In this review, we will be comparing 703 S2 and 800F, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from Bowers Wilkins and Paradigm.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of B&W 703 S2 and Paradigm 800F first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
B&W 703 S2 Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Tweeter
- 6" Midrange
- 2 x 6.5" Aerofoil Woofer
- 46-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-200watts
- Weight:25.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1025.0" x 12-11/16" x 12.6"( 1025.0 x 200.0 x 321.0mm )
Paradigm 800F Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Tweeter
- 6.5" Midrange
- 2 x 6.5" Carbon-Infused Polypropylene Woofer
- 6.5" Midrange
- 43-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 92 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:15-250watts
- Weight:24.27kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1070.0" x 9-1/4" x 13-7/8"( 1070.0 x 235.0 x 353.0mm )
What size room are the B&W 703 S2 and Paradigm 800F 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 703 S2 |
Paradigm 800F |
| Near-field |
Bad |
Bad |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Good |
Good |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
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 703 S2 and Paradigm 800F 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 703 S2 and 800F are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
B&W 703 S2 |
Paradigm 800F |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 6-inch |
1 x 6.5-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
703 S2 features a 1" Tweeter , a 6" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Aerofoil Woofer . On the other hand, the 800F features a 1" Tweeter , a 6.5" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Carbon-Infused Polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
703 S2 has a frequency range of 46-28k Hz whereas 800F has a frequency range of 43-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 43Hz, the 800F can go slightly deeper then the 703 S2'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
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
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
703 S2 and 800F have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. 703 S2 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the 800F's is at 92 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Paradigm 800F a more sensitive speaker compared to B&W 703 S2, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
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.
703 S2 can handle a max power of 250 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 703 S2 has a max power handling value of 200 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the 800F.
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
Both 703 S2 and 800F features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
B&W 703 S2's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Paradigm 800F's Posts terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both 703 S2 and 800F have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
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 703 S2's and Paradigm 800F's external dimensions. B&W 703 S2 has external dimensions of 1025.0 x 200.0 x 321.0mm ( 40.4-inch x 12-11/16-inch x 12.6-inch) whereas Paradigm 800F has external dimensions of 1070.0 x 235.0 x 353.0mm ( 42-1/8 x 9-1/4 x 13-7/8inch) .
Paradigm 800F is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 35mm wider, 45mm taller and 32mm deeper than B&W 703 S2.
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 703 S2 is approximately 642.0cm2 / 99.5inch2 and base area of the Paradigm 800F is approximately 829.6cm2 / 128.6inch2. The 703 S2 requires 23% less surface area than the 800F 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 703 S2 weighs 25.00kg / 55lbs and the Paradigm 800F weighs 24.27kg / 53.4lbs. This makes the 703 S2 3% heavier than the 800F.
Here is a comparison of how 703 S2 and 800F's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Floor-standing class.
Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
What's in the Box of B&W 703 S2?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of 703 S2:
Floorstanding loudspeakerGrillePlinth (base)2 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)Two-piece foam port plug4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet4 Lock-nuts4 Screws4 Washers4 Lock washersHex-keyManualBowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty Information
What's in the Box of Paradigm 800F?
Here are the items that come with the 800F:
Floorstanding loudspeaker
Grille
4 Rubber feet
4 Spike feet
4 Hex-nuts
2 Binding-post jumpers (pre-installed)
Owner's Manual
Online Registration Card
Unboxing Instructions
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
1025mm
vs
1070mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
642cm2
vs
829cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
250 watts
vs
200 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
92 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Low Frequency Response |
43 Hz
vs
46 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Price per pair* |
2200USD
vs
5000USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Bowers & Wilkins 703 S2 |
Paradigm Premier 800F |
| Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
Paradigm |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
30-200 watts |
15-250 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
92 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.1 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
46-28k Hz |
43-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aerofoil |
Carbon-Infused Polypropylene |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
6" |
6.5" |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
1025.0mm (40.4") |
1070.0mm (42.1") |
| Width |
200.0mm (7.9") |
235.0mm (9.3") |
| Depth |
321.0mm (12.6") |
353.0mm (13.9") |
| Weight |
25.00kg (55lbs) |
24.27kg (53.4lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Lacquer |
MDF/Lacquer |
| Available Colors |
Rosewood, Gloss Black, Satin White |
Gloss Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |