SpeakerDecision
  • SPEAKERS by TYPE
    • Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    • Passive Floor-standing Speakers
    • Passive Center Channel Speakers
    • Passive In-wall Speakers
    • All Passive Speakers
    • Powered Subwoofers
    • Powered Stereo Speakers
  • AMPLIFIERS
  • SMART FIND
  1. Home
  2. Bowers-Wilkins Speakers
  3. Passive Bookshelf Speakers
Bowers Wilkins 706 S3 Review
Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3

Main Features

  • 1" Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter
  • 6.5" Continuum Woofer
  • 50-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 88 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 30-120watts
  • Weight:18.52 lbs / 8.42 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 13.6"x7.6"x13.1" / 345.0 x 192.0 x 334.0mm
CHECK PRICE

Compare To

x
Add a Speaker for comparison
B&W 706 S3 Review
B&W 706 S3 B&W 706 S3
See at AMAZON

Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Bowers Wilkins. It features a 1" Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Continuum Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 50-28k Hz and a sensitivity of 88 dB. B&W 706 S3 has an MSRP of 2199$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the B&W 706 S3 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-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
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 replaced the older 706 S2 with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
Compare B&W 706 S3 vs B&W 706 S2
B&W 706 S3  Lifestyle
B&W 706 S3 Lifestyle

Bowers Wilkins's 700 S3 Series of Loudspeakers

706 S3 is a member of Bowers Wilkins's 700 S3 series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Bowers Wilkins 700 S3 Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
B&W 702 S3
Compare
46-28k Hz 90 dB8Ω 3 x 6.5"
B&W 704 S3
Compare
46-28k Hz 88 dB8Ω 2 x 5"
B&W 706 S3
50-28k Hz 88 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
B&W 703 S3
Compare
46-28k Hz 90 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
B&W 707 S3
Compare
50-28k Hz 84 dB8Ω 1 x 5"
B&W 705 S3
Compare
50-28k Hz 88 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
B&W HTM71 S3
Compare
50-28k Hz 89 dB8Ω 4 x 5"
B&W HTM72 S3
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 706 S3 Speaker

B&W 706 S3 has a Frequency response range of 50-28k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 30-120 watts. With a minimum frequency of 50 Hz, 706 S3 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 706 S3, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $3000. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how 706 S3's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
B&W 706 S3
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
B&W 706 S3
Min
Average
Max
B&W 706 S3 Woofer
B&W 706 S3's Continuum Woofer


Impedance and Sensitivity

B&W 706 S3's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms but can go down to as low as 3.7 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 88 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
B&W 706 S3
Min
Average
Max

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

88dB of the Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3 is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise.

Minimum Impedance of the B&W 706 S3

Even though the nominal impedance of the 706 S3 is 8 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to Bowers Wilkins is 3.7 ohms Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3 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 706 S3:

  • Integrated Amps under 2000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 3000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 5000 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

706 S3 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 706 S3 Back View
B&W 706 S3 Back View

B&W 706 S3 External Dimensions and Weight

B&W 706 S3 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 13.6-inch x 7.6-inch x 13.1-inch (345.0 x 192.0 x 334.0mm ).

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 706 S3 is approximately 641.3cm2 / 99.4inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of B&W 706 S3, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

B&W 706 S3 Real Life Body Size Comparison
B&W 706 S3 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the B&W 706 S3 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.

B&W 706 S3 placed next to an amplifier and turntable
B&W 706 S3 Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable

Weight

The B&W 706 S3 weighs 8.42kg / 18.5lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how 706 S3's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
B&W 706 S3
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $3000
B&W 706 S3
Min
Average
Max
B&W 706 S3  on a Stand
B&W 706 S3 on a Stand

How does the B&W 706 S3 compare to the Bowers Wilkins 705 S2?

One of the natural alternative to the B&W 706 S3 is the 705 S2 which is located one step higher in Bowers Wilkins's Passive Bookshelf selection.

Check the Detailed Comparison of B&W 706 S3 vs 705 S2 for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

B&W 706 S3 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF/Wood veneer 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 706 S3 comes with 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on.

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 706 S3 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. 706 S3 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 706 S3 is available in Gloss Black, Satin White, Mocha and Rosenut.

Wall Mounting

706 S3 doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Does the B&W 706 S3 come with a Grille?

706 S3 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 706 S3 is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

B&W 706 S3  with Grille
B&W 706 S3 with Grille

What's in the Box of B&W 706 S3?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of 706 S3:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles
  • 2 Two-piece foam port plugs
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • 4 Jumper-straps
  • Manual
  • Bowers & Wilkins brochure
  • Warranty Information
  • Recommended Accessories

    Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3.

    • 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.
    • Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.

    User's Manual

    For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for B&W 706 S3

    Official Brochure

    Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3 speaker:
    Official Brochure for B&W 706 S3

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3 speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for B&W 706 S3

    Warranty

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

    Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3 Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    B&W 706 S2
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 50-28k Hz
    B&W 707 S3
    Compare
    2-way 84 dB 8 ohms 50-28k Hz
    B&W 705 S3
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 50-28k Hz
    B&W 606
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
    KEF R3 Meta
    Compare
    3-way 87 dB 4 ohms 58-28k Hz
    B&W 606 S2
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
    KEF R3
    Compare
    3-way 87 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
    KEF LS50 Meta
    Compare
    2-way 85 dB 8 ohms 79-28k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3
    What is the External Dimensions of Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3
    is the Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3 an easy to drive speaker?

    B&W 706 S3 Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandBowers Wilkins
    Full Model NameBowers & Wilkins 706 S3
    Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
    Power Range30-120 watts
    Sensitivity88 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Frequency Response50-28k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size6.5-inch
    Woofer CompositionContinuum
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypeDecoupled Carbon Dome
    Port Positionrear

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypeBinding post
    Biamp InputsYes
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height345.0mm ( 13.6-inch)
    Width192.0mm ( 7.6-inch)
    Depth334.0mm ( 13.1-inch)
    Height345.0mm ( 13.6-inch)
    Weight8.42kg ( 18.52 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    FinishMDF/Wood veneer
    Available ColorsGloss Black,Satin White,Mocha,Rosenut
    Mounting BracketNo
    Recommended Stand Height24-26
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
    LATEST BLOG POSTS

    Klipsch La Scala AL6 and Klipschorn AK7 Speakers are Unveiled
    New Audiolab 6000A MkII with upgraded DAC and new HDMI ARC connection
    Q Acoustics 3000c Series Loudspeakers added to the database
    WiiM VibeLink Amp: A Game-Changer for Budget Hi-Fi in 2025
    KEF Meta and Reference Meta Floorstanding Speaker Size and Specs Comparison
    Triangle Borea Bookshelf and Floorstanding Speaker Size and Specs Comparison


    Latest Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    Q Acoustics 3010c
    Q Acoustics 3010c
    2-way Bookshelf | 85 dB | 6 ohms
    Q Acoustics 3020c
    Q Acoustics 3020c
    2-way Bookshelf | 87 dB | 6 ohms
    Q Acoustics 3030c
    Q Acoustics 3030c
    2-way Bookshelf | 86.5 dB | 6 ohms
    Q Acoustics 3010i
    Q Acoustics 3010i
    2-way Bookshelf | 86 dB | 6 ohms
    Triangle Borea BR04
    Triangle Borea BR04
    2-way Bookshelf | 90 dB | 8 ohms
    ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63
    ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63
    2-way Bookshelf | 87 dB | 6 ohms
    ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53
    ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53
    2-way Bookshelf | 86.5 dB | 6 ohms
    Monitor Audio Gold 100 6G
    Monitor Audio Gold 100 6G
    3-way Bookshelf | 86.5 dB | 4 ohms
    Monitor Audio Gold 50 6G
    Monitor Audio Gold 50 6G
    2-way Bookshelf | 85 dB | 4 ohms
    Wharfedale SUPER LINTON
    Wharfedale SUPER LINTON
    3-way Bookshelf | 90 dB | 6 ohms


    Copyright © 2025 by SpeakerDecision
    About Privacy Contact US Camera Decision
    Compare List

      Add a speaker to the List