Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 ก.ค. 2024
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🎥 Camera #1: John Darko
🎥 Camera #2: Jack Kaminski
🎬 Editor: John Darko
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💰 Ad segment: Jana Dagdagan
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0:00 Into
0:54 What is it?
3:47 How does it sound?
7:10 Specs
9:55 I don't often listen to jazz but...
13:57 I learnt something doing this review
👉🏻 As seen in this video...
Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3
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Zu Soul 6
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Lyngdorf TDAI-3400
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Lyngdorf CD-2
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Marantz Model 30
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Marantz SACD 30n
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SolidSteel hi-fi rack
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#bowerswilkins #homeaudio #hifi
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I have the CM9s2 in my main system and I’m so happy I stumbled across the “mid range” Bowers and Wilkins. They bring excitement to my listening that I haven’t experienced before.
One of the best reviews - clear description, comparison, and plenty of track info that I can access for future reference test. Keep up the good work, John! Thank you!
I have hade my 702 S3 now since december paired with Hegel H190. I allways had the feeling that something was missing. Had to raise the volume to get decent bass resulting everything else ending up to loud. Now I bought the Rotel Michi x5 series 2 instead. What a difference. Now there is a body to the music. Everything tightens and the high frequencies sounds so much more relaxed
Bass is missing.
Rotel is a sister company with Bowers n Wilkins.
That's a good amp.
Also musical fidelity M6 is a good match for those speakers too.
John, thanks for this review. Great point at the end about occasionally re-auditioning components, formats, technologies, etc. I think a lot of us need that reminder.
B&W 601's were my first pair of real audiophile speakers 25 years ago as a teen. Since then I have always loved the sound of B&W's even with experience with other brands. Something about them you've tried to describe.
"If you're American, you get the Aluminum version." Comedy gold.
I haven't heard B&W speakers for quite a few years because it
was a demo and I found the sound could strip wallpaper I don't
mind an up front sound but all I remember is a hard relentless
overbearing sound. The B&W chap doing the demo seemed
quite surprised when we left halfway through.
I guess it was because demo and quick sale is what they build them for. 😂
I get a headache just thinking about listening to a set of B&W for an entire day. 🙉
You are a very good, articulate communicator of our audiophile world.
Thanks much for the great review. Much appreciated.
This was great, John. Thank you.
🙏🙏 great vid.. amazing camera work 👍
Very good point about holding on to what may have become an 'obsolete' opinion. So many factors go into the formation of our perceptions; the room, synergy between the components, quality of recording, etc. What a complex journey we have embarked upon with a destination that in some ways is but dimly sensed.
I demoed these as well as the 704 and the 702 a few months ago. I liked them all and my views are that the 704 is surprisingly good an gets you about 80-90% of the 703 sound for much less$$ (savings). I also strongly believe that the 702 are absolutely worth the extra money over the 703 because the downward firing bass port makes a huge difference to the bass, it’s just “bigger” and better (not bloated or slow, just larger, 🤷🏻♂️ words). Good to hear another recommendation on amp pairing too. I heard them with a M5Si and also some model of Hegel and they both sounded great to me. They really are a stellar range of speakers IMO.
Good review 👍
Good pairing with the amplifier is surely the key with B&W speakers (same with a lot of speakers). I had the chance to have the store just 100m for my home so I could spend hours in their room to try what was on my taste. When I was ready they let me try in my own room for two weeks: wonderful service ! At the end I chooser a pair of 705 signature (Night blue) with a 2x160W Parasound Hint 6 amplifier and never regret.
This was a really nice video. Well done I would definitely like to see you one day review the 800 line.
Excellent review. And that Eno/Bryne album is just amazing! Absolutely brilliant album. One of my favourites….❤
Honestly I do enjoy this channel, but clicked because the title had me. Nice one mate.
THANKS JOHN🤗, FOR SHARING THIS,AND I APPRECIATE THAT WE ALL NEED TO ⬆️ UPDATE OUR THINKING 🧐👏👏👏💚💚💚
Bloody great review !!!
I don’t know if Portugal has been a refreshing change of pace from your life in Germany but I really liked the energy you brought to your delivery in this video.
Love the video.. Love the format.. Love the content.. but my nether regions oh so tighten up when I see or read the price! But as you said, explore new things! So I did and my nether regions STILL tightened up when I saw the price. Keep up the great content Sir. TY!
Great review.
You had my thumbs up in the Aluminium part. 😀
I literally was asking for a review on these on your last video, and you responded with this beautiful review of equally beautiful speakers. I was the same way with B&W for years until I finally bought the PX7 (based on your review of them actually) and was blown away by how much their sound had changed/improved. Fast forward to today and I’ve got a 705 S2, 607 S2 Anniversary, PX8, etc.
Great lesson to be learned for everyone about writing off brands from decades-old experiences :)
Again a good review John - The pairing of a Naim Unit Nova with the B&W 702 S3 offers slightly more clarity in my opinion, the 702 tweeter is slightly longer but at a higher cost. Class D amps have come on a lot but the class AB Naim Unit Nova consumes more energy.
This setup with the Lyngdorf ant the B&W speakers in this video is exacly what i want.
Nicely said.
'A word to the wise is enough' 👌 👏 👍
I like to use the term "Strong opinions, loosely held".
Dear Darko audio, love your video’s, how do you think about the standard B&W connection bridges?, are they of good quality?, or better to replace with something else?
Nice review.
Can you make a review for Wharfedale Elysian 2 and compare with new B&W 700 series?
Thanks!!!
Nice bit at the end about revising one’s opinions. Remaining open to change is a simple joy of life. Discovering that one is still capable of change is a gift but it must be cultivated. Letting go of a preconceived notion can sometimes feel like abandoning a life raft that has gotten you far across an ocean of uncertainty but in so you sometimes discover that you can actually swim and move about at will without relying on an inflatable opinion to keep you safe and warm.
Great review as always. Anyone knows what carpet it is in the room?
It's a very good idea to refresh our experience with some stuff, I often hear how some don't like Focals because they sound sharp and cut the ears, but it was so long ago...And to this day they sound very detailed, but not sibilant or shouty, here just a good example, as with Bowers & Wilkins like you mentioned.
Nice review. Thx. I use 804D3 and listen often the 702 S2 signature of a friend. The right amplifier and interconnect are key but also the room. They are giving so much! I also use Harbeth Super HL5. More relaxing sound and easier to match with an amplifier. Wonderfull mid and overall sound, but do not give as mus as the BW especialy in low and high.
A "Style Council" reference? Oh happy day... I wonder how their underated Lp "The Cost of Loving" would sound like on this system 👀👂?
Good review but I would have liked to see how the 703’s paired with a tube amp.
Good review. I owned and loved my B&W 802N and 803D3.
Would love to see more hi end gears from you.
Still have my Matrix 805s after 27 years!
Wow the Matrix 805 was very popular back in the day. Hard to drive as hell but get the right amp to drive em & the Matrix 805 suddenly grows in size with its huge & enveloping soundstage, dynamics & bass. Owned a pair many yrs ago. Amazing spk when driven well.
@@ChicagoRob2 I still have Matrix 804’s from the last century (1999). I’m considering 704 s2/s3’s or Focal Aria 926’s as upgrades.
Good review
Many thanks for creating and delivering this video. I really do like your content.
I love B&W, but the more affordable speakers. I bought a formation wedge and the flex speakers in a first step to expand into a homespeaker environment.
Please, give me your opinion about the formation series or is it below your hearing level? Greetings from good old Germany 😊
John listen instead of the basic B&W rubber feet with (GAIA III) speaker isolators. A substantial amount of detail, focus and improvement to instrument placement will be your reward.
They will also decouple from the ceramic floor and whatever is underneath (it seems in your music room there probably is a wood structure).
GAIA III speaker isolators. Very much recommended. They virtually change the speaker if you thought there was no ‘smear’ in SQ. Please try.
I would like to hear some comment about room placement in relation to the rear bass port. Nice review especially hearing your thoughts about subwoofers and room size.
Room size makes a massive difference between speakers 👍
Yeah, kevlar in the midrange driver was long abandoned even in the 600 series
Catherine Wheel album 👍🏽
Hadn’t listened to Bush of Ghosts on my current speakers (Focal), amazing to revisit. Took it to another level. Have to check how it goes on Fortes now 🤔
As an absolute lover of the exact sort of electronica you like, I’d love to make you a jazz playlist.
Please do and do skip "jazz compilations" in it. It would be wonderful, if he could reference a full classic jazz release or two which he enjoys in the reviews.
I watch for fun plus its always an entertaining and informative time. Thanks 👍
Mayb I know 703 s3 white is paino furnished?
Always enjoy watching your videos John 😁 just getting in to Hifi, think im addicted already. Always love the look of B&W speakers they have an air of class/quality about them, and they certainly look prettier than most! I suspect most of these incremental improvements over the S2’s is just an excuse to hike the price. I recently traded in my 600 series for some ATC SCM 19s. I went for function over form! The clarity along with the speed and texture of the bass hooked me. Have you ever reviewed any ATC’s? Im hoping to work my way up to some actives when funds allow. Keep up the great work Rich B
How do you think a pair of Monitor Audio Gold 300's would compare to these 702 S3's?
Beautiful looking speaker.
Berlin, Lisbon, B&W...this thing of ours has always been relatable. I currently rent, reside and will be buried in my Spender BC1.
I hope someday to be able to afford to trade in my Focal Chora 816’s for B&W speakers. Loved the video!
I used to own B & W.
Currently own Focal.
Different presentation 👍
I tested these aginst the Dali Rubicon 6. Bought the Rubicon 6. Much better low freguency at low levels, and a more open midrange. But when you spend 7.500 EUR on a pair of speakers ist all about prefences
Owned a pair of original N803's in cherry. Lovely speaker but that tweeter could definitely get a tad "hot" and really only sang when above a certain volume which wasn't really neighbour friendly.
Bet these would sound amazing on your Hegel H390
That’s all very well and good but how does Stadium Arcadium sound on them?
I will never know.
Yeah, I noticed the same thing. I loved the old B&W, then they just got way to bright and shouty. Now I really like them again! But you’re right, it’s time to try class D again..
Lol, Thank you for letting us American fans know we get the aluminium version compared to the aluminyum version over there! Haha! Love the channel! Thanks for the laugh this morning.
Great review John ! A question: it’s commonly known that the 702’s are hard to drive and need amps with enough power. Is this also the case for the 703’s or could a Marantz40n drive these speakers properly ? Greetz and keep up the good work !
If you were in the market for a pair of these B & W's ( UK retail £4199 a pair) then no doubt you would be pairing them with a decent current amplifier 👍
You would need a strong amp.
I bought the 600 series 25 years ago, and it's still rocking...
Still have my 27 yr.-old Matrix 805s!
Im running 703 S2s with a Parasound JC5. Holy hell!!!
JC5😍
What would you expect when paired with a Uniti Atom?
How would a Mcintosh MC 275 pair with them?
Great review in converse I have carried the delight of B&W speakers from the days of a large stand mounted DM7s with the dome tweeter on top. But also agree that I found Naims ND streamer 555, bright hard edged and rigidly stick to my CD format over any streamer, maybe its their DAC🤔😎🎵🎵
I had DM6s and 801 S2s. I currently have a pair of 27-yr. old Matrix 805s. Even after all these years, they still amaze me with their transparency and neutrality. For me, they are the bomb.
I had DM6s - they were wonderful.
Nice video! 4 sub woofers reduces standing waves, so any room with 4 subs located correctly is better than 1
Are the speakers really exciting at all?
The only B&W's sets ive had the pleasure of listening to is the dm601s3 and the dm303. I really like the timbre of the 601's specifically and the the soundstaging is quite impressive for the cash. Yes i know im going on about an old speaker at this point but you can pick up a decent pair for about £150. If your looking to get a taste of that b&w sound at a lower entry price id say its well worth it.
John, could you talk a little about the RAM reissue by Daft Punk in your next video or short?
I agree, Technique is NO’s most cohesive album.. No fillers.. BTW, the Primaluna PPP amp you plan to review could easily drive these B&W’s, on paper at least..
Heck yah give bowers the credit they deserve. I started with these guys!
Thank you for Purple Mountains. It's a wonderful record.
💯
I have the 703 s3 with a marantz model 40n.
This is a great match for the price and streaming is very good with the marantz.
I have a rel ht1205 sub for the low end, the insight and realisme with the 703 is really good for the money.
Placement 50cm from back wall did improve the sound a lot!
I'm a piano player and this sound very realistic with a lot decay like a real grand.
Bought them for 3350€ new 😉
3350€ ? Where ? 😁
How the sound was improve with placement please ? Thanks
Awesome review - but not sure whether I'd go with UK aluminum or US aluminum. :)
You beat me to it. 😂🤣😂
I love my B&W CM 10 S2 sooooo much .... ❤
Add a sub and take them to another dimension.
Yes couldn’t agree more on that. I added a Rel T7i to my CM6s2 & never looked back.
I have the 707 s2 in my bedroom I wish I had these
Hello. I hav recently bought the 702 S3. Connected it with a Hegel H190. Jesus all mighty. The norwegian amp is awesome. Sorry I did not afford the H390
That should be a phenomenal combo.
🙋♂️B&W …IS ALWAYS IMPROVING WITH TECHNOLOGY…as I have followed them for many years…but I wonder 🤔 why they have 2 different tweeter types …I just learned today 😎 THANKS FOR THE MUSIC 🎶 SUGGESTIONS 🤗💚💚💚
Just in case you want to know more about B&W's technology, I can explain the idea behind the Aerofoil bass drivers. The Aerofoil drivers are a sandwich construction, with foam on the inside. It's an evolution a driver type introduced with the 800 Diamond speakers, where they used so called Rohacell bass drivers. Rohacell was the same idea, with carbon fiber and foam in a sandwich construction. This isn't just any foam, as it's dense and strong, but also light. When they launched the 800 Diamond speakers they let people stand on the bass drivers to show how strong they were. They could easily take the weight of any hifi enthusiast without buckling. They've kept developing this concept, and now we have variable density foam inside the 700 series drivers to control the motion of the bass unit, making it stronger, faster and cleaner in its behavior. The effect this has for the listener experience is a significant improvement in perceived speed and resolution. B&W are no joke when it comes to material science.
I have recently demoed both the 702 S2 and the dirty weekend six at my place. 702's are decidedly more resolving but had a metallic edge to them that put me off. The dirty weekends begged for my full attention at loud volumes. Room rattling bass. Didn't have the clarity of the B&W. I wound up returning both and now use the OG 705s. Perhaps this new S3 sounds more natural than the S2.
I can’t believe that nobody (in any review I’ve seen) has remarked at how the new spider looks more like, well, a SPIDER than a “normal” modern-day spider.
What’s old is new again?
New to the audiophile game. Want a system that can handle Movies, sports and streaming music. Originally planned for a soundbar system to throw on my planned Sony A95L purchase. But I was dragged down the rabbit hole and now have abandoned the soundbar idea. My question is this. I just listened to the 703 S3 'open box' speakers driven by a Marantz Cinema 60 and was wowed. Should I trust 'Open Box' speakers with a big discount to be reliable long term? As a Noob I just don't have any real experience or understanding and want to make sure I am on solid footing. If the recommendation is to avoid the open box sale, I wouldn't be able to afford these speakers new, and would have to look downwards if that makes sense.
Hey John, have you ever tested / listened to Audio Physic speakers? Would love to hear your thoughts about their speakers. Now you think… “why is he posting that question under this video”? Because I just switched from the B&W CM8 S2 to the Audio Physic Classic 25SE and I really enjoyed comparing both speakers.
Very interesting as usual. Any chance we’ll see you take a look at beoplay ex bt buds? Haven’t seen anyone ”audio” take a look at them and I’m not going to start taking audio opinions from tech tubers…😅
They are a difficult one to pin down B&W. I heard 2 different models in the same room back to back at a hi-fi show (can't remember what model speakers they were), one sounded harsh and the smaller, cheaper one sounded a lot smoother. So, it all comes down to individual speakers, matching gear, preferences, room acoustics etc, rather than a general speaker / manufacturer x is better than speaker y / manufacturer.
Ay Jack Kaminski! Small world.
I own the b&w cdm7 nt's. The real predecessor of these speakers and to be honest, they sound better than the 703s3's. more detail on top, better in micro details and most of all they sound warmer. Yes i auditioned a pair.
Guilty as charged. i listened to some of the 6 and 700 series almost 20 years ago in a room at ListenUp in denver. Didnt like em. LOVED the 801s but was not at all in the market. I ended up with a pair of Wharfedales and i still love them. Im willing to give the b&w's another listen
Are you coming to CamJam London? Hope so…..
Conspiracy Theory Warning: isn't B&W targeting more senior customers with that, and without a better word, hard to not miss treble? Could our ears, and with age moving on, became more fond of this sound signature? I also had a very bad experience with B&W a few years ago, and last month heard the 705 S3 with a Rotel amp (A12 if not mistaken) and it was glorious! Amazing sound stage and non fatiguing treble. Let me hear from you your thoughts on this.
"Could our ears, and with age moving on" - at the highest frequencies, above 10kH or so. But B&W tunes many of their speakers to meet a certain contemporary customer (not aged) who likes the sizzle, or more specifically, go visit a store full of speakers and the B&W's high frequency emphasis lets them stand out from the crowd.
That's not so much a conspiracy as it is just good business! Lots of people like the B&W sound - maybe it's hearing loss, maybe it's the perceived increase in detail - so they keep making speakers that sound like that, and people keep buying them.
I see your unreasonable 10yr grudge and raise it to 35yrs! I had a Creek 4040 as a teenager and did the inevitable and shorted a channel blowing it, the shop loaned me a Rotel as a temp fill in while repair was underway, hated it and still don’t like Rotel’s sound. 🤣
Great channel, keep up the good work👍🏻. Hope the eye is going OK, had a plate/drain put in mine a few years ago so I know what it feels like. Thanks… Rob (Expat in Australia) 😊
I can't remember ever seeing a down-firing subwoofer in any of your reviews...? Why is this... Is it just happenstance or do you have a definite preference when it comes to subs...? I'm curious as to your learned opinion on the pros & cons of down-firing vs. front-firing subwoofers... Great review, as always... Thanks...!!!
Just happenstance.
-3dB at 46hz sounds like it's lacking a low end, but not when you look at the frequency chart.
Yes, the chart is the "in-room" response, not the speaker response, of course.
Nevertheless, using two small woofers vertically as so many do, only serves the practical. Being, manufacturers do not have to build stands.
A 15" high efficiency woofer & stands would make a better match than those two 6"'ers. 🔈🔉🔊
Yes I agree, the chart showed very good low frequency response below 46hz
Heathen is an underrated album imo
I had the 702 signature. The tweeter dominated the sound and was over the top that became to much. I did have to give it up unfortunately. I brought some dynaudio as a replacement.
Yeah I’m at that point too with my 702s2. Planning on a set of Zu Soul 6 because I’m running a relatively low power amp (Pass XA25)
"if you're american you get........" - Clapping hands emoji !
I’m loving my 805 D4’s, they don’t suffer poor recordings though. Fist rate clarity from the diamond tweeter.
I love my 805 D4 as well
Is the NAD M10 V2 capable of driving the 703 S3?
I power the 705's with the NAD and its on the limit. I have a lot of experience with the M10 and bowers and would reconmend a more powerful amp, however much I love the M10. The M10 will drive them just fine but their optimal sound needs a lot of power.
@@loriscornelissen4048 what would you suggest instead? Mf M5si?
@@herrpopovic3511i have 703 s3 paired with NAD m10 v2 - no problem whatsoever, sounds great, sufficient power..note, "V1" of nad m10 is weaker
@herrpopovic3511
I run 2 M.F. M6,s
My processor is a NAD M17 V2i
2 M.F. M6 5 Channel amps.
Never runs out of power.
Mains are 702 signatures
Center is 705 signatures paired together.
Rear is 705 signatures for a completely matched set up.
Front and rear height speakers are the B&W M1,s.
For movies I use 2 SVS SB3000 subs. I do like the SVS subs and with there app you have more adjustability.
It sounds amazing no matter what you listen to.
The detail is out of this world.
It's so clean.
I do run Kimber cables and a audio quest HDMI ARC cable cinnamon.
More like Ear Bleeders & Wilkinson, am I right ?
I have a pair of 702s2 with a Pass XA25 (also tried Parasound A21) and yes, they’re definitely bright and almost painful at high volume. Amazing resolution, but I’ll go so far as to say “harsh”.
Probably not. No Wilkinson and a flat response!
Hello. I hav recently bought the 702 S3. Connected it with a Hegel H190. Jesus
When are you going to do a review for Wharfedale Linton? We eagerly await your promise. 😊
A month or so...
these are very bright speakers
True. I would have gone for the wood finish.
Ben Webster - My Funny Valentine - jazz