{"id":4946,"date":"2026-02-12T09:39:48","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T08:39:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/?p=4946"},"modified":"2026-02-12T23:54:45","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T22:54:45","slug":"bowers-wilkins-705-s3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/en\/tests\/manufacturer\/bowers-wilkins\/bowers-wilkins-705-s3\/","title":{"rendered":"Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3: Road to the Greatest"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Renewed in 2023 to become S3, the Bowers & Wilkins 700 Series now comprises eight models, to which three Signature versions were added in 2024. Of these eight models, no fewer than three are compact speakers, the largest of which, the Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3, stands out with its carbon dome tweeter decoupled from the cabinet. Priced at \u20ac2,990 per pair, this 800 Series seed already offers everything that characterizes the Bowers & Wilkins signature, with a racy and highly detailed sound that never overflows, even at the extremes, where this bookshelf speaker is happy to go without fear, even at very high volumes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Revised by engineers immediately after the launch of the new 800 Series, the S3 Series of the 700 range continues to develop the technologies dear to Bowers & Wilkins across a substantial number of models, whose prices remain affordable for music lovers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now comprising eight speakers, the Bowers & Wilkins 700 S3 series offers three floorstanding models (702 S3, 703 S3, and 704 S3), two center channel models (HTM71 S3 and HTM72 S3), and three compact models (705 S3, 706 S3, and 707 S3). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And among these, no fewer than four proudly display the tweeter cone above the main cabinet: the HTM71 S3, the 702 & 703 S3 and the 705 S3, the latter also available in a Signature version, distinguished by its blue tint and a few cosmetic and technical improvements (for an additional $1,000 per pair).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The largest of the small models, although still a two-way speaker, the Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 features the same cabinet as the 706 S3, but while the latter incorporates the tweeter directly with the midrange driver in the cabinet, the 705 S3 stands out by adding the cone independently on top, for a final height of 68 mm (413 mm with the cone versus 345 mm without). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highly prized even though it does not feature the Diamond technology of the 800 series, the 25 mm (1″) Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top in the 700 series has been developed specifically for this new series, with a carbon dome encapsulated in a cone cut from a solid block of aluminum weighing nearly a kilo, elongated compared to the previous generation and capable of producing high frequencies up to 47 kHz. This independent cone not only offers the advantage of better imaging and time alignment, but also serves as a heat sink for the dome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the rest of the sound spectrum, a 165 mm (6.5″) Continuum composite membrane handles both midrange and bass frequencies, and even incorporates B&W’s patented FST technology in the Signature version. Slightly curved, the driver is inserted into a redesigned \u201cpod\u201d basket and integrated with Flowport technology, developed to optimize airflow and therefore sound waves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cabinet, with its rigid contours to counter vibrations, has been slimmed down, while the rear panel, completely redesigned from the S2 generation, now features an even wider vent behind the bass-midrange driver and four more terminals for bi-wiring, now located in a row at the bottom of the speaker and integrated into a highly refined screw-on metal plate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supplied with protective grilles for the front, the new 705 S3 is available, like the rest of the range, in satin black or white, as well as in a classy mocha wood finish (at no extra cost); the Signature version comes in the midnight blue color also seen on the 800 Signature series. As for the stands, the dedicated FS-700 S3 model fits the 705 S3 as well as the other two compact speakers in the range, available in a choice of silver or black finishes, but at an additional cost of \u20ac900 on top of the price of the speakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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THE SETUP OF THE BOWERS & WILKINS 705 S3<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Listened to at Hifi 35 in Rennes, the Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3s were tested with several systems and compared to the 703 S3 floorstanding speakers. In the end, the most suitable configuration proved to be listening to them with the new Rotel RAS-5000 integrated amplifier and streamer, which costs the same as the speakers (\u20ac2,990) for a complete pair under \u20ac6,000 (not including cables, stands, and other sources). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The RS-700 S3 stands allowed us to get the most out of these compact British speakers, without having to compare them with others, as their support \u2013 particularly in the bass \u2013 won us over. Spaced about 3 m apart at the start of the test, the 705 S3s were then moved closer together, but at the expense of the soundstage, which was truly impressive in the first configuration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We did not question the space between the speakers and the rear wall, which the manufacturer recommends be at least 50 cm, and which was more than a meter for our test, so as not to create negative waves in relation to the vent. A gap of 50 cm from the side walls is also recommended, so as not to close off the sound too much, unless you are looking for a more monitor-like listening experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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THE SOUND OF THE BOWERS & WILKINS 705 S3<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As soon as we played our first track, the 705 S3s immediately revealed their lineage and roots: this is definitely Bowers & Wilkins!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a sound quality perfectly in line with their range\u2014and even among the best for their price\u2014they maintain everything across the entire spectrum, with this balance found both in the immediate response of the treble and in the crossover with the 6.5″ speaker, which is itself capable of delivering a wealth of detail with speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In keeping with this, the bass is also perfectly controlled, well focused and very clear, extending far down (50 Hz) compared to the size of the speakers, even at very high volumes. Pushed to their limits, the 705 S3s almost never saturate, especially in the lower range, reminding us that they are also excellent companions for home cinema, where they can be used both as rear speakers in an expensive system and as main speakers around a living room screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With these characteristics, whose precision and amplitude have been further improved compared to the previous generation, all the elements of B&W sound that we love but which may be less appealing to some are also back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Precise and analytical, the treble offers a particularly comprehensive view of the high frequencies, without displaying the beautiful brilliance of the Diamond tweeters in the 800 series, but also without showing the slightest cut-off defects (the extreme treble extends beautifully) or displaying any harshness. The excellent soundstage favors width and surprises with its height, without seeking as much depth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With this very dynamic, sophisticated sound, the Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 offers the advantage of great concentration and a multitude of details (the pizzicati of the strings or the small percussion instruments really stand out in large orchestras), and even real tension (perfect for rock, for example), with a midrange that, at the same time, does not seek to be shimmering, favoring clarity over substance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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OUR CONCLUSION<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With their stunning looks, the new Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 speakers (in their classic version, although also available in a Signature version) once again demonstrate the quality of the group’s R&D. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite their cabinet height of only 34.5 cm, they open up a wide and high soundstage, rich in detail, without being trapped by difficult listening conditions or very high volumes, such as with metal, indie rock, or organ music (you feel as though you are hearing the instrument in reduced format, without any saturation or loss, as everything remains concentrated and integrated into the rendering). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further improved with a subwoofer or center speaker (especially in a home theater setup), these largest of the three bookshelf models in the 700 S3 series are by far the most accomplished. At \u20ac2,990, with an additional \u20ac900 if you want to place them on the perfectly adjusted RS-700 S3 stands, they are a very versatile choice for listening in your living room, and can be integrated into a hi-fi or home theater system costing less than \u20ac6,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Author(s):<\/strong> Vincent Guillemin<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Technical Sheet: Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n