In this review, we will be comparing Platinum 100 3G and 705 S2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Monitor Audio and Bowers Wilkins. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G and B&W 705 S2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G and B&W 705 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 Platinum 100 3G and B&W 705 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 Platinum 100 3G and 705 S2 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G |
B&W 705 S2 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Platinum 100 3G features a 1" MPD III Tweeter and 1 x 6" RDT III Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2850 Hz. On the other hand, the 705 S2 features a 1" Solid Body Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Continuum Woofer .
Frequency Response
Platinum 100 3G has a frequency range of 28-60k Hz whereas 705 S2 has a frequency range of 50-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the Platinum 100 3G can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the 705 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
Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G
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
Platinum 100 3G is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the 705 S2 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Platinum 100 3G can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Platinum 100 3G sensitivity is rated at 85dB and the 705 S2's is rated at 88 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the B&W 705 S2 a more sensitive speaker compared to Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G, 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.
Platinum 100 3G can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 705 S2 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 30 watts less than the Platinum 100 3G.
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 Platinum 100 3G and 705 S2 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Platinum 100 3G and 705 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.
Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G 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 Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G's and B&W 705 S2's external dimensions. Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G has external dimensions of 398 x 225 x 325.6 mm ( 15.6 x 8.8 x 12.8-inch) whereas B&W 705 S2 has external dimensions of 407.0 x 200.0 x 301.0mm ( 16-inch x 7.8-inch x 11.9-inch) .
B&W 705 S2 is 25mm narrower and 24mm less deeper than Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G but it is also 9mm taller.
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 Platinum 100 3G is approximately 731.3cm2 / 113.4inch2 and base area of the B&W 705 S2 is approximately 602.0cm2 / 93.3inch2. The Platinum 100 3G requires 21% more surface area than the 705 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 Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G weighs 15.20kg / 33.4lbs and the B&W 705 S2 weighs 9.32kg / 20.5lbs. This makes the Platinum 100 3G 63% heavier than the 705 S2.
Here is a comparison of how Platinum 100 3G and 705 S2's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G
What's in the Box of B&W 705 S2?
Here are the items that come with the 705 S2:
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 |
4 ohms
vs
3.1 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
 Low Frequency Response |
28 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
60k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
398mm
vs
407mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
| Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
6 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Base Surface Area |
602cm2 (200x301mm)
vs
731cm2 (225x325mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
3299USD
vs
6900USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G |
Bowers & Wilkins 705 S2 |
| Brand |
Monitor Audio |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
up to 150 watts |
30-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
85dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
3.1 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
28-60k Hz |
50-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
RDT III |
Continuum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
n/a |
Solid Body Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2850 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
398.0mm (15.7") |
407.0mm (16") |
| Width |
225.0mm (8.9") |
200.0mm (7.9") |
| Depth |
325.0mm (12.8") |
301.0mm (11.9") |
| Weight |
15.20kg (33.4lbs) |
9.32kg (20.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood veneer |
| Available Colors |
Piano Black, Piano Ebony, Satin White |
Rosewood, Gloss Black, Satin White |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
24-26" |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
5 Years |