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Bowers Wilkins 703 S2 Review
Bowers & Wilkins 703 S2

Main Features

  • 1" Tweeter
  • 6" Midrange
  • 2 x 6.5" Aerofoil Woofer
  • 46-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 89 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 30-200watts
  • Weight:55.00 lbs / 25.00 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 40.4"x12-11/16"x12.6" / 1025.0 x 200.0 x 321.0mm
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B&W 703 S2 Review
B&W 703 S2 B&W 703 S2
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Bowers & Wilkins 703 S2 is a 3-way Passive Bass Reflex Floor-standing speaker by Bowers Wilkins. It features a 1" Tweeter, 1 x 6" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Aerofoil Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 46-28k Hz and a sensitivity of 89 dB. B&W 703 S2 has an MSRP of 5000$ per pair but can often be found around 2998$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the B&W 703 S2 is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldBad
Small RoomPoor
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomGood
Very Large RoomPoor

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)

Bowers Wilkins later replaced 703 S2 with 703 S3. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these speakers:
Compare B&W 703 S2 vs B&W 703 S3

Bowers Wilkins's 700 S2 Anniversary Edition Series of Loudspeakers

703 S2 is a member of Bowers Wilkins's 700 S2 Anniversary Edition series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Bowers Wilkins 700 S2 Anniversary Edition Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
B&W 706 S2
Compare
50-28k Hz 88 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
B&W 703 S2
46-28k Hz 89 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
B&W 704 S2
Compare
48-28k Hz 88 dB8Ω 2 x 5"
B&W 707 S2
Compare
50-28k Hz 84 dB8Ω 1 x 5"
B&W 705 S2
Compare
50-28k Hz 88 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
B&W 702 S2
Compare
46-28k Hz 90 dB8Ω 3 x 6.5"
BW HTM71 S2
Compare
50-28k Hz 89 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
BW HTM72 S2
Compare
70-28k Hz 87 dB8Ω 2 x 5"


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response of the B&W 703 S2 Speaker

B&W 703 S2 has a Frequency response range of 46-28k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 30-200 watts. With a minimum frequency of 46 Hz, 703 S2 delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with B&W 703 S2, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $5000. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how 703 S2's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
B&W 703 S2
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
B&W 703 S2
Min
Average
Max
B&W 703 S2 Woofer
B&W 703 S2's Aerofoil Woofer

Among the speakers in our database with a max MSRP price of 5000$ (Pair), these are the 5 Passive Floor-standing speakers that have the deeper bass levels than the B&W 703 S2's 46Hz:

  • KLH Kendall with Low Frequency of 25 Hz (Compare w/ 703 S2)
  • GoldenEar Triton Five with Low Frequency of 26 Hz (Compare w/ 703 S2)
  • Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G with Low Frequency of 27 Hz (Compare w/ 703 S2)
  • KLH Concord with Low Frequency of 28 Hz (Compare w/ 703 S2)
  • SVS Ultra Tower with Low Frequency of 28 Hz (Compare w/ 703 S2)

Impedance and Sensitivity

B&W 703 S2's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms but can go down to as low as 3.1 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 89 dB.

Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
B&W 703 S2
Min
Average
Max

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Bowers & Wilkins 703 S2 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

89dB of the Bowers & Wilkins 703 S2 is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise.

Minimum Impedance of the B&W 703 S2

Even though the nominal impedance of the 703 S2 is 8 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to Bowers Wilkins is 3.1 ohms Bowers & Wilkins 703 S2 so while choosing an amplifier, you should ideally check if the unit you are considering can provide this impedance level.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the B&W 703 S2:

  • Integrated Amps under 3000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 5000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 10000 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

703 S2 has Binding post type connectors and lets bi-amping/bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can enhance the overall transparency of your loudspeakers by using separate speaker wires for the low and high-frequency drivers from a single amplifier. Bi-amping, on the other hand, involves using separate amplifiers for the high and low-frequency drivers, potentially resulting in a greater dynamic range and reduced distortion.

B&W 703 S2 Terminals
B&W 703 S2's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring

B&W 703 S2 External Dimensions and Weight

B&W 703 S2 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 40.4-inch x 12-11/16-inch x 12.6-inch (1025.0 x 200.0 x 321.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of B&W 703 S2 is approximately 642.0cm2 / 99.5inch2.

Weight

The B&W 703 S2 weighs 25.00kg / 55lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how 703 S2's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
B&W 703 S2
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Floor-standing Speakers under $5000
B&W 703 S2
Min
Average
Max

How does the B&W 703 S2 compare to the Bowers Wilkins 702 S2?

One of the natural alternative to the B&W 703 S2 is the 702 S2 which is located one step higher in Bowers Wilkins's Passive Floor-standing selection.

Check the Detailed Comparison of B&W 703 S2 vs 702 S2 for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

B&W 703 S2 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF/Lacquer finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Speaker Feet

B&W 703 S2 comes with the parts below which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on:
  • Plinth (base)
  • Two-piece foam port plug
  • 4 Rubber feet
  • 4 Spike feet
  • It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.

    Port Position

    B&W 703 S2 is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe. 703 S2 comes with 2 Two-piece foam port plugs so if you don't have any choice but place the speakers too close to the walls or other surfaces, you can use these plugs in order to avoid boomy or too much bass.

    Available colors

    B&W 703 S2 is available in Rosewood, Gloss Black and Satin White.

    Does the B&W 703 S2 come with a Grille?

    703 S2 comes with magnetic grilles in Black and Grey (Satin White only color choices. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible. Since the included grille of the 703 S2 is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

    B&W 703 S2  with Grille
    B&W 703 S2 with Grille

    What's in the Box of B&W 703 S2?

    Here are the items that are included inside the box of 703 S2:
  • Floorstanding loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • Plinth (base)
  • 2 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)
  • Two-piece foam port plug
  • 4 Rubber feet
  • 4 Spike feet
  • 4 Lock-nuts
  • 4 Screws
  • 4 Washers
  • 4 Lock washers
  • Hex-key
  • Manual
  • Bowers & Wilkins brochure
  • Warranty Information
  • Recommended Accessories

    Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Bowers & Wilkins 703 S2.

    • Speaker Cable and Connectors
      • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
      • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
      • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
    • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators more affordable options too.
    • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.

    User's Manual

    For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Bowers & Wilkins 703 S2, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for B&W 703 S2

    Official Brochure

    Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Bowers & Wilkins 703 S2 speaker:
    Official Brochure for B&W 703 S2

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the Bowers & Wilkins 703 S2 speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for B&W 703 S2

    Warranty

    5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

    Bowers & Wilkins 703 S2 Alternatives in Passive Floor-standing Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    B&W 704 S2
    Compare
    3-way 88 dB 8 ohms 48-28k Hz
    B&W 703 S3
    Compare
    3-way 90 dB 8 ohms 46-28k Hz
    B&W 603
    Compare
    3-way 88.5 dB 8 ohms 48-28k Hz
    B&W 702 S2
    Compare
    3-way 90 dB 8 ohms 46-28k Hz
    B&W 704 S3
    Compare
    3-way 88 dB 8 ohms 46-28k Hz
    Focal Aria 926
    Compare
    3-way 91.5 dB 8 ohms 45-28k Hz
    B&W 705 S2
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 50-28k Hz
    B&W 603 S2
    Compare
    3-way 88.5 dB 8 ohms 48-28k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about Bowers & Wilkins 703 S2
    What is the External Dimensions of Bowers & Wilkins 703 S2
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Bowers & Wilkins 703 S2
    is the Bowers & Wilkins 703 S2 an easy to drive speaker?

    B&W 703 S2 Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandBowers Wilkins
    Full Model NameBowers & Wilkins 703 S2
    Speaker Type3-way Floor-standing
    Power Range30-200 watts
    Sensitivity89 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Frequency Response46-28k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size6.5-inch
    Woofer CompositionAerofoil
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Midrange Size6-inch
    Port Positionrear

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypeBinding post
    Biamp InputsYes
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height1025.0mm ( 40.4-inch)
    Width200.0mm ( 12-11/16-inch)
    Depth321.0mm ( 12.6-inch)
    Height1025.0mm ( 40.4-inch)
    Weight25.00kg ( 55.00 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    FinishMDF/Lacquer
    Available ColorsRosewood, Gloss Black, Satin White
    Mounting BracketNo
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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