In this review, we will be comparing SourcePoint 8 and 706 S3, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from MoFi and Bowers Wilkins. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of MoFi SourcePoint 8 and B&W 706 S3 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the MoFi SourcePoint 8 and B&W 706 S3 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 MoFi SourcePoint 8 and B&W 706 S3 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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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both SourcePoint 8 and 706 S3 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
MoFi SourcePoint 8 |
B&W 706 S3 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.25-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 8-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
SourcePoint 8 features a 1.25" wide roll soft dome Tweeter and 1 x 8" Paper-pulp Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1600 Hz. On the other hand, the 706 S3 features a 1" Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Continuum Woofer .
Frequency Response
SourcePoint 8 has a frequency range of 47-30k Hz whereas 706 S3 has a frequency range of 50-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 47Hz, the SourcePoint 8 can go slightly deeper then the 706 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
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
SourcePoint 8 and 706 S3 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. SourcePoint 8 sensitivity is rated at 87dB and the 706 S3's is at 88 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the B&W 706 S3 a more sensitive speaker compared to MoFi SourcePoint 8, 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.
SourcePoint 8 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 706 S3 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 30 watts less than the SourcePoint 8.
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 S3 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. SourcePoint 8 has a 5-Way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
MoFi SourcePoint 8's 5-Way post terminals
B&W 706 S3's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both SourcePoint 8 and 706 S3 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 MoFi SourcePoint 8's and B&W 706 S3's external dimensions. MoFi SourcePoint 8 has external dimensions of 456 x 290 x 320mm ( 18 x 11.4 x 12.6 inch) whereas B&W 706 S3 has external dimensions of 345.0 x 192.0 x 334.0mm ( 13.6-inch x 7.6-inch x 13.1-inch) .
B&W 706 S3 is 98mm narrower and 111mm shorter than MoFi SourcePoint 8 but it is also 14mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of MoFi SourcePoint 8 and B&W 706 S3 in scale.
Comparison image of MoFi SourcePoint 8 and B&W 706 S3 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 MoFi SourcePoint 8 is approximately 928.0cm2 / 143.8inch2 and base area of the B&W 706 S3 is approximately 641.3cm2 / 99.4inch2. The SourcePoint 8 requires 45% more surface area than the 706 S3 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 MoFi SourcePoint 8 weighs 12.70kg / 27.9lbs and the B&W 706 S3 weighs 8.42kg / 18.5lbs. This makes the SourcePoint 8 51% heavier than the 706 S3.
Here is a comparison of how SourcePoint 8 and 706 S3'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 706 S3?
Here are the items that come with the 706 S3:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles2 Two-piece foam port plugs8 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Jumper-straps Manual Bowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty Information
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Minimum Impedance |
6.4 ohms
vs
3.7 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
8 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
47 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Height |
345mm
vs
456mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
641cm2 (192x334mm)
vs
928cm2 (290x320mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
2199USD
vs
2999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
MoFi SourcePoint 8 |
Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3 |
| Brand |
MoFi |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
30-150 watts |
30-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
6.4 ohms |
3.7 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
47-30k Hz |
50-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Paper-pulp |
Continuum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.25" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
wide roll soft dome |
Decoupled Carbon Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1600 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
456.0mm (18") |
345.0mm (13.6") |
| Width |
290.0mm (11.4") |
192.0mm (7.6") |
| Depth |
320.0mm (12.6") |
334.0mm (13.1") |
| Weight |
12.70kg (27.9lbs) |
8.42kg (18.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
real wood veneer |
MDF/Wood veneer |
| Available Colors |
Black, Walnut, Satin White |
Gloss Black,Satin White,Mocha,Rosenut |
| 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 |
| Labor Warranty |
|
5 Years |