In this review, we will be comparing 703 S3 and Synchrony T600, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from Bowers Wilkins and PSB. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of B&W 703 S3 and PSB Synchrony T600 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the B&W 703 S3 and PSB Synchrony T600 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 PSB Synchrony T600 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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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both 703 S3 and Synchrony T600 are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
B&W 703 S3 |
PSB Synchrony T600 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 6-inch |
1 x 5.25-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
3 x 6.5-inch
|
703 S3 features a 1" Tweeter , a 6" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Aerofoil Woofer . On the other hand, the Synchrony T600 features a 1" titanium with ferrofluid cooling and neodymium magnet Dome Tweeter , a 5.25" Midrange and 3 x 6.5" Carbon fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 450Hz and 1800Hz.
Frequency Response
703 S3 has a frequency range of 46-28k Hz whereas Synchrony T600 has a frequency range of 24-23k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 24Hz, the Synchrony T600 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
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 S3 is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the Synchrony T600 which has a nominal impedance of 4 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Synchrony T600 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. 703 S3 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the Synchrony T600's is rated at 89 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the PSB Synchrony T600 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 Synchrony T600.
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 S3 and Synchrony T600 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
B&W 703 S3's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
PSB Synchrony T600's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both 703 S3 and Synchrony T600 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 S3's and PSB Synchrony T600'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 PSB Synchrony T600 has external dimensions of 1048.0 x 228.0 x 343.0mm ( 41-1/4 x 9 x 13-1/2inch) .
PSB Synchrony T600 is 69mm shorter and 10mm less deeper than B&W 703 S3 but it is also 36mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of B&W 703 S3 and PSB Synchrony T600 in scale.
Comparison image of B&W 703 S3 and PSB Synchrony T600 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 703 S3 is approximately 677.8cm2 / 105.1inch2 and base area of the PSB Synchrony T600 is approximately 782.0cm2 / 121.2inch2. The 703 S3 requires 13% less surface area than the Synchrony T600 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 PSB Synchrony T600 weighs 34.90kg / 76.8lbs. This makes the Synchrony T600 21% heavier than the 703 S3.
Here is a comparison of how 703 S3 and Synchrony T600'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 PSB Synchrony T600?
Here are the items that come with the Synchrony T600:
Floorstanding loudspeakrGrille2 Binding-post jumpers (pre-installed)4 Isolation feet2 Port plugsOwners ManualWarranty Card
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
23k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
677cm2 (192x353mm)
vs
782cm2 (228x343mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
5998USD
vs
8000USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
300 watts
vs
200 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Minimum Impedance |
4 ohms
vs
3.1 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
 Number of Woofers |
3
vs
2
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
24 Hz
vs
46 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
1048mm
vs
1117mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 |
PSB Synchrony T600 |
| Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
PSB |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
30-200 watts |
20-300 watts |
| Sensitivity |
90 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.1 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
46-28k Hz |
24-23k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
3 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aerofoil |
Carbon fiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
n/a |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
6" |
5.25" |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
450Hz and 1800Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
1117.0mm (44") |
1048.0mm (41.3") |
| Width |
192.0mm (7.6") |
228.0mm (9") |
| Depth |
353.0mm (13.9") |
343.0mm (13.5") |
| Weight |
28.81kg (63.4lbs) |
34.90kg (76.8lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Lacquer |
MDF/Lacquer |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black,Satin White,Mocha,Rosenut |
Gloss Black, Satin 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 |