Bowers & Wilkins
705 S3 Signature
Best bookshelf speaker for audiophiles seeking refined, high-fidelity sound.
Experience unparalleled audio with the Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 Signature speakers, a testament to engineering excellence. These speakers deliver an open and expansive soundscape with exceptional accuracy and detail, thanks to their Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top housing and upgraded crossovers. Meticulously engineered with improved motor systems and premium capacitors, they offer a cleaner, more refined sound. Available in luxurious Midnight Blue Metallic or Datuk Gloss wood veneer finishes, the 705 S3 Signature speakers blend superior performance with timeless design for the discerning listener.
$1900.00
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Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
507
/ 6832
#507 in Speakers
Price vs Category Average
+30%
Above average
Net weight
10.3522.8
/ kg ( lbs)
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking high-resolution clarity and musical nuance
- Design-conscious listeners wanting a statement piece for their home
- Music lovers needing immersive sound in smaller listening rooms
Who should skip it
- Budget-focused buyers prioritizing value over premium branding
- Minimalists wanting a simple, plug-and-play audio setup
- Bass enthusiasts requiring deep, room-shaking low-end performance
Performance breakdown
Imaging Accuracy
Carbon Dome tweeter delivers pinpoint spatial placement for a holographic soundstage.
Midrange Clarity
Continuum cone technology ensures vocals remain remarkably transparent and distortion-free.
Build Quality
Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top housing minimizes resonance for a cleaner acoustic output.
Bass Extension
Aerofoil Profile cone provides impressive depth for a compact bookshelf design.
Aesthetic Appeal
Premium finishes and refined cabinet geometry elevate any high-end listening space.
Amplifier Compatibility
Efficient design pairs well with a wide range of quality amplifiers.
Key Specs
Net weight
10.35 kg (22.8 lbs)
Dimensions
Height: 345mm (13.6in) cabinet only, 413mm (16.3in) including tweeter; Width: 192mm (7.6in) cabinet only; Depth: 297mm (11.7in) cabinet only, 337mm (13.3in) including grille and terminals
Drive units
1x ø25mm (1in) Decoupled Carbon Dome high-frequency, 1x ø165mm (6.5in) Continuum cone bass / midrange
Frequency range
-6dB 45Hz - 33kHz
Frequency response
50Hz - 28kHz ±3dB
Nominal impedance
8Ω (minimum 3.7Ω)
Recommended amplifier power
30W - 120W into 8Ω on unclipped programme
Sensitivity
88dB spl (2.83Vrms, 1m)
Features
- Optimized technology from advanced loudspeakers
- Proprietary Continuum mid-bass drive unit
- Upgraded mid-bass motor system
- Improved capacitors and revised speaker terminals
- More open tweeter grille mesh
- Decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter for pinpoint imaging accuracy
- Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top housing for a free and open sound
- Aerofoil Profile bass cone for deep and dynamic bass
- Meticulously upgraded crossovers for maximized speaker potential
- Available in luxurious Midnight Blue Metallic and Datuk Gloss wood veneer finishes
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the 705 S3 Signature for its truly exceptional sound quality, delivering remarkable clarity and an immersive listening experience. Reviewers frequently highlight the speaker's ability to reproduce intricate details with precision, creating a rich and engaging soundstage. Beyond its acoustic prowess, the elegant design and superior build quality also receive high marks, making it a visually stunning addition to any space. Many consider it a significant upgrade, justifying its premium positioning through its outstanding performance and sophisticated aesthetic.
Know before you buy
The Signature edition features meticulously upgraded crossovers, an improved mid-bass motor system, and higher-quality capacitors. These internal refinements, combined with a more open tweeter grille mesh, result in a cleaner, more expansive, and highly detailed sound profile.
The 705 S3 Signature speakers are recommended for use with amplifiers providing between 30W and 120W into 8Ω. This range allows the speakers to perform optimally without clipping, ensuring you get the full dynamic range they are designed to deliver.
Yes, for the best performance, these speakers should be placed on high-quality, stable speaker stands. The Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top design is precision-engineered to provide a free and open sound, which is best realized when the speakers are at ear level and properly decoupled from surfaces.
The Decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter is specifically built to push the breakup threshold to 47kHz. This technical capability translates to pinpoint imaging accuracy and a high-frequency response that remains clear and distortion-free even at higher volumes.
Yes, they utilize a proprietary 165mm Continuum cone bass/midrange driver with an Aerofoil Profile. This design allows for surprisingly deep and dynamic bass response for a bookshelf-sized speaker, reaching down to 45Hz at the -6dB point.
The cabinet itself is 345mm high, but you must account for the tweeter housing, which brings the total height to 413mm. Including the grille and terminals, the total depth is 337mm, so ensure your shelving or stands can accommodate these specific dimensions.
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$1900