In this review, we will be comparing BP-9080X and 702 S2, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from Definitive Technology and Bowers Wilkins. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive BP-9080X and B&W 702 S2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Definitive BP-9080X Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Midrange
- 12" Polypropelene Woofer
- 16-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 92 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:50-300watts
- Weight:28.18kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1309.0" x 12-1/2" x 16-1/8"( 1309.0 x 318.0 x 410.0mm )
B&W 702 S2 Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Tweeter
- 6" Midrange
- 3 x 6.5" Aerofoil Woofer
- 6" Midrange
- 46-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-300watts
- Weight:29.50kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1087.0" x 14-7/16" x 14.3"( 1087.0 x 200.0 x 364.0mm )
What size room are the Definitive BP-9080X and B&W 702 S2 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* |
Definitive BP-9080X |
B&W 702 S2 |
| Near-field |
Are you nuts? |
Bad |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Average |
| Large Room |
Good |
Good |
| Very Large Room |
Good |
Average |
(* 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 Definitive BP-9080X and B&W 702 S2 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 BP-9080X and 702 S2 are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Definitive BP-9080X |
B&W 702 S2 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
4 x 5.25-inch |
1 x 6-inch |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 12-inch
|
3 x 6.5-inch
|
BP-9080X features a 1" annealed aluminum dome Tweeter , a 5.25" Midrange and 1 x 12" Polypropelene Woofer . On the other hand, the 702 S2 features a 1" Tweeter , a 6" Midrange and 3 x 6.5" Aerofoil Woofer .
Frequency Response
BP-9080X has a frequency range of 16-40k Hz whereas 702 S2 has a frequency range of 46-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 16Hz, the BP-9080X can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the 702 S2's min frequency of 46Hz.
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 Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
Impedance and Sensitivity
BP-9080X and 702 S2 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. BP-9080X sensitivity is rated at 92 dB and the 702 S2's is at 90 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Definitive BP-9080X a more sensitive speaker compared to B&W 702 S2, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing 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
702 S2 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. BP-9080X has a 5-Way post, RCA which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Definitive BP-9080X's 5-Way post, RCA terminals
B&W 702 S2'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 Definitive BP-9080X's and B&W 702 S2's external dimensions. Definitive BP-9080X has external dimensions of 1309.0 x 318.0 x 410.0mm ( 51-1/2 x 12-1/2 x 16-1/8inch) whereas B&W 702 S2 has external dimensions of 1087.0 x 200.0 x 364.0mm ( 42.8-inch x 14-7/16-inch x 14.3-inch) .
Definitive BP-9080X is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 118mm wider, 222mm taller and 46mm deeper than B&W 702 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 Definitive BP-9080X is approximately 1303.8cm2 / 202.1inch2 and base area of the B&W 702 S2 is approximately 728.0cm2 / 112.8inch2. The BP-9080X requires 79% more surface area than the 702 S2 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 Definitive BP-9080X weighs 28.18kg / 62lbs and the B&W 702 S2 weighs 29.50kg / 64.9lbs. This makes the 702 S2 5% heavier than the BP-9080X.
Here is a comparison of how BP-9080X and 702 S2's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Floor-standing class.
Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
What's in the Box of Definitive BP-9080X?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of BP-9080X:
Tower loudspeaker6.5-feet AC power cordTop-grille (installed)Stabilizer base4 Floor guides4 Carpet spikes4 Screws4 NutsOwners ManualWhat Obsession Sounds Like card
What's in the Box of B&W 702 S2?
Here are the items that come with the 702 S2:
Floorstanding loudspeakerGrillePlinth (base)2 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)Two-piece foam port plug4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet4 Lock-nuts4 Screws4 Washers4 Lock washersHex-keyManualBowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty Information