In this review, we will be comparing 703 S2 and EVO4.4, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from Bowers Wilkins and Wharfedale.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of B&W 703 S2 and Wharfedale EVO4.4 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 )
Wharfedale EVO4.4 Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1.18x2.36" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter
- 2" Midrange
- 2 x 6.5" Kevlar Woofer
- 2" Midrange
- 44-22k Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-200watts
- Weight:25.60kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1060.0" x 9.8" x 14.2"( 1060.0 x 250.0 x 360.0mm )
What size room are the B&W 703 S2 and Wharfedale EVO4.4 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 |
Wharfedale EVO4.4 |
| Near-field |
Bad |
Bad |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Good |
Good |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
(* 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 Wharfedale EVO4.4 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 EVO4.4 are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
B&W 703 S2 |
Wharfedale EVO4.4 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1.18x2.36-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 6-inch |
1 x 2-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 EVO4.4 features a 1.18x2.36" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter , a 2" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Kevlar Woofer .
Frequency Response
703 S2 has a frequency range of 46-28k Hz whereas EVO4.4 has a frequency range of 44-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 44Hz, the EVO4.4 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 EVO4.4 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 89 dB.
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 and EVO4.4 has the same power range of 30-200 watts.
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 EVO4.4 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
Wharfedale EVO4.4's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
703 S2 has a rear firing port whereas EVO4.4 has a bottom firing ports. Wharfedale EVO4.4's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to B&W 703 S2 with its rear-firing port.
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 Wharfedale EVO4.4'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 Wharfedale EVO4.4 has external dimensions of 1060.0 x 250.0 x 360.0mm ( 41.7 x 9.8 x 14.2inch) .
Wharfedale EVO4.4 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 50mm wider, 35mm taller and 39mm 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 Wharfedale EVO4.4 is approximately 90.0cm2 / 14.0inch2. The 703 S2 requires 613% more surface area than the EVO4.4 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 Wharfedale EVO4.4 weighs 25.60kg / 56.3lbs. This makes the EVO4.4 2% heavier than the 703 S2.
Here is a comparison of how 703 S2 and EVO4.4'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 Wharfedale EVO4.4?
Here are the items that come with the EVO4.4:
Floorstanding loudspeaker Grille 4 Outrigger feet (pre-installed) 4 Spikes (pre-installed) 4 Isolation pucks 2 Jumper-bars (pre-installed) Pair of white cloth gloves User Manual
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
1025mm
vs
1060mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Minimum Impedance |
4.3 ohms
vs
3.1 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
 Low Frequency Response |
44 Hz
vs
46 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Base Surface Area |
90cm2
vs
642cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
2198USD
vs
5000USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Bowers & Wilkins 703 S2 |
Wharfedale EVO4.4 |
| Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
Wharfedale |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
30-200 watts |
30-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.1 ohms |
4.3 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
46-28k Hz |
44-22k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aerofoil |
Kevlar |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1.18x2.36" |
| Tweeter Type |
n/a |
AMT (Ribbon) |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
6" |
2" |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
1025.0mm (40.4") |
1060.0mm (41.7") |
| Width |
200.0mm (7.9") |
250.0mm (9.8") |
| Depth |
321.0mm (12.6") |
360.0mm (14.2") |
| Weight |
25.00kg (55lbs) |
25.60kg (56.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Lacquer |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
| Available Colors |
Rosewood, Gloss Black, Satin White |
Walnut |
| 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 |