In this review, we will be comparing 707 S2 and M16, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Bowers Wilkins and Revel. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of B&W 707 S2 and Revel M16 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the B&W 707 S2 and Revel M16 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 707 S2 and Revel M16 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 707 S2 and M16 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
B&W 707 S2 |
Revel M16 |
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 M16 features a 1" aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Anodized aluminum Woofer .
Frequency Response
707 S2 has a frequency range of 50-28k Hz whereas M16 has a frequency range of 55- 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 M16's min frequency of 55Hz.
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
707 S2 is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the M16 which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. 707 S2 sensitivity is rated at 84 dB and the M16's is rated at 86 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Revel M16 a more sensitive speaker compared to B&W 707 S2, 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.
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 M16.
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. M16 has a 5-way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both 707 S2 and M16 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 Revel M16'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 Revel M16 has external dimensions of 378.0 x 221.0 x 280.0mm ( 14-7/8 x 8-11/16 x 11inch) .
Revel M16 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 56mm wider, 98mm taller and 4mm deeper than B&W 707 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 707 S2 is approximately 455.4cm2 / 70.6inch2 and base area of the Revel M16 is approximately 618.8cm2 / 95.9inch2. The 707 S2 requires 26% less surface area than the M16 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 707 S2 weighs 6.00kg / 13.2lbs and the Revel M16 weighs 7.27kg / 16lbs. This makes the M16 21% heavier than the 707 S2.
Here is a comparison of how 707 S2 and M16'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 707 S2?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of 707 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 Revel M16?
Here are the items that come with the M16:
Bookshelf loudspeakerGrilleOwners Manual
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Height |
280mm
vs
378mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
455cm2 (165x276mm)
vs
618cm2 (221x280mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
86 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* |
990USD
vs
1599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 |
Revel Concerta2 M16 |
Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
Revel |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
30-100 watts |
50-120 watts |
Sensitivity |
84 dB |
86 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
6 ohms |
Impedance |
4.0 ohms |
n/a |
Frequency Response |
50-28k Hz |
55- Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Continuum |
Anodized aluminum |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Decoupled Soft-Dome |
Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
280.0mm (11") |
378.0mm (14.9") |
Width |
165.0mm (6.5") |
221.0mm (8.7") |
Depth |
276.0mm (10.9") |
280.0mm (11") |
Weight |
6.00kg (13.2lbs) |
7.27kg (16lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood Veneer |
Wood/Lacquer |
Available Colors |
Rosewood, Gloss Black, Satin White |
Gloss Black,Gloss White |
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 |