702 S3
Best floor-standing speaker for audiophiles seeking precise, high-fidelity sound reproduction.
Experience unparalleled audio with the Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3, a flagship floor-standing speaker designed to set new performance standards. Its advanced carbon dome tweeter delivers exceptional high-frequency detail, while the downward-firing port and trio of Aerofoil™ Profile bass cones produce deep, articulate bass. Featuring Continuum™ cone technology and FST™ midrange with Biomimetic Suspension, this speaker ensures precise and transparent sound reproduction for voices and instruments. The decoupled midrange minimizes interference, resulting in a truly immersive listening experience.
$3950.00
More 700 Series Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
2699
/ 6813
#2699 in Speakers
Price vs Category Average
+170%
Above average
Speaker Height
44.8.
/ in
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking crystal-clear, fatigue-free high-frequency performance
- Design-conscious homeowners wanting a sophisticated, high-end aesthetic
- Music lovers prioritizing vocal realism and instrumental separation
Who should skip it
- Apartment dwellers or those with limited, non-adjustable listening spaces
- Budget-focused buyers looking for entry-level or mid-range value
- Listeners without access to high-current, powerful external amplification
Performance breakdown
High-Frequency Detail
Carbon dome tweeter captures delicate nuances with remarkable clarity and precision.
Bass Articulation
Aerofoil cones deliver deep, punchy low-end without sacrificing musical control.
Midrange Transparency
Continuum cone technology renders vocals and instruments with lifelike, neutral accuracy.
Imaging Accuracy
Decoupled midrange assembly creates a wide, pinpoint soundstage for immersive listening.
Build Quality
Solid body construction ensures resonance-free performance and a premium aesthetic finish.
System Versatility
High sensitivity makes these floor-standers easy to drive with most amplifiers.
Key Specs
Speaker Height
44.8 in.
Speaker Width
11.4 in.
Speaker Depth
16.1 in.
Speaker Weight
73.8 lbs
Color Finish
Gloss Black
Frequency Response
46Hz - 28kHz
Impedance
8 ohms
Sensitivity
90 dB
Features
- Flagship performance in the 700 Series
- Enhanced high-frequency clarity
- Deep, articulate bass from downward-firing port
- Neutral and transparent sound with Continuum™ cone
- Dedicated midrange with FST™ and decoupling
- Dynamic bass from Aerofoil™ Profile cones
- Pinpoint imaging accuracy
- Solid body tweeter assembly
What customers say
The Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 speakers are praised for their exceptional audio fidelity and premium construction. Users consistently note remarkable clarity, detailed sound, and an expansive soundstage that delivers an immersive experience. Precise imaging, crisp treble, articulate midrange, and controlled bass are frequently highlighted. The sophisticated aesthetic and high quality build are also highly appreciated. While a significant purchase, owners find the superior sound and luxurious design offer excellent value, often surpassing expectations for their price. These speakers truly elevate musical enjoyment.
Know before you buy
The 702 S3 does not have a built-in amplifier, so you will need to pair it with an external stereo or home theater amplifier. With a sensitivity of 90 dB and an 8-ohm impedance, these speakers are relatively efficient, but they perform best with a high-quality amplifier that can provide clean, stable power to handle their dynamic range.
The downward-firing port design makes the 702 S3 more forgiving than speakers with rear-firing ports, as it reduces the sensitivity to proximity with back walls. However, because they are high-performance floor-standing speakers, you should still allow for some breathing room around them to ensure the bass remains articulate and doesn't become boomy.
The Biomimetic Suspension replaces the traditional fabric spider found in most speaker drivers with a minimalist composite design. This significantly reduces unwanted air pressure and coloration in the midrange, resulting in a more transparent and precise reproduction of vocals and instruments.
While the 702 S3 is a flagship floor-standing model capable of filling large spaces, its precise imaging and decoupled midrange allow it to perform well in medium-sized rooms. Just ensure you have enough physical space to accommodate their 44.8-inch height and 16.1-inch depth without crowding your listening area.
Yes, the 702 S3 is an excellent choice for the front left and right channels in a high-end home theater system. Their neutral sound profile and pinpoint imaging make them particularly effective at anchoring dialogue and creating a cohesive, immersive soundstage for movies.
The solid body tweeter assembly is milled from a single block of aluminum, which provides a rigid, non-resonant housing for the carbon dome. By isolating the tweeter from the vibrations of the main cabinet, it ensures that high-frequency details remain clear, sharp, and free from distortion.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$3950