In this review, we will be comparing 707 S3 and EVO4.2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Bowers Wilkins and Wharfedale. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of B&W 707 S3 and Wharfedale EVO4.2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the B&W 707 S3 and Wharfedale EVO4.2 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 S3 and Wharfedale EVO4.2 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that 707 S3 is a 2-way design whereas the EVO4.2 is a 3-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
Driver |
B&W 707 S3 |
Wharfedale EVO4.2 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1.18x2.36-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 2-inch |
Woofer
|
1 x 5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
707 S3 features a 1" Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Continuum Woofer . On the other hand, the EVO4.2 features a 1.18x2.36" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter , a 2" Midrange and 1 x 6.5" Kevlar Woofer .
Frequency Response
707 S3 has a frequency range of 50-28k Hz whereas EVO4.2 has a frequency range of 54-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the 707 S3 can go slightly deeper then the EVO4.2's min frequency of 54Hz.
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 S3 and EVO4.2 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 EVO4.2's is at 88 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Wharfedale EVO4.2 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.
707 S3 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 707 S3 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 20 watts less than the EVO4.2.
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 EVO4.2 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
707 S3 has a rear firing port whereas EVO4.2 has a bottom firing ports. Wharfedale EVO4.2's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to B&W 707 S3 with its rear-firing port.
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 Wharfedale EVO4.2'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 Wharfedale EVO4.2 has external dimensions of 455.0 x 250.0 x 350.0mm ( 17.9 x 9.8 x 13.7inch) .
Wharfedale EVO4.2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 85mm wider, 155mm taller and 66mm deeper than B&W 707 S3.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of B&W 707 S3 and Wharfedale EVO4.2 in scale.
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 Wharfedale EVO4.2 is approximately 875.0cm2 / 135.6inch2. The 707 S3 requires 46% less surface area than the EVO4.2 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:
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 Wharfedale EVO4.2 weighs 13.40kg / 29.5lbs. This makes the EVO4.2 118% heavier than the 707 S3.
Here is a comparison of how 707 S3 and EVO4.2'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 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 Wharfedale EVO4.2?
Here are the items that come with the EVO4.2:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 4 Jumper-bars (pre-installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Pair of white cloth gloves User Manual
Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
54 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
300mm
vs
455mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
468cm2 (165x284mm)
vs
875cm2 (250x350mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
Sensitivity |
88 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* |
1199USD
vs
1799USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Bowers & Wilkins 707 S3 |
Wharfedale EVO4.2 |
Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
Wharfedale |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
30-100 watts |
25-120 watts |
Sensitivity |
84 dB |
88 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
4.0 ohms |
4 ohms |
Frequency Response |
50-28k Hz |
54-22k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Continuum |
Kevlar |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1.18x2.36" |
Tweeter Type |
Decoupled Carbon Dome |
AMT (Ribbon) |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
2" |
Firing Direction |
rear |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
300.0mm (11.8") |
455.0mm (17.9") |
Width |
165.0mm (6.5") |
250.0mm (9.8") |
Depth |
284.0mm (11.2") |
350.0mm (13.8") |
Weight |
6.16kg (13.6lbs) |
13.40kg (29.5lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
Available Colors |
Gloss Black,Satin White,Mocha,Rosenut |
Walnut,Black,White |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
18-22" |
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 |