch.
Build & Finish
At just 310mm cubed (excluding grilles and feet), the ASW610 is compact enough to tuck alongside furniture without dominating the room. Despite its modest footprint, the rigid sealed enclosure and heavy-duty driver assembly give it a reassuringly solid feel.
What the Press Says
- “The B&W ASW610 sounds bigger than it looks and more expensive than its price-tag.” — What Hi-Fi? ★★★★★ (September 2008)
- What Hi-Fi? Awards 2011 — Best Subwoofer up to £700
| Driver | 250mm (10 in) paper / Aramid fibre cone, long-throw |
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| Amplifier | 200W Class D |
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| Enclosure Type | Sealed (acoustic suspension) |
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| Frequency Response (±3dB) | 27Hz – 40 / 140Hz (adjustable, EQ at A) |
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| Frequency Response (-6dB) | 20Hz and 25 / 140Hz (adjustable, EQ at A) |
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| Low-Pass Filter | Active 4th-order, variable cutoff frequency |
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| Input Impedance | 33kΩ |
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| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | >90dB |
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| Inputs | Line in (RCA phono), Speaker in (binding post), 12V trigger (3.5mm jack) |
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| Power Consumption | 40W / 0.5W standby |
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| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 310 × 310 × 347mm (without grilles); 322mm H with feet; 338mm H with spikes |
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| Weight | 12.5kg |
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| Finishes | Matte Black, Matte White |
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