B&W 703 S2 Loudspeaker (each) Gloss Black Reviews

5 Rating 1 Reviews

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909.931.9686

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2058 Wright Avenue,
2058 Wright Avenue
California
91750

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“I have/had several sets of Bowers & Wilkins speakers over the past several years and I recently upgraded a set of 603 S2 Anniversary versions to the 703 S2s. There is no doubt that the 603 S2 Anniversaries are a best in class value. At only $2,300 per pair they shine and I probably would have been content with them had I not heard them alongside the 703 S2s and the 702 S2s. In listening to the 700 series speakers, it is as if a veil has been lifted off the high and mid-range demonstrating a clearer sense of presence and a brighter sound stage. I chose the 703 S2s because they sounded better in my medium sized media room (180 sq. feet). I also did not feel that the bass extension of the 702 S2s was worth the extra $1,000 per pair. Instead I invested that $1,000 in a REL subwoofer (T/9x) and the dynamics are incredible. REL also provides me with greater adjustment given the nuances of the room itself. Now, let me focus on the 703 S2s. As the 'middle child' of the 700 series (sandwiched between the 702s and the 704s), the 703 S2s felt just right to me. Once you enter the $5,000.00 plus speaker realm there are certain things you should expect and these are my expectations and whether or not the 703 S2s met them: 1. Well-Made with quality materials/finiishes. My 703 S2s came in Rose Oakwood veneers that match so closely it seems the cabinet was grown in a rectangle and harvested. 2. Bi-Amplification is a viable option: The 703 S2s can be bi-amped without any issues. 3. Speakers are relatively effcient: The 89 db sensitivity is above-average and has a clean linear dynamic. 4. Distortion-free high end: The B & W's present a 47khz break-up point which is 27khz above human hearing--the highs are excellent on the 703 S2s. 5. Mid-range speed that is not enveloped or muddled by the bass notes: the Continuum mid-driver is an engineering breakthrough and remains a class-leading standard. 6. Bass that is well-defined: The 703 S2s have decent bass (can go as low as 30htz @ -6db) but I prefer a dedicated sub-woofer so in this sense I will relinquish overpowering bass for speaker balance. The 703 S2s do well in all these categories. The plinths are actually the most unattractive part of the package, but B & W gives you the option of attaching the spikes for carpeting and/or the thermoplastic feet for hard flooring. I use the plinths because even though they are finished in black, they match and contrast the black grilles of the oak nut versions I own. I do have one minor pique with these: I notice that the bass occasionally on busy soundtracks and/or average recordings, sounds a bit flat. I realize it's a small point but if you do not have an amp that is at least 120 watts at 4 ohms, these speakers will not provide the full dynamic range they are capable of. B & W rates them nominally at 8 ohms but they dip down to 3.1 ohms. Thankfully, my amp has the capacity to dig deep. Other than that small glitch, these speakers may be all you need for any room 200 square feet or smaller.”

3 Helpful Report

Posted 1 year ago