In this review, we will be comparing 705 S2 and Prime Bookshelf, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Bowers Wilkins and SVS. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of B&W 705 S2 and SVS Prime Bookshelf first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the B&W 705 S2 and SVS Prime Bookshelf 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 705 S2 and SVS Prime Bookshelf 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 705 S2 and Prime Bookshelf are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
B&W 705 S2 |
SVS Prime Bookshelf |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
705 S2 features a 1" Solid Body Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Continuum Woofer . On the other hand, the Prime Bookshelf features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2300Hz.
Frequency Response
705 S2 has a frequency range of 50-28k Hz whereas Prime Bookshelf has a frequency range of 48-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 48Hz, the Prime Bookshelf can go slightly deeper then the 705 S2's min frequency of 50Hz.
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 Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf 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
705 S2 and Prime Bookshelf have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. 705 S2 sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the Prime Bookshelf's is at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the B&W 705 S2 a more sensitive speaker compared to SVS Prime Bookshelf, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf 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.
705 S2 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 705 S2 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 30 watts less than the Prime Bookshelf.
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
705 S2 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Prime Bookshelf has a 5-way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both 705 S2 and Prime Bookshelf 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 705 S2's and SVS Prime Bookshelf's external dimensions. B&W 705 S2 has external dimensions of 407.0 x 200.0 x 301.0mm ( 16-inch x 7.8-inch x 11.9-inch) whereas SVS Prime Bookshelf has external dimensions of 337.8 x 203.2 x 261.6mm ( 13.2 x 8.0 x 10.2inch) .
SVS Prime Bookshelf is 69.2mm shorter and 39.4mm less deeper than B&W 705 S2 but it is also 3.2mm wider.
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 705 S2 is approximately 602.0cm2 / 93.3inch2 and base area of the SVS Prime Bookshelf is approximately 531.6cm2 / 82.4inch2. The 705 S2 requires 13% more surface area than the Prime Bookshelf 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 705 S2 weighs 9.32kg / 20.5lbs and the SVS Prime Bookshelf weighs 7.03kg / 15.5lbs. This makes the 705 S2 33% heavier than the Prime Bookshelf.
Here is a comparison of how 705 S2 and Prime Bookshelf's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of B&W 705 S2?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of 705 S2:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles2 Two-piece foam port plugs8 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Jumper-straps Manual Bowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty Information
What's in the Box of SVS Prime Bookshelf?
Here are the items that come with the Prime Bookshelf:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (pre-installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber bumpers Owners Manual SVS brochure Online Product Registration Card
Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Low Frequency Response |
48 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Height |
337mm
vs
407mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
531cm2 (203x261mm)
vs
602cm2 (200x301mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
600USD
vs
3299USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Bowers & Wilkins 705 S2 |
SVS Prime Bookshelf |
Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
SVS |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
30-120 watts |
25-150 watts |
Sensitivity |
88 dB |
87 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
3.1 ohms |
n/a |
Frequency Response |
50-28k Hz |
48-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Continuum |
|
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Polypropylene |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Solid Body Soft-Dome |
Hard-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2300Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
407.0mm (16") |
337.8mm (13.3") |
Width |
200.0mm (7.9") |
203.2mm (8") |
Depth |
301.0mm (11.9") |
261.6mm (10.3") |
Weight |
9.32kg (20.5lbs) |
7.03kg (15.5lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Available Colors |
Rosewood, Gloss Black, Satin White |
Black Ash,Piano Gloss Black |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
24-28" |
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 |