In this review, we will be comparing Evoke 30 and 706 S2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Dynaudio and Bowers Wilkins. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Dynaudio Evoke 20 and B&W 706 S2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Dynaudio Evoke 20 and B&W 706 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Dynaudio Evoke 20 and B&W 706 S2 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 Evoke 30 and 706 S2 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Dynaudio Evoke 20 |
B&W 706 S2 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 7-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Evoke 30 features a 1.1" Cerotar with Hexis Tweeter and 1 x 7" Magnesium Silicate Polymer Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 3200Hz. On the other hand, the 706 S2 features a 1" Decoupled Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Continuum Woofer .
Frequency Response
Evoke 30 has a frequency range of 40-23k Hz whereas 706 S2 has a frequency range of 50-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 40Hz, the Evoke 30 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the 706 S2'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
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
Evoke 30 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the 706 S2 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Evoke 30 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the 706 S2's is rated at 88 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the B&W 706 S2 a more sensitive speaker compared to Dynaudio Evoke 20, 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.
Evoke 30 can handle a max power of 180 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 706 S2 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 60 watts less than the Evoke 30.
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
706 S2 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Evoke 30 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Dynaudio Evoke 20's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Evoke 30 and 706 S2 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 Dynaudio Evoke 20's and B&W 706 S2's external dimensions. Dynaudio Evoke 20 has external dimensions of 380.0 x 215.0 x 343.0mm ( 15 x 8.5 x 12.1inch) whereas B&W 706 S2 has external dimensions of 340.0 x 200.0 x 301.0mm ( 13.5-inch x 7.8-inch x 11.-inch) .
Dynaudio Evoke 20 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 15mm wider, 40mm taller and 42mm deeper than B&W 706 S2.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Dynaudio Evoke 20 and B&W 706 S2 in scale.
Comparison image of Dynaudio Evoke 20 and B&W 706 S2 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 Dynaudio Evoke 20 is approximately 737.5cm2 / 114.3inch2 and base area of the B&W 706 S2 is approximately 602.0cm2 / 93.3inch2. The Evoke 30 requires 23% more surface area than the 706 S2 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 Dynaudio Evoke 20 and B&W 706 S2 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 Dynaudio Evoke 20 weighs 9.90kg / 21.8lbs and the B&W 706 S2 weighs 8.05kg / 17.7lbs. This makes the Evoke 30 23% heavier than the 706 S2.
Here is a comparison of how Evoke 30 and 706 S2's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Dynaudio Evoke 20?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Evoke 30:
What's in the Box of B&W 706 S2?
Here are the items that come with the 706 S2:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles2 Two-piece foam port plugs8 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Jumper-straps Manual Bowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty Information
 Max Input Power |
180 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
7 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
40 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
23k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Height |
340mm
vs
380mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
602cm2 (200x301mm)
vs
737cm2 (215x343mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1999USD
vs
4798USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Dynaudio Evoke 20 |
Bowers & Wilkins 706 S2 |
| Brand |
Dynaudio |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
up to 180 watts |
30-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
3.7 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
40-23k Hz |
50-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
7" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Magnesium Silicate Polymer |
Continuum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
n/a |
Decoupled Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
3200Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
380.0mm (15") |
340.0mm (13.4") |
| Width |
215.0mm (8.5") |
200.0mm (7.9") |
| Depth |
343.0mm (13.5") |
301.0mm (11.9") |
| Weight |
9.90kg (21.8lbs) |
8.05kg (17.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
MDF/Wood Veneer |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Rosewood, Gloss Black, Satin White |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
24-26" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years (8 Years registered) |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years (8 Years registered) |
5 Years |