In this review, we will be comparing 707 S3 and Silver 50 7G, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Bowers Wilkins and Monitor Audio.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of B&W 707 S3 and Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
B&W 707 S3 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter
- 5" Continuum Woofer
- 50-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 84 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-100watts
- Weight:6.16kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 300.0" x 6.5" x 11.2"( 300.0 x 165.0 x 284.0mm )
Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" C-CAM RST II Woofer
- 47-35k Hz Frequency Response
- 86 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:40-100watts
- Weight:5.63kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 283.0" x 6-9/16" x 10-3/4"( 283.0 x 167.0 x 274.0mm )
What size room are the B&W 707 S3 and Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G 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 S3 |
Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G |
| Near-field |
Average |
Average |
| Small Room |
Good |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Average |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
Bad |
(* 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 S3 and Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G 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 S3 and Silver 50 7G are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
B&W 707 S3 |
Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
707 S3 features a 1" Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Continuum Woofer . On the other hand, the Silver 50 7G features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" C-CAM RST II Woofer .
Frequency Response
707 S3 has a frequency range of 50-28k Hz whereas Silver 50 7G has a frequency range of 47-35k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 47Hz, the Silver 50 7G can go slightly deeper then the 707 S3'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
Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G
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 S3 and Silver 50 7G have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. 707 S3 sensitivity is rated at 84 dB and the Silver 50 7G's is at 86 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G a more sensitive speaker compared to B&W 707 S3, 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.
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 707 S3 and Silver 50 7G features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
B&W 707 S3's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or 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 707 S3's and Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G's external dimensions. B&W 707 S3 has external dimensions of 300.0 x 165.0 x 284.0mm ( 1.8-inch x 6.5-inch x 11.2-inch) whereas Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G has external dimensions of 283.0 x 167.0 x 274.0mm ( 11-1/8 x 6-9/16 x 10-3/4inch) .
Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G is 17mm shorter and 10mm less deeper than B&W 707 S3 but it is also 2mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of B&W 707 S3 and Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G in scale.
Comparison image of B&W 707 S3 and Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G 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 S3 is approximately 468.6cm2 / 72.6inch2 and base area of the Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G is approximately 457.6cm2 / 70.9inch2. The 707 S3 requires 2% more surface area than the Silver 50 7G which gives it a small disadvantage 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:
Size Comparison image of B&W 707 S3 and Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G 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 S3 weighs 6.16kg / 13.6lbs and the Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G weighs 5.63kg / 12.4lbs. This makes the 707 S3 9% heavier than the Silver 50 7G.
Here is a comparison of how 707 S3 and Silver 50 7G's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G
What's in the Box of B&W 707 S3?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of 707 S3:
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 Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G?
Here are the items that come with the Silver 50 7G:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles4 Jumpers (pre-installed)8 Rubber feet2 Foam port plugsHex-keyOwners ManualImportant Safety Instructions
 Sensitivity |
86 dB
vs
84 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
47 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
283mm
vs
300mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
457cm2
vs
468cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1100USD
vs
1799USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Bowers & Wilkins 707 S3 |
Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G |
| Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
Monitor Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
30-100 watts |
40-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
84 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
4.0 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
50-28k Hz |
47-35k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Continuum |
C-CAM RST II |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Decoupled Carbon Dome |
Hard-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
300.0mm (11.8") |
283.0mm (11.1") |
| Width |
165.0mm (6.5") |
167.0mm (6.6") |
| Depth |
284.0mm (11.2") |
274.0mm (10.8") |
| Weight |
6.16kg (13.6lbs) |
5.63kg (12.4lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
MDF/Wood veneer |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black,Satin White,Mocha,Rosenut |
Ash,High Gloss Black,Black Oak,Satin White |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
24-28" |
| 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 |