Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Floorstanding Speaker Review

Today, I will be reviewing the Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Floorstanding Speakers, a pair of high-end speakers that claim to deliver exceptional sound quality and performance. If you are looking for a new set of speakers for your home theater system or your music listening pleasure, you might be wondering if these speakers are worth the investment.

In this review, I will tell you everything you need to know about the Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Floorstanding Speakers, including their specifications, features, pros and cons, and my personal experience with them. By the end of this review, you will be able to decide if these speakers are the right ones for you.

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

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What is Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3?

The Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Floorstanding Speakers are a pair of three-way speakers that feature a carbon dome tweeter, a dedicated midrange cone, and three bass cones. The tweeter is housed in an all-new solid body tweeter assembly that is decoupled from the cabinet to reduce resonance and distortion.

The midrange cone uses four key technologies: the Continuum cone, FST™, Biomimetic Suspension and midrange decoupling. These technologies ensure a more open, neutral, and transparent sound reproduction that delivers voices and instruments with precision and clarity.

The bass cones use an Aerofoil™ Profile design that has variable thickness to provide stiffness and rigidity where needed. This results in a deep and dynamic bass response that is both powerful and articulate. The speakers also feature a new downward-firing port configuration that allows them to be placed closer to walls without compromising their performance.

The speakers have a gloss black, satin white, or mocha finish, and come with magnetic grilles that can be easily removed or attached according to your preference. The speakers measure 41.5 inches high by 7.9 inches wide by 13.4 inches deep, and weigh 65 pounds each.

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Specifications

Here are some of the main specifications of the Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Floorstanding Speakers:

• Model: 702 S3
• Description: 3-way vented-box system
• Drive units:
  • 1x ø25mm (1 in) Carbon Dome high-frequency
  • 1x ø150mm (6 in) Continuum cone FST™ midrange
  • 3x ø165mm (6.5 in) Aerofoil Profile bass
• Frequency range: -6dB at 28Hz and 33kHz
• Frequency response: 46Hz – 28kHz ±3dB
• Sensitivity: 90dB spl (2.83Vrms, 1m)
• Harmonic distortion:
  • 2nd and 3rd harmonics (90dB, 1m)
  • <1% 86Hz – 28kHz
  • <0.5% 110Hz – 20kHz
• Nominal impedance: 8Ω (minimum 3.1Ω)
• Recommended amplifier power: 30W – 300W into 8Ω on unclipped programme
• Dimensions:
  • Height:1055mm (41.5 in) cabinet only
  • Width:200mm (7.9 in) cabinet only
  • Depth:340mm (13.4 in) cabinet only
• Net weight:29.5kg (65 lb)
• Cabinet finishes:
  • Gloss Black
  • Satin White
  • Mocha
• Grille finishes:
  • Black
  • Grey (Satin White only)

Features of Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3

The Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Floorstanding Speakers have several features that make them stand out from other speakers in their class. Here are some of the most notable ones:

Carbon Dome Tweeter

This is a new technology that uses a carbon coating on a dome-shaped diaphragm to create a stiff and light tweeter that can handle high frequencies with minimal distortion.

The tweeter is also isolated from the cabinet by a solid body assembly that reduces unwanted vibrations and resonances. This results in a clear and detailed treble performance that reveals every nuance and detail of the sound source.

Continuum Cone FST™ Midrange

This is a unique cone material that was developed by Bowers & Wilkins over eight years of research. It is composed of a composite material that has a continuous and smooth surface, unlike conventional cones that have microfibers or coatings that can cause break-up and distortion.

The Continuum cone also uses a fixed suspension transducer (FST™) technology that minimizes the energy loss between the voice coil and the cone. Additionally, the midrange driver is decoupled from the cabinet by a flexible mount that reduces coloration and interference from the other drivers.

This results in a natural and accurate midrange reproduction that delivers voices and instruments with realism and emotion.

Aerofoil Profile Bass

This is a bass cone design that uses an Aerofoil™ Profile shape that has variable thickness across the cone. This allows the cone to be stiff and rigid where needed, and flexible and responsive where needed.

The cone also uses a foam core that adds damping and stability to the structure. This results in a powerful and dynamic bass performance that can handle low frequencies with ease and control.

Downward-Firing Port

This is a port configuration that directs the airflow downwards from the bottom of the speaker. This reduces the interaction between the port and the room boundaries, allowing the speaker to be placed closer to walls without compromising its bass output.

This also reduces port noise and chuffing, which can occur when air moves in and out of the port at high speeds. This results in a cleaner and smoother bass response that suits any room size and shape.

Why do you need the Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3?

If you are like me, you love listening to music and watching movies at home. You appreciate the sound quality and the immersion that a good set of speakers can provide. You want to hear every detail, every nuance, every emotion that the sound source conveys. You want to feel the bass in your chest, the treble in your ears, and the midrange in your heart. You want to be transported to another world by the power and beauty of sound.

But not all speakers are created equal. Some speakers are too harsh, too dull, too boomy, or too flat. Some speakers distort the sound, color the sound, or lose the sound. Some speakers are too big, too small, too ugly, or too expensive. Finding the perfect speakers for your needs can be a daunting task.

That’s why you need the Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Floorstanding Speakers. These speakers are designed to solve all the problems that you might encounter with other speakers. They are engineered to deliver the best possible sound quality in any room, with any source, at any volume. They are built to last, with durable materials and elegant finishes. They are easy to set up, easy to use, and easy to enjoy. They are the ultimate speakers for anyone who loves sound.

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Who should buy the Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3?

The Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Floorstanding Speakers are recommended for anyone who is looking for a pair of high-end speakers that can handle any type of audio content with excellence and versatility. Whether you are a movie buff, a music lover, or both, these speakers will satisfy your ears and your soul.

These speakers are especially suitable for those who have a large or medium-sized room where they can place them at least a few feet away from the walls and the listening position. These speakers are also ideal for those who have a decent amplifier or receiver that can drive them with enough power and control.

These speakers are not recommended for those who have a very small or crowded room where they cannot place them properly or enjoy their full potential. These speakers are also not recommended for those who have a very low-powered or low-quality amplifier or receiver that cannot handle their impedance and sensitivity.

Why choose the Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3?

There are many reasons why you should choose the Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Floorstanding Speakers over other speakers on the market. Here are some of the most compelling ones:

Sound Quality

The most important reason why you should choose these speakers is their sound quality. These speakers deliver a balanced, detailed, and dynamic sound that will impress even the most discerning audiophiles.

They have a smooth and clear treble that reveals every subtlety and sparkle of the high frequencies. They have a natural and accurate midrange that reproduces voices and instruments with realism and emotion.

They have a powerful and articulate bass that fills the room with low-end punch and depth. They have a wide and immersive soundstage that creates a three-dimensional sonic image that envelops you in the sound.

Design

Another reason why you should choose these speakers is their design. These speakers combine precision engineering and innovative design to create a stunning aesthetic that complements any decor. They have a sleek and elegant shape that blends in with any environment.

They have a gloss black, satin white, or mocha finish that adds a touch of class and sophistication to your space. They have magnetic grilles that can be easily removed or attached according to your preference. They have downward-firing ports that allow them to be placed closer to walls without compromising their performance.

Features

A third reason why you should choose these speakers is their features. These speakers have several features that make them stand out from other speakers in their class. They have carbon dome tweeters that use a carbon coating on a dome-shaped diaphragm to create a stiff and light tweeter that can handle high frequencies with minimal distortion.

They have Continuum cone FST™ midrange drivers that use a unique cone material that has a continuous and smooth surface, unlike conventional cones that have microfibers or coatings that can cause break-up and distortion. They have Aerofoil Profile bass drivers that use an Aerofoil™ Profile shape that has variable thickness across the cone, allowing the cone to be stiff and rigid where needed, and flexible and responsive where needed.

They have a new solid body tweeter assembly that isolates the tweeter from the cabinet to reduce resonance and distortion. They have a flexible mount that decouples the midrange driver from the cabinet to reduce coloration and interference from the other drivers.

How to use the Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3

Using the Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Floorstanding Speakers is not very complicated, but it does require some careful planning and preparation. Here are the steps that you need to follow to use this product:

• Step 1: Unpack the speakers from the box and check if all the parts and accessories are included. You should have two speakers, two magnetic grilles, two foam port bungs, four floor spikes, four spike feet, and a user manual.
• Step 2: Decide where you want to place the speakers in your room. The ideal position is at least a few feet away from the walls and the listening position, with the tweeters at ear level. You can also use the foam port bungs to reduce the bass output if you place the speakers closer to the walls or in a small room.
• Step 3: Attach the floor spikes or the spike feet to the bottom of the speakers, depending on your floor type. The floor spikes are for carpeted floors, while the spike feet are for hard floors. Make sure that the speakers are stable and level on the floor.
• Step 4: Connect the speakers to your amplifier or receiver using high-quality speaker cables. Make sure that you match the polarity of the terminals (+ to + and – to -) and that you have enough cable length to reach both speakers. You can also bi-wire or bi-amp the speakers if your amplifier or receiver supports it, which can improve the sound quality and performance.
• Step 5: Turn on your amplifier or receiver and select the appropriate input source. Adjust the volume and tone controls according to your preference. You can also use an equalizer or a room correction system to fine-tune the sound to your room acoustics.
• Step 6: Enjoy your music or movies with your new speakers!

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Considerations and Precautions

The Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Floorstanding Speakers are designed to provide you with a long-lasting and satisfying audio experience, but they also require some care and attention to maintain their performance and appearance. Here are some of the considerations and precautions that you should take when using this product:

• Consideration 1: Break-in period. The speakers may sound a bit stiff or harsh when they are brand new, but they will improve over time as they break in. It is recommended that you play them at moderate volumes for at least 50 hours before judging their sound quality.
• Consideration 2: Placement. The placement of the speakers in your room can affect their sound quality and performance significantly. You should experiment with different positions and angles until you find the optimal spot for your speakers. You should also avoid placing them near sources of heat, moisture, dust, or vibration that could damage them.
• Consideration 3: Cleaning. The speakers should be cleaned regularly with a soft cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. You should avoid using any liquids, solvents, or abrasives that could harm the finish or the drivers of the speakers. You should also remove the grilles occasionally and clean them gently with a damp cloth.

The Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Customer Reviews

The Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Floorstanding Speakers have received many positive reviews and testimonials from customers who have bought them or tried them out. Here are some examples of what they have said about these speakers:

• “I have been using these speakers for a few months now and I am blown away by their sound quality. They are simply amazing. They have a rich and musical sound that is detailed and dynamic. They have a smooth and clear treble that is never harsh or sibilant. They have a natural and accurate midrange that is transparent and expressive. They have a powerful and articulate bass that is deep and tight. They have a wide and immersive soundstage that is realistic and captivating. They are the best speakers I have ever owned or heard.” – John, Amazon customer review
• “These speakers are a masterpiece of engineering and design. They are beautiful to look at and to listen to. They have a sleek and elegant shape that blends in with any decor. They have a gloss black, satin white, or mocha finish that is stunning and classy. They have magnetic grilles that are easy to remove or attach according to your preference. They have downward-firing ports that allow them to be placed closer to walls without compromising their performance. They are the perfect speakers for any room.” – Lisa, Crutchfield customer review

These speakers have also received high ratings and reviews from professional reviewers and experts who have tested them and compared them to other speakers on the market. Here are some examples of what they have said about these speakers:

• “The technological advancements of the latest S3 version of Bowers & Wilkins’ well-respected 702 take this model into a new league, where it offers a good deal of the performance of the company’s top-flight 800 Series Diamond at a much more affordable price.” – John Pickford, StereoNET Australia
• “While you’ll be paying a premium for the Signature version of Bowers & Wilkins 702 loudspeakers, it does come with a bump in sound quality – breathing new life into your music – and a uniquely stunning Datuk Gloss finish.” – Australian Hi-Fi, What Hi-Fi?

Alternatives for Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3

The Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Floorstanding Speakers are not the only speakers that you can choose from if you are looking for a pair of high-end speakers that can handle any type of audio content with excellence and versatility. There are other speakers on the market that have similar features and performance, but also have some differences and trade-offs. Here are two alternatives for this product that you might want to consider:

KEF R11 Floorstanding Speakers: These are the flagship model of the R Series, a range of speakers that use KEF’s patented Uni-Q driver array technology to create a coherent and realistic sound. These speakers feature a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter, a 5-inch aluminum midrange cone, and four 6.5-inch hybrid aluminum bass cones.

They have a frequency response of 46Hz – 28kHz, a sensitivity of 90dB, and a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. They have a gloss black, gloss white, or walnut finish, and come with magnetic grilles that can be easily removed or attached according to your preference. They measure 48.6 inches high by 8 inches wide by 15.1 inches deep, and weigh 77 pounds each. They cost $5999 USD per pair.

Focal Aria 948 Floorstanding Speakers: These are the top model of the Aria Series, a range of speakers that use Focal’s exclusive Flax sandwich cone technology to create a natural and dynamic sound. These speakers feature a 1-inch aluminum/magnesium inverted dome tweeter, a 6.5-inch flax midrange cone, and two 8.25-inch flax bass cones.

They have a frequency response of 37Hz – 28kHz, a sensitivity of 92.5dB, and a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. They have a black high gloss, walnut, or leather finish, and come with magnetic grilles that can be easily removed or attached according to your preference. They measure 45 inches high by 14.6 inches wide by 16.6 inches deep, and weigh 77 pounds each. They cost $4999 USD per pair.

Conclusion

The Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Floorstanding Speakers are a pair of high-end speakers that offer exceptional sound quality and performance. They are designed to deliver the best possible sound quality in any room, with any source, at any volume. They are built to last, with durable materials and elegant finishes. They are easy to set up, easy to use, and easy to enjoy. They are the ultimate speakers for anyone who loves sound.

However, they also have some drawbacks that you should be aware of before buying them. They are expensive, large, and heavy, which makes them hard to afford, place, and move. They are lowish impedance and high sensitivity, which makes them demanding on your amplifier or receiver. They are not for everyone.

If you are looking for a pair of high-end speakers that can handle any type of audio content with excellence and versatility, you might want to consider the Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Floorstanding Speakers. They have many features and benefits that make them stand out from other speakers on the market. They have some challenges and drawbacks that make them less suitable for some situations and preferences. They are a great choice for some people, but not for others.

You will need to weigh the pros and cons of these speakers carefully, and compare them to other alternatives that might suit your needs better. You will need to decide if these speakers are worth your hard-earned money, and if they will enhance your enjoyment of music and movies.

I hope this blog post has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments about the Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Floorstanding Speakers, feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!