In this review, we will be comparing 703 S3 and BP-9080X, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from Bowers Wilkins and Definitive Technology. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of B&W 703 S3 and Definitive BP-9080X first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the B&W 703 S3 and Definitive BP-9080X 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the B&W 703 S3 and Definitive BP-9080X compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both 703 S3 and BP-9080X are 3-way speakers.
Driver |
B&W 703 S3 |
Definitive BP-9080X |
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
1 x 6-inch |
4 x 5.25-inch |
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 12-inch
|
703 S3 features a 1" Tweeter , a 6" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Aerofoil Woofer . On the other hand, the BP-9080X features a 1" annealed aluminum dome Tweeter , a 5.25" Midrange and 1 x 12" Polypropelene Woofer .
Frequency Response
703 S3 has a frequency range of 46-28k Hz whereas BP-9080X has a frequency range of 16-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 16Hz, the BP-9080X can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the 703 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
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
Impedance and Sensitivity
703 S3 and BP-9080X have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. 703 S3 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the BP-9080X's is at 92 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Definitive BP-9080X a more sensitive speaker compared to B&W 703 S3, 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 S3 can handle a max power of 300 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 703 S3 has a max power handling value of 200 watts RMS , 100 watts less than the BP-9080X.
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
703 S3 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. BP-9080X has a 5-Way post, RCA which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
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 S3's and Definitive BP-9080X's external dimensions. B&W 703 S3 has external dimensions of 1117.0 x 192.0 x 353.0mm ( 44-inch x 7.6-inch x 13.9-inch) whereas Definitive BP-9080X has external dimensions of 1309.0 x 318.0 x 410.0mm ( 51-1/2 x 12-1/2 x 16-1/8inch) .
Definitive BP-9080X is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 126mm wider, 192mm taller and 57mm deeper than B&W 703 S3.
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 S3 is approximately 677.8cm2 / 105.1inch2 and base area of the Definitive BP-9080X is approximately 1303.8cm2 / 202.1inch2. The 703 S3 requires 48% less surface area than the BP-9080X 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 S3 weighs 28.81kg / 63.4lbs and the Definitive BP-9080X weighs 28.18kg / 62lbs. This makes the 703 S3 2% heavier than the BP-9080X.
Here is a comparison of how 703 S3 and BP-9080X'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 S3?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of 703 S3:
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 Definitive BP-9080X?
Here are the items that come with the BP-9080X:
Tower loudspeaker6.5-feet AC power cordTop-grille (installed)Stabilizer base4 Floor guides4 Carpet spikes4 Screws4 NutsOwners ManualWhat Obsession Sounds Like card
Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Height |
1117mm
vs
1309mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
677cm2 (192x353mm)
vs
1303cm2 (318x410mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Max Input Power |
300 watts
vs
200 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
92 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
16 Hz
vs
46 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Passive Radiator |
2 x 12-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
Dolby Atmos Drivers |
Built-in 1 x 5-1/4
vs
No
|
Dolby Atmos Compatibility |
Price per pair* |
3998USD
vs
5998USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 |
Definitive Technology BP-9080X |
Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
Definitive Technology |
Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
Power Range |
30-200 watts |
50-300 watts |
Sensitivity |
90 dB |
92 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
3.1 ohms |
n/a |
Frequency Response |
46-28k Hz |
16-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
12" |
Woofer Composition |
Aerofoil |
Polypropelene |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
n/a |
dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
6" |
5.25" |
Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
1117.0mm (44") |
1309.0mm (51.5") |
Width |
192.0mm (7.6") |
318.0mm (12.5") |
Depth |
353.0mm (13.9") |
410.0mm (16.1") |
Weight |
28.81kg (63.4lbs) |
28.18kg (62lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
Finish |
MDF/Lacquer |
MDF/Aluminum/Cloth |
Available Colors |
Gloss Black,Satin White,Mocha,Rosenut |
Black |
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 |