In the realm of high-end audio, few names command as much respect as Bowers & Wilkins. Our Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Floorstanding Speakers review reveals a product that not only lives up to the brand's stellar reputation but elevates it to new heights. These speakers represent the pinnacle of B&W's engineering prowess, offering a listening experience that will delight even the most discerning audiophiles.

Unboxing the Sonic Marvel

Upon first glance, the 702 S3 speakers exude an air of sophistication. The sleek, modern design is available in three stunning finishes: Gloss Black, Satin White, and Mocha. Each finish is meticulously applied, resulting in a speaker that's as much a visual centrepiece as it is an audio powerhouse.

Standing at an impressive 1138mm (44.8 in) with the tweeter and plinth, these floorstanding speakers command attention in any room. The build quality is exceptional, with every component feeling solid and purposeful.

Technical Marvels Under the Hood

The 702 S3 is a testament to B&W's commitment to audio excellence. At its heart lies a 3-way vented-box system that delivers a frequency range of 28Hz to 33kHz, ensuring that every nuance of your music is faithfully reproduced.

Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter

The crowning jewel of the 702 S3 is its Decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter. Housed in the iconic Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top assembly, this high-frequency driver is a marvel of engineering. The new, elongated form incorporates a longer tube-loading system, resulting in an incredibly open and free sound at the highest frequencies.

The Carbon Dome tweeter raises the breakup threshold to an astounding 47kHz, ensuring pinpoint imaging accuracy and detail that must be heard to be believed. If you're passionate about the upper registers of your music, give our team a call to arrange a personal listening session - you won't be disappointed.

Continuum™ Cone Midrange

The midrange is where the magic happens in most music, and the 702 S3 doesn't disappoint. The 150mm (6 in) Continuum™ cone FST midrange driver delivers voices and instruments with a precision and transparency that's truly remarkable. The composite construction avoids the abrupt transitions in behaviour that can impair conventional drive units, resulting in a more open and neutral performance.

Aerofoil™ Profile Bass Cones

Bass response is where many speakers falter, but not the 702 S3. The trio of 165mm (6.5 in) Aerofoil™ Profile bass cones are a triumph of computer-aided design. With variable thickness providing stiffness and rigidity where it's needed most, these drivers deliver bass that's both profoundly deep and endlessly articulate.

Performance That Transcends Expectations

In our listening tests, the 702 S3 consistently impressed with its ability to render complex musical passages with ease. The soundstage is vast and three-dimensional, with instruments and vocals placed with pinpoint accuracy.

The bass response is particularly noteworthy. Thanks to the new downward-firing port configuration, low frequencies are reproduced with a depth and articulation that's rare in speakers of this class. Whether you're listening to the thunderous timpani in a classical piece or the pulsating bassline of electronic music, the 702 S3 delivers with authority and finesse.

Midrange performance is equally impressive. Vocals are rendered with a lifelike quality that can send shivers down your spine. The transition between drivers is seamless, resulting in a cohesive and engaging listening experience across the entire frequency spectrum.

Who Are These Speakers For?

The Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Floorstanding Speakers are ideal for the discerning audiophile who demands the very best in sound reproduction. They're equally at home in a dedicated listening room or as part of a high-end home theatre setup.

With a sensitivity of 90dB spl (2.83Vrms, 1m) and a recommended amplifier power of 30W - 300W into 8Ω, these speakers are versatile enough to pair with a wide range of high-quality amplifiers. However, to truly unleash their potential, we recommend partnering them with a top-tier amplifier. Our team would be delighted to discuss optimal pairing options to suit your specific needs and preferences.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional sound quality across the entire frequency range
• Stunning design and build quality
• Innovative technologies like the Decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter and Aerofoil™ Profile bass cones
• Versatile enough for both music and home theatre applications
• Available in three attractive finishes to suit any decor

Cons:

• Premium pricing (but justified by the performance)
• Large size may not suit smaller rooms
• Requires high-quality associated equipment to truly shine

The Verdict: A New Reference Point in High-End Audio

The Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Floorstanding Speakers are nothing short of a sonic masterpiece. They represent the culmination of decades of acoustic research and engineering excellence, delivering a listening experience that's truly world-class.

While they come with a premium price tag, the 702 S3 speakers justify every dollar with their exceptional performance and build quality. For those who are serious about their audio, these speakers represent an investment in musical enjoyment that will pay dividends for years to come.

If you're in the market for a pair of speakers that can transport you to the heart of the recording studio or concert hall, the Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 should be at the top of your audition list. We invite you to experience these remarkable speakers for yourself and discover what true high-fidelity audio can be.

Don't hesitate to reach out to our team of audio experts at The Audio Tailor. We're always excited to discuss how these exceptional speakers can elevate your listening experience and help you create the perfect audio setup for your space and preferences.