704 S3: Perfected floorstanding speakers from Bowers & Wilkins

The Bowers & Wilkins 704 S3 floorstanding speakers are the most compact models in the 700 series, and are ideal for medium-sized rooms. Visually, the speakers are made less noticeable by the curved front panels of a relatively small width. The Bowers & Wilkins 704 S3 are made very well and have an attractive appearance both with the protective grilles on and off. The latter are equipped with invisible magnetic holders, so that after their removal there are no “extra” fasteners left on the front panels. The Bowers & Wilkins 704 S3 are available in three exterior finishes.

The acoustic system has a three-way configuration. Unlike the older models of the Bowers & Wilkins 704 S3 series, the tweeter here is mounted inside the case. However, it is installed in such a way as to completely eliminate the negative impact on its operation from the other speakers. The model uses a new HF emitter with a damped carbon dome, which sounds airy and detailed, but without unpleasant coloring. The extended range of high frequencies of the Bowers & Wilkins 704 S3 provides a noticeable advantage in sound quality when listening to compositions recorded in High resolution formats.

The midrange driver in the speakers is made of the patented Continuum composite, a lightweight and durable material that is virtually free of its own resonances. The driver has an FST design without a suspension, and its moving system is designed in such a way as to ensure the absence of unwanted sound coloration when reproducing vocals and acoustic instruments. Two bass speakers with Aerofoil diffusers supported by a Flowport bass reflex reproduce energetic bass, the depth of which is surprising for such a relatively compact floor-standing speaker.

Bowers & Wilkins 704 S3 are mounted on a base plate, which gives the speakers stability and dampens them from the floor surface. The speaker cabinet has an internal structure that prevents wall vibrations and sound coloration. The speakers are equipped with an audiophile-grade crossover filter and two pairs of input screw terminals.

Specifications Bowers & Wilkins 704 S3

Number of ways 3
Number of drivers 4
Enclosure type bass reflex, Flowport
Tweeter type 25 mm tweeter with carbon dome membrane Carbon Dome
Diameter and type of midrange emitter 150 mm (6”) driver with Continuum diffuser
Diameter and type of woofer 2 x 150 mm (6”) driver with variable Aerofoil diffuser
Frequency range 43 Hz – 33 kHz (- 6 dB)
Frequency range 48 Hz – 28 kHz (+/- 3 dB)
Sensitivity 88 dB (2.83 V / 1 m)
Harmonic distortion (2nd and 3rd harmonics, 90 dB, 1 m) less than 1% (100 Hz – 22 kHz), less than 0.5% (300 Hz – 20 kHz)
Recommended amplifier power 30 – 150 W (8 Ohm)
Impedance 8 Ohm, minimum: 3.1 Ohm
Input connectors 2 pairs of screw terminals
Grill mount magnetic
Dimensions (WxHxD) 252 x 964 x 321 mm (with base, grill and terminals)
Weight 20.5 kg