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B&W 707 S2 vs KEF Q350 Comparison

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B&W 707 S2

Passive Bookshelf | 50-28k Hz

Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2
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KEF Q350

Passive Bookshelf | 63-28k Hz

KEF Q350
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B&W 707 S2 B&W 707 S2
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KEF Q350 KEF Q350
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B&W 707 S2
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KEF Q350
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B&W 707 S2 vs KEF Q350 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing 707 S2 and Q350, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Bowers Wilkins and KEF.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of B&W 707 S2 and KEF Q350 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

B&W 707 S2 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Decoupled Soft-Dome Tweeter
  • 5" Continuum Woofer
  • 50-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 84 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:30-100watts
  • Weight:6.00kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 280.0" x 6.5" x 10.9"( 280.0 x 165.0 x 276.0mm )

KEF Q350 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 11th Generation Uni-Q Driver
  • 1" Dome Tweeter
  • 6.5" Aluminum Woofer
  • 63-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:10-120watts
  • Weight:7.60kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 358.0" x 8.2" x 12.0"( 358.0 x 210.0 x 306.0mm )

What size room are the B&W 707 S2 and KEF Q350 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 707 S2 KEF Q350
Near-field Average Poor
Small Room Good Average
Mid-size Room Average Good
Large Room Poor Average
Very Large Room Bad 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 707 S2 and KEF Q350 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 707 S2 and Q350 are 2-way speakers.

Driver B&W 707 S2 KEF Q350
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 1 x 5-inch 1 x 6.5-inch

707 S2 features a 1" Decoupled Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Continuum Woofer . On the other hand, the Q350 features a 1" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.

Frequency Response

707 S2 has a frequency range of 50-28k Hz whereas Q350 has a frequency range of 63-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the 707 S2 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Q350's min frequency of 63Hz.

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

707 S2
Q350
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

B&W 707 S2
KEF Q350
Min
Average
Max

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

707 S2 and Q350 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. 707 S2 sensitivity is rated at 84 dB and the Q350's is at 87 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the KEF Q350 a more sensitive speaker compared to B&W 707 S2, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

707 S2
Q350
Min
Average
Max

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.

707 S2 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 707 S2 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 20 watts less than the Q350.

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

707 S2 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Q350 has a Post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

KEF Q350Post Terminals
KEF Q350's Post terminals

Cabinet Type and Port Position

Both 707 S2 and Q350 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 707 S2's and KEF Q350's external dimensions. B&W 707 S2 has external dimensions of 280.0 x 165.0 x 276.0mm ( 11-inch x 6.5-inch x 10.9-inch) whereas KEF Q350 has external dimensions of 358.0 x 210.0 x 306.0mm ( 14.0 x 8.2 x 12.0inch) .

KEF Q350 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 45mm wider, 78mm taller and 30mm deeper than B&W 707 S2.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of B&W 707 S2 and KEF Q350 in scale.

B&W 707 S2 vs KEF Q350 Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of B&W 707 S2 and KEF Q350 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 707 S2 is approximately 455.4cm2 / 70.6inch2 and base area of the KEF Q350 is approximately 642.6cm2 / 99.6inch2. The 707 S2 requires 29% less surface area than the Q350 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.

Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:

B&W 707 S2 vs KEF Q350 Size Comparison on a Media Console
Size Comparison image of B&W 707 S2 and KEF Q350 on a Media Console
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 707 S2 weighs 6.00kg / 13.2lbs and the KEF Q350 weighs 7.60kg / 16.7lbs. This makes the Q350 27% heavier than the 707 S2.

Here is a comparison of how 707 S2 and Q350's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
B&W 707 S2
KEF Q350
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of B&W 707 S2?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of 707 S2:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles
  • 2 Two-piece foam port plugs
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • 4 Jumper-straps
  • Manual
  • Bowers & Wilkins brochure
  • Warranty Information
  • What's in the Box of KEF Q350?

    Here are the items that come with the Q350:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Foam port plugs
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Owner's Manual
  • Warranty Registration Card

  • Reasons to choose Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 over KEF Q350
    Minimum Impedance 4.0 ohms vs 3.7 ohms Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier
    Low Frequency Response 50 Hz vs 63 Hz Generates deeper bass
    Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring Yes vs No Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections
    Height 280mm vs 358mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 455cm2 vs 642cm2 Takes less floor space

    Reasons to choose KEF Q350 over Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2

    Max Input Power 120 watts vs 100 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Sensitivity 87 dB vs 84 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Woofer Size 6.5 inches vs 5 inches Larger woofer
    Price per pair* 750USD vs 1599USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
    B&W 707 S2 vs KEF Q350 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 KEF Q350
    Brand Bowers Wilkins KEF
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range 30-100 watts 10-120 watts
    Sensitivity 84 dB 87 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Impedance 4.0 ohms 3.7 ohms
    Frequency Response 50-28k Hz 63-28k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 5" 6.5"
    Woofer Composition Continuum Aluminum
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 1"
    Tweeter Type Decoupled Soft-Dome Dome
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency n/a 2500Hz
    Firing Direction rear rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 280.0mm (11") 358.0mm (14.1")
    Width 165.0mm (6.5") 210.0mm (8.3")
    Depth 276.0mm (10.9") 306.0mm (12")
    Weight 6.00kg (13.2lbs) 7.60kg (16.7lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF/Wood Veneer MDF/Vinyl-wrapped
    Available Colors Rosewood, Gloss Black, Satin White Black, Walnut, White
    Mounting Bracket No No
    Recommended Stand Height 24-26" 18-24"
    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

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