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B&W 702 S3 vs Focal Aria K2 936K2 Comparison

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B&W 702 S3

Passive Floor-standing | 46-28k Hz

Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3
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Focal Aria K2 936K2

Passive Floor-standing | 39-28k Hz

Focal Aria K2 936K2
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B&W 702 S3 B&W 702 S3
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Focal Aria K2 936K2 Focal Aria K2 936K2
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B&W 702 S3
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Focal Aria K2 936K2
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B&W 702 S3 vs Focal Aria K2 936K2 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing 702 S3 and Aria K2 936K2, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from Bowers Wilkins and Focal.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of B&W 702 S3 and Focal Aria K2 936K2 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

B&W 702 S3 Key Specs

  • 3-way Design
  • 1" Tweeter
  • 6" Midrange
  • 3 x 6.5" Aerofoil Woofer
  • 46-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 90 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:30-300watts
  • Weight:33.46kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 1138.0" x 7.6" x 15.4"( 1138.0 x 192.0 x 391.0mm )

Focal Aria K2 936K2 Key Specs

  • 3-way Design
  • 1" inverted dome Tweeter
  • 6.5" Midrange
  • 3 x 6.5" K2 aramid fiber/fiberglass Woofer
  • 6.5" Midrange
  • 39-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 92 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:50-300watts
  • Weight:29.09kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 1148.0" x 11-9/16" x 14-11/16"( 1148.0 x 294.0 x 374.0mm )

What size room are the B&W 702 S3 and Focal Aria K2 936K2 speakers good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:

Listening Environment* B&W 702 S3 Focal Aria K2 936K2
Near-field Bad Bad
Small Room Poor Poor
Mid-size Room Average Average
Large Room Good Good
Very Large Room Average Average

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the B&W 702 S3 and Focal Aria K2 936K2 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


Drivers

Both 702 S3 and Aria K2 936K2 are 3-way speakers.

Driver B&W 702 S3 Focal Aria K2 936K2
Driver Setup 3-way 3-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1-inch
Midrange 1 x 6-inch 1 x 6.5-inch
Woofer 3 x 6.5-inch 3 x 6.5-inch

702 S3 features a 1" Tweeter , a 6" Midrange and 3 x 6.5" Aerofoil Woofer . On the other hand, the Aria K2 936K2 features a 1" aluminum/magnesium with waveguide inverted dome Tweeter , a 6.5" Midrange and 3 x 6.5" K2 aramid fiber/fiberglass Woofer .

Frequency Response

702 S3 has a frequency range of 46-28k Hz whereas Aria K2 936K2 has a frequency range of 39-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 39Hz, the Aria K2 936K2 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the 702 S3's min frequency of 46Hz.

Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Floor-standing class in our database.

Low Frequency

Floor-standing Speakers

702 S3
Aria K2 936K2
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Floor-standing Speakers

B&W 702 S3
Focal Aria K2 936K2
Min
Average
Max

None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.

Impedance and Sensitivity

702 S3 and Aria K2 936K2 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. 702 S3 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the Aria K2 936K2's is at 92 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Focal Aria K2 936K2 a more sensitive speaker compared to B&W 702 S3, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Floor-standing Speakers

702 S3
Aria K2 936K2
Min
Average
Max

Power Range

Power range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.

Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.

Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring

702 S3 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Aria K2 936K2 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

B&W 702 S3 Terminals
B&W 702 S3's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring

Focal Aria K2 936K2Binding post Terminals
Focal Aria K2 936K2's Binding post terminals

Physical Specs

Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare B&W 702 S3's and Focal Aria K2 936K2's external dimensions. B&W 702 S3 has external dimensions of 1138.0 x 192.0 x 391.0mm ( 44.8-inch x 7.6-inch x 15.4-inch) whereas Focal Aria K2 936K2 has external dimensions of 1148.0 x 294.0 x 374.0mm ( 45-3/16 x 11-9/16 x 14-11/16inch) .

B&W 702 S3 is 102mm narrower and 10mm shorter than Focal Aria K2 936K2 but it is also 17mm deeper.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of B&W 702 S3 and Focal Aria K2 936K2 in scale.

B&W 702 S3 vs Focal Aria K2 936K2 Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of B&W 702 S3 and Focal Aria K2 936K2 Size and External Dimensions

Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base surface area of the B&W 702 S3 is approximately 750.7cm2 / 116.4inch2 and base area of the Focal Aria K2 936K2 is approximately 1099.6cm2 / 170.4inch2. The 702 S3 requires 32% less surface area than the Aria K2 936K2 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.

Weight Comparison

The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The B&W 702 S3 weighs 33.46kg / 73.6lbs and the Focal Aria K2 936K2 weighs 29.09kg / 64lbs. This makes the 702 S3 15% heavier than the Aria K2 936K2.

Here is a comparison of how 702 S3 and Aria K2 936K2's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Floor-standing class.

Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
B&W 702 S3
Focal Aria K2 936K2
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of B&W 702 S3?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of 702 S3:
  • Floorstanding loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • Plinth (base)
  • 2 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)
  • Two-piece foam port plug
  • 4 Rubber feet
  • 4 Spike feet
  • 4 Lock-nuts
  • 4 Screws
  • 4 Washers
  • 4 Lock washers
  • Hex-key
  • Manual
  • Bowers & Wilkins brochure
  • Warranty Information
  • What's in the Box of Focal Aria K2 936K2?

    Here are the items that come with the Aria K2 936K2:
  • Floorstanding loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • Base
  • 4 Spike feet (pre-installed in base)
  • 4 Plastic feet
  • 4 Screws
  • Allen-key
  • Hex-tool
  • User Manual

  • Reasons to choose Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 over Focal Aria K2 936K2
    Minimum Impedance 3.1 ohms vs 2.8 ohms Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier
    Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring Yes vs No Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections
    Height 1138mm vs 1148mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 750cm2 vs 1099cm2 Takes less floor space

    Reasons to choose Focal Aria K2 936K2 over Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3

    Sensitivity 92 dB vs 88 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Low Frequency Response 39 Hz vs 46 Hz Generates deeper bass
    Price per pair* 6598USD vs 6998USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
    B&W 702 S3 vs Focal Aria K2 936K2 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Focal Aria K2 936K2
    Brand Bowers Wilkins Focal
    Speaker Type Floor-standing speaker Floor-standing speaker
    Power Range 30-300 watts 50-300 watts
    Sensitivity 90 dB 92 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Impedance 3.1 ohms 2.8 ohms
    Frequency Response 46-28k Hz 39-28k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 3 3
    Woofer Size 6.5" 6.5"
    Woofer Composition Aerofoil K2 aramid fiber/fiberglass
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 1"
    Tweeter Type n/a inverted dome
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver 6" 6.5"
    Firing Direction rear n/a
    Physical Specs
    Height 1138.0mm (44.8") 1148.0mm (45.2")
    Width 192.0mm (7.6") 294.0mm (11.6")
    Depth 391.0mm (15.4") 374.0mm (14.7")
    Weight 33.46kg (73.6lbs) 29.09kg (64lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF/Lacquer MDF/Glass/Leather
    Available Colors Gloss Black,Satin White,Mocha,Rosenut Grey
    Grille Yes Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs Yes No
    Other
    Parts Warranty 5 Years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 5 Years 5 Years

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