In this review, we will be comparing Bronze 100 and 706 S2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Monitor Audio and Bowers Wilkins. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Monitor Audio Bronze 100 and B&W 706 S2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Monitor Audio Bronze 100 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 Monitor Audio Bronze 100 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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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both Bronze 100 and 706 S2 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Monitor Audio Bronze 100 |
B&W 706 S2 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Bronze 100 features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" C-CAM Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2200Hz. On the other hand, the 706 S2 features a 1" Decoupled Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Continuum Woofer .
Frequency Response
Bronze 100 has a frequency range of 37-30k Hz whereas 706 S2 has a frequency range of 50-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 37Hz, the Bronze 100 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
Bronze 100 and 706 S2 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Bronze 100 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the 706 S2's is at 88 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the B&W 706 S2 a more sensitive speaker compared to Monitor Audio Bronze 100, 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.
Bronze 100 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Bronze 100 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 20 watts less than the 706 S2.
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 Bronze 100 and 706 S2 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Bronze 100 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 Monitor Audio Bronze 100's and B&W 706 S2's external dimensions. Monitor Audio Bronze 100 has external dimensions of 376.0 x 231.0 x 325.0mm ( 14.8 x 9.0 x 12.7inch) 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) .
Monitor Audio Bronze 100 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 31mm wider, 36mm taller and 24mm deeper than B&W 706 S2.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Monitor Audio Bronze 100 and B&W 706 S2 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 Monitor Audio Bronze 100 is approximately 750.8cm2 / 116.4inch2 and base area of the B&W 706 S2 is approximately 602.0cm2 / 93.3inch2. The Bronze 100 requires 25% 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:
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 Monitor Audio Bronze 100 weighs 7.80kg / 17.2lbs and the B&W 706 S2 weighs 8.05kg / 17.7lbs. This makes the 706 S2 3% heavier than the Bronze 100.
Here is a comparison of how Bronze 100 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 Monitor Audio Bronze 100?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Bronze 100:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 4 Terminal-jumpers (pre-installed) 2 Foam port plugs 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Hex-key Quick Start Guide Important Safety Instructions
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
Minimum Impedance |
4.5 ohms
vs
3.7 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
Low Frequency Response |
37 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Price per pair* |
675USD
vs
1999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Height |
340mm
vs
376mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
602cm2 (200x301mm)
vs
750cm2 (231x325mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
General |
Monitor Audio Bronze 100 |
Bowers & Wilkins 706 S2 |
Brand |
Monitor Audio |
Bowers Wilkins |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
30-100 watts |
30-120 watts |
Sensitivity |
87 dB |
88 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
4.5 ohms |
3.7 ohms |
Frequency Response |
37-30k Hz |
50-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
C-CAM |
Continuum |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Decoupled Soft-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
2200Hz |
n/a |
Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
376.0mm (14.8") |
340.0mm (13.4") |
Width |
231.0mm (9.1") |
200.0mm (7.9") |
Depth |
325.0mm (12.8") |
301.0mm (11.9") |
Weight |
7.80kg (17.2lbs) |
8.05kg (17.7lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Wood Veneer |
Available Colors |
Walnut, Black, White, Urban Grey |
Rosewood, Gloss Black, Satin White |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
22-26" |
24-26" |
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 |