In this review, we will be comparing Platinum 200 3G and 703 S3, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from Monitor Audio and Bowers Wilkins. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Monitor Audio Platinum 200 3G and B&W 703 S3 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Monitor Audio Platinum 200 3G and B&W 703 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 Monitor Audio Platinum 200 3G and B&W 703 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 Platinum 200 3G and 703 S3 are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Monitor Audio Platinum 200 3G |
B&W 703 S3 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 4-inch |
1 x 6-inch |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
Platinum 200 3G features a 1" MPD III Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 1 x 6" RDT III Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 825 Hz - 3000Hz. On the other hand, the 703 S3 features a 1" Tweeter , a 6" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Aerofoil Woofer .
Frequency Response
Platinum 200 3G has a frequency range of 23-60k Hz whereas 703 S3 has a frequency range of 46-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 23Hz, the Platinum 200 3G can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the 703 S3'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
Monitor Audio Platinum 200 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 200 3G is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the 703 S3 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 200 3G can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Platinum 200 3G sensitivity is rated at 88dB and the 703 S3's is rated at 90 dB.
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.
Platinum 200 3G can handle a max power of 300 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 703 S3 has a max power handling value of 200 watts RMS, 100 watts less than the Platinum 200 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 200 3G and 703 S3 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Monitor Audio Platinum 200 3G's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
B&W 703 S3's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Platinum 200 3G and 703 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.
Monitor Audio Platinum 200 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 200 3G's and B&W 703 S3's external dimensions. Monitor Audio Platinum 200 3G has external dimensions of 1041.6 x 368.7 x 454.9 mm ( 41 x 14.5 x 17.8-inch) whereas B&W 703 S3 has external dimensions of 1117.0 x 192.0 x 353.0mm ( 44-inch x 7.6-inch x 13.9-inch) .
B&W 703 S3 is 176mm narrower and 102mm less deeper than Monitor Audio Platinum 200 3G but it is also 76mm 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 200 3G is approximately 1674.4cm2 / 259.5inch2 and base area of the B&W 703 S3 is approximately 677.8cm2 / 105.1inch2. The Platinum 200 3G requires 147% more surface area than the 703 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 Monitor Audio Platinum 200 3G weighs 35.80kg / 78.8lbs and the B&W 703 S3 weighs 28.81kg / 63.4lbs. This makes the Platinum 200 3G 24% heavier than the 703 S3.
Here is a comparison of how Platinum 200 3G and 703 S3's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Floor-standing class.
Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
Monitor Audio Platinum 200 3G
What's in the Box of B&W 703 S3?
Here are the items that come with the 703 S3:
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
 Max Input Power |
300 watts
vs
200 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 |
23 Hz
vs
46 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
60k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
1041mm
vs
1117mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
| Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
6 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
 Base Surface Area |
677cm2 (192x353mm)
vs
1674cm2 (368x455mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
5998USD
vs
13900USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Monitor Audio Platinum 200 3G |
Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 |
| Brand |
Monitor Audio |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 300 watts |
30-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
88dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
3.1 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
23-60k Hz |
46-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
6" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
RDT III |
Aerofoil |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
4" |
6" |
| Crossover Frequency |
825 Hz - 3000Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
1041.0mm (41") |
1117.0mm (44") |
| Width |
368.0mm (14.5") |
192.0mm (7.6") |
| Depth |
455.0mm (17.9") |
353.0mm (13.9") |
| Weight |
35.80kg (78.8lbs) |
28.81kg (63.4lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Lacquer |
| Available Colors |
Piano Black, Piano Ebony, Satin White |
Gloss Black,Satin White,Mocha,Rosenut |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
5 Years |