B&W 705 S3 bookshelf speakers

The 700 Series from the British manufacturer represents their mid-range offering, making the musicality and technology developed in the 800 Series accessible to a wider audience.

The B&W 705 S3 bookshelf speaker is the most advanced monitor model in the range, incorporating numerous technical innovations from the 800 Series, notably the renowned "On top" tweeter cherished by the manufacturer.

B&W 705 S3: DESIGN AND FRONT PANEL

The cabinet retains the traditional dimensions of large bookshelf speakers but with increased height due to the placement of the tweeter above the baffle (413 x 192 x 297 mm).

The B&W 705 S3 is available in two finishes: gloss lacquered MDF and a wood veneer option (Moka). The front panel is curved, with the mid/bass driver protruding. This design minimizes edge effects, reducing coloration and enhancing soundstage. The tweeter placement further enhances these characteristics.

It comes with a speaker grille in black or grey jersey fabric for the satin white version, held in place by magnets. This allows for a clean appearance if one prefers visible speakers.

It's a two-way speaker, featuring 2 transducers on the front: a tweeter and a woofer.

B&W 705 S3: TWEETER

The new B&W 705 S3 features the latest generation tweeter for high-frequency reproduction. Like the famous B&W 805 Diamond, this tweeter is housed in a "tube" atop the cabinet. It has been completely redesigned with a longer tubular loading system, providing even airier high frequencies. This tube, decoupled from the cabinet, is milled from a single block of solid aluminum for rigidity and minimal resonance. The tweeter boasts a 25mm carbon dome, along with damped decompression and a powerful circular magnet. It reproduces frequencies precisely and distortion-free across a wide range from 3 kHz to over 33 kHz!!!

The resonance frequency has been pushed above 47 kHz to deliver unmatched clarity, precision, and distortion-free high frequencies.

B&W 705 S3: MIDRANGE/BASS

The midrange and bass are handled by a single magnificent 16.5 cm Continuum cone driver.

This membrane underwent over 8 years of research by Bowers & Wilkins, surpassing the performance of the Aramid fiber used in previous ranges. It ensures transparent and dynamic midrange reproduction. Paired with its Bass reflex loading and Flowport™ vent at the back of the Hi-Fi speaker, it allows for deep bass extension below 45 Hz (-6dB). This technology is also found in the prestigious models of the 800 Series.

The greater load and larger size of the woofer in the 707 S3 model means a considerable increase in dynamics and efficiency.

B&W 705 S3: CROSSOVER AND TERMINAL

Compared to its predecessor, the crossover has been completely redesigned. It utilizes polypropylene capacitors with less than 5% tolerance and precision air-core inductors.

It connects to a high-quality horizontal dual terminal, screwed onto an elegant "mirror" plate. This terminal appears identical to that of the 800 Series. B&W maintains this tradition where many competitors have reverted to a single terminal. In such speakers, bi-wiring seems questionable, and mono-wiring is preferable with quality jumpers replacing plates. The terminal accepts banana plugs, spades, or bare wire, although naked wire is not recommended.

B&W 705 S3: INSTALLATION

Setup is straightforward, requiring placement between 60 and 80 cm above the floor and avoiding close proximity to walls. Maintaining at least 35 cm behind each speaker ensures realistic bass performance. A spacing of at least 2.50 m between the speakers is recommended for optimal performance. The B&W 705 S3 thrives in larger rooms, with 25 m² being a suitable compromise.

B&W offers specific high-quality speaker stands like the B&W FS-700 S3, highly recommended for optimizing placement and speaker performance.

B&W 705 S3: TESTING AND LISTENING

From initial measurements, the B&W 705 S3 demonstrates exceptional purity and neutrality in sound reproduction. Its precision and transparency surpass competitors in this price range.

The high frequencies are remarkably detailed and precise, with very low distortion providing delicate and elegant treble.

The midrange is clear and remarkably transparent, creating a lifelike presence of performers in your listening space.

The B&W 705 S3 excels in delivering tight and impactful bass lines. It pairs well with a robust amplifier capable of delivering ample current.

Most impressively, the B&W 705 S3 creates a vast and deep soundstage, enveloping the listener with a sense of space around each musician and effortlessly filling the room.

The B&W 705 S3 bookshelf speakers deliver highly neutral sound with astonishing resolution and precision, standing out in many objective parameters.

Our top choice.