Any Bowers and Wilkins fan anticipates the release of the signature series speakers dearly. These models only come out after a few years and are in limited supply, the engineers are given full freedom to use the best parts to make this speaker line the best. This is why this series is a sort of a legend among speakers and sells out quickly. There have only been SIX signature releases since the line was announced 33 years ago.
Review
The 700 S3 Signature line is loaded with lots of new technology and features, and for the first time, we now have a signature center channel speaker. The cabinets are beautiful and they are available in 2 colors. B&W uses several coats of paint which gives the cabinets a lavish finish. There is no area for the soundwave to bounce off the cabinet, which helps make it sound more open. The design looks very cool, and if you wish to hide the speaker grills the sculpted grills magnetically attach very easily.
The B&W 702 S3 has a carbon double-dome tweeter, it has an outer and an inner dome. The tweeter is on top of the cabinet in a different housing, the benefit is that it has far better imaging and gives more open sound. It has a high-tech grill that prevents one from touching the inside of the tweeter. The speaker has a distinctive silver driver, it is made from a material called Continuum. It gives less distortion and breakup when playing high sounds.
A speaker crossover is a critical metal component that divides the incoming signal and sends it to the correct driver. Poorly designed crossovers can ruin the incoming signal and rob you of the true sound. Enhanced capacitors are integrated into the 702 S3 Signature Tower Speaker to optimize sound reproduction. These Mundorf capacitors elevate the audio clarity, ensuring a superior listening experience.
The speaker connections have improved and are more spaced out. The speaker also features three 6 1\2 inch Aerofoil woofers. These are also designed to have less distortion compared to the woofers in previous lineups. With three smaller drivers, you get the surface area equivalent to a large woofer but with the speed of smaller drivers. This gives you super fast and tight bass. We recommend positioning the speakers at least 16 inches from the back wall and slightly angling them towards the position from where you’re listening.
The upgraded speaker terminals ensure a solid and reliable connection for your audio setup. These enhanced terminals are designed to improve signal transmission, resulting in clearer and more accurate sound reproduction.
The sound is simply stunning, this speaker competes with other speakers like the B&W 804 Diamond which is almost double the price. It provides an immersive audio experience, with crisp highs and deep lows that bring music to life. The detailed midrange reproduction allows for vocals and instruments to shine, creating a realistic and engaging listening experience. The powerful bass response adds depth and richness to the overall sound profile, enhancing the enjoyment of various music genres.
Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Signature retails for $6999 per pair. The technology contributes to a more refined audio experience, making the 702 S3 a top contender in its class. As part of the 700 Series, these speakers offer exceptional quality and performance that audiophiles will appreciate. When comparing them to competitors, the B&W 702 S3 stands out for its clarity and depth, providing an immersive listening experience. It is undoubtedly the best speaker you can get right now in this price range.