Are the Bowers & Wilkins 704 S2 series capable of competing with the newly released S3 speakers?

The B&W 700 S2 series mid-range speakers incorporate many technologies originally developed for the 800 series, making them more accessible to a wider audience. While they share a visual resemblance to the CM series, there are several distinct design features. Notably, the 700 series employs carbon dome tweeters, which serve as a transitional element between the aluminum diaphragms found in the 600 series and the diamond domes of the 800 series. Additionally, these speakers are equipped with Continuum midrange drivers, first introduced in the 800 series, and are complemented by Aerofoil woofers.

The 700 series also introduces a new midrange decoupling system, which simplifies the approach used in the 800 series. The floorstanding models utilize mass loading along with an aluminum chassis. Furthermore, they feature a redesigned tweeter grille and driver surrounds, inspired by the 800 series, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic. The exterior finishes for the 700 series speakers include piano black, matte white, and Rosenut wood. The lineup consists of the 702 S2, 703 S2, and 704 S2 floorstanding speakers, the 705 S2, 706 S2, and 707 S2 bookshelf speakers, as well as the HTM71 S2 and HTM72 S2 center channel speakers.

The Bowers & Wilkins 704 S2 floor-standing speaker systems have a relatively small size and a narrow front panel, due to which they fit well into any living space. The elegant appearance of the speaker is provided by the aluminum edging of the speakers, hiding their mounting elements, as well as the magnetic fixation of the protective grilles. Bowers & Wilkins 704 S2 have a three-way configuration, due to which they have a neutral and articulated midrange. The high-frequency head is made according to the patented design of a carbon dome tweeter with decoupling and is equipped with a combined diaphragm with an additional aluminum ring, increasing its rigidity. Such a tweeter has an extended range of reproduced frequencies compared to the traditional one, and also provides high sound detail. The tweeter is loaded on a tapering Nautilus tube – another proprietary B&W solution that allows you to minimize the level of distortion at high frequencies.

The midrange speaker with the Continuum diffuser in the Bowers & Wilkins 704 S2 is equipped with a Kevlar FST diffuser with a diameter of 130 mm, which does not have a conventional suspension – its role is played by a ring bend along the perimeter, where the diffuser joins the basket. Thanks to this, the sound at the midrange is neutral and detailed, with an accurate transfer of vocals, as well as live musical instruments. The two bass speakers in the speakers also have a diameter of 130 mm, but their black diffusers are made of Kevlar-reinforced paper. The woofers are loaded on a Flowport phase inverter, the outlet of which is located on the rear panel. Precise calculation of the speaker body design and its coordination with the LF speakers made it possible to provide bass reproduction from a value of 48 Hz (at a level of – 3 dB). The speakers are equipped with a crossover filter made using audiophile-grade components and having minimal phase-frequency distortion. With its rich, dynamic sound and excellent stereo imaging, the B&W 704 S2 can be used in both two-channel music-focused systems and high-end home cinema.

The slim, well-damped Bowers & Wilkins 704 S2 case has a classic design and fits well with modern interiors. Three finishes are available. The Flowport pipe integrated into the rear wall of the speaker reduces turbulence and minimizes the noise of the outgoing air. A plate is attached to the bottom of the case, which increases its stability. Legs with rubber caps or spikes can be attached to the plate. The presence of two pairs of high-quality screw terminals allows for bi-amping or bi-wiring connections.

Specifications Bowers & Wilkins 704 S2 

Number of bands 3
Number of speakers 4
Case type bass reflex, Flowport integrated into the back wall of the case
Tweeter type 25 mm tweeter with a carbon dome membrane Carbon Dome, placed inside the case, has a decoupling with the case, the break frequency (first resonance): 47 kHz
Diameter and type of midrange emitter 130 mm (5?) Midrange driver with a Continuum diffuser made of woven composite material with a special coating, suspension with FST technology, rigid aluminum chassis, mechanically decoupled from the case
Diameter and type of LF emitter 2 x 130 mm (5?) LF drivers, diffusers with an Aerofoil profile, diffuser material: composite “sandwich”, which includes paper, foam, etc., powerful magnetic system
Frequency range 43 Hz – 33 kHz (- 6 dB)
Frequency response 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)
Impedance 8 ohms, minimum: 3.1 ohms
Recommended amplifier power 30 W – 150 W per channel at 8 ohms
Input connectors 2 pairs of screw terminals
Grill mount magnetic
Dimensions (WxHxD) 252x959x298 mm
Weight 18.5 kg