WORTH THE HYPE? Bowers and Wilkins 702 SIGNATURE Tower Speaker Review
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ค. 2024
- ✅ 🛒 B&W SPEAKERS: bit.ly/3N1BdHu, bit.ly/3wJLRfT
✅ CLICK ❤️ THANKS above to highlight your questions & help support the channel!
✅👇CLICK SHOW MORE👇to see a full list of products shown
► REVIEWING THE BOWERS & WILKINS 702 SIGNATURE TOWERS
B&W 702 Signature: dealer
B&W 702 S2: bit.ly/3N1BdHu, bit.ly/3wJLRfT
► TESTING THE B&W 702 SIGNATURE TOWER SPEAKERS
AMPLIFIERS
Bluesound Powernode 2i: amzn.to/2R0qfHs
Naim Uniti Atom: bit.ly/3iCofCl, bit.ly/NaimAtom
Crown XLS1502 Class D Amplifier (budget): bit.ly/CXLS1502
Cambridge Audio Edge Power Amplifier: bit.ly/3MFJX6z, bit.ly/2W1SmMz
Musical Fidelity M3Si (good): bit.ly/M3SiIA
Musical Fidelity M5si: bit.ly/M5si
Musical Fidelity M8xi (best): amzn.to/3aqqaKm, amzn.to/3GPu4s5
TURNTABLES
Cambridge Audio Alva Direct Drive Turntable: bit.ly/AlvaCA
SOURCES
Arylic S50 Pro: amzn.to/32kuqFc
Cambridge Audio Edge NQ: bit.ly/3HzLpWo
LG 99 Series 8K Smart TV: bit.ly/LG8K99TV
► COMPARABLE SPEAKERS TO THE B&W SIGNATURE SPEAKERS
Q Acoustics Concept 500 Tower Speakers (best): bit.ly/3y6S9YU
Q Acoustics Concept 300 Bookshelf Speakers: bit.ly/3QBqOW2
Jamo C97ii Tower Speakers (best budget): bit.ly/39cQrc9
Klipsch Heresy IV: bit.ly/35GRnlQ, bit.ly/heresyiv
Bowers and Wilkins Formation Duo: bit.ly/3OsHHAd, bit.ly/2GXyWkq
Klipsch La Scala: bit.ly/36bPQVb
► MORE FROM BOWERS & WILKINS
702 S2: bit.ly/3O8rJeJ, bit.ly/3ltjXha
Formation Duo: bit.ly/2GXyWkq
Formation Line: bit.ly/3ptp8QM
600 Series: bit.ly/36B5QjE
603 Towers: bit.ly/3nt7xqp
603 Anniversary Edition Speakers: bit.ly/3nt7xqp
606: bit.ly/3luDii7
PX7 Over The Ear Wireless Bluetooth NCX Headphones: amzn.to/30dUWgN
PX5 On Ear Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones: amzn.to/32ft920
► SIMILAR ANDREW ROBINSON VIDEOS TO WATCH
Bowers and Wilkins Formation Duo Speaker Review: • Bowers and Wilkins For...
Jamo C97ii Tower Speaker Review: • FINALLY! Affordable HI...
Klipsch Heresy IV Floorstanding Speaker Review: • MIND BLOWN!! KLIPSCH H...
Polk Audio L800 Tower Speaker Review: • POLK AUDIO Legend L800...
Q Acoustics Concept 500 Tower Speaker Review: • BEST High End Tower Sp...
► Bowers and Wilkins 702 SIGNATURE Tower Speaker Review
Are these the BEST SPEAKERS for a STEREO & HOME THEATER system? The B&W 702 Signature speakers are works of art but is their sound worth the hype? No other speaker system in recent memory has been more amplifier dependent than Bowers & Wilkins 702 Signature Tower Speakers. We tested everything from our Crown amplifier to an $8K Musical Fidelity integrated amplifier. In order to get the most out of this audio system you the best electronics and streaming music money can buy.
► MY REFERENCE AUDIO AND HOME THEATER SYSTEM
POWER
Naim Uniti Atom All In One Music System: bit.ly/NaimAtom
Musical Fidelity Integrated Amp: bit.ly/M5si
LOUDSPEAKERS
Q Acoustic Concept 300: bit.ly/3QBqOW2, bit.ly/C300wsA
Klipsch Heresy IV: bit.ly/3OF9UEb, bit.ly/heresyiv
Jamo S809: amzn.to/356tnK5
SPEAKER STANDS
Kanto Bookshelf Speaker Stands (budget): bit.ly/Kanto26
SolidSteel Speaker Stands (best): bit.ly/3xsoe9M
TURNTABLES
Audio Technica LP140XP: amzn.to/33OfgXO
Cambridge Audio Direct Drive Turntable: bit.ly/AlvaCA
RECORD PLAYER CARTRIDGES
Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge (better): bit.ly/BlueAA
Ortofon 2M Black Cartridge (best): bit.ly/BLKAA
HEADPHONES
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless NCX Headphones: bit.ly/WH1000xm4
SOUNDBARS
SENNHEISER AMBEO: bit.ly/35yLQO1
TOP SMART TVs
LG 8K TV: bit.ly/LG8K99TV
Hisense H9G: bit.ly/H9GTV
TCL 6 Series: amzn.to/35Vn9NO
BLUETOOTH / DESKTOP SPEAKERS
Naim Mu-so V2: amzn.to/33ASZxI
Klipsch The Fives: bit.ly/fivesUS
Kanto YU: bit.ly/YUdesk
► SHOP OUR LIVING ROOM
ARTICLE LEATHER CHAIR: bit.ly/NirvanaChr
ARTICLE SOFA: bit.ly/2HI6cMH
ART: bit.ly/howfaryt
TV / MEDIA CABINET: bit.ly/BDIMEDIA
EVERYTHING ELSE: bit.ly/ARdecor
► STAY CONNECTED
SUBSCRIBE & RING THE 🔔: bit.ly/RobinsonYT
JOIN THE CREW: bit.ly/ARobMbr
INSTAGRAM: bit.ly/AndRobIG
BUSINESS INQUIRIES: bit.ly/andrewbiz
FTC: This video is not sponsored. Some links above are affiliate, meaning we make a small percentage if you buy through the link but it won't change the price for you! Thank you for helping to support the channel.
#audio #bowersandwilkins #speakers - บันเทิง
![[안방1열 풀캠4K] 베이비몬스터 'FOREVER' (BABYMONSTER FullCam)│@SBS Inkigayo 240707](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_2HL-ogzzBU/mqdefault.jpg)
✅ 🛒 *HERE: **bit.ly/3N1BdHu**, **bit.ly/3ltjXha**, **bit.ly/3wJLRfT*
✅ *CLICK ❤️THANKS to highlight your question &/or support the channel!*
✅ *QOTD: How far are you willing to go for GREAT SOUND?*
✅ *🎵+ 🎥 + PRODUCTS SHOWN☝️CLICK “SHOW MORE” in the description*
✅ *RULES: Please be respectful. NO OUTSIDE LINKS, URLs, email addresses, etc.*
Andrew you said there's a link for everything that flashes on screen in your videos... I want the dog!❤😂🙆🐈
@@Turtleback8024 She's a one of a kind, I'm afraid.
Excellent review! I have very little tolerance for inconvenient technology. My tech/equipment works around my life- not the other way around. I don't tolerate speakers that are hard to place or hard to match. I don't like a lot of equipment so a rack is of no use to me. I've found a 2.2 system with 2 subs and active bookshelves the easiest approach. No need for amp pairing. Bookshelves take up less space than floorstanders and can be easily transported if you move occasionally as keeping boxes for floorstanders is a nonstarter for those that are space constrained. Also, floorstanders are more challenging to place in smaller rooms.
Great set of speakers for my Jazz/Latin Jazz Albums
Hi Andrew, how does this do against the Q Accoustic Concept 500? Honestly im considering a b&w 805D3 and a concept 500, also consodering a Proac Response D2R. Are the Concept 500 more musical than the B&W? In terms of warmnth how does B&W compare with Concept 500?:) honestly very hard to look at speakers and they vary room to room.
Interesting. It's refreshing to see a review which talks about all the "but" and "problems" of a product, despite it being a great one.
It’s necessary and I agree. It won tho, product of the year
He just mentioned that the speaker sounds better when you crank it. Some speaker sounds great a low volume
@@watsonanthony8438 Yes. My neighbors agree. Thinking about a MC462 for these.
Damn! This has got to be one of, if not my favorite speaker review ever! It felt like a ride at Universal Studio's; full of things coming at you, left, right and center as you make your way through it. Mate, you are at the top of your game! Thank you so much for what you do.
Fantastic honest insightful review as per usual. Quality video/audio with an opinion I can trust.
As many have already mentioned, this is one of the most complete, well-rounded, and honest reviews I have seen on Hi-Fi equipment in a long time. Well done! I enjoyed this full-length review in a similar manner as I enjoyed Sandy Munro’s honest review of the Tesla Model Y. Very different kit, but honest, consultative information. Thank you. 👍
Thank you sincerely for adding the multiple comparisons for all of your fan base! No doubt, these B&W's are everything an aspiring audiophile could dream of -but some of us just can't justify the cost and everything else that comes with it.You guys are awesome! Please continue Trailblazing! The Jamo C 97 ll are the ones for me!!
HI Andrew,
I have been following your review's very ardently... I get to learn a lot through your honest, Crystal clear transparency to your observations... the pros n cons of the systems with no fabricated frills. Keep up the good work..we all need the advise. A BIG THANK YOU👍👍👍.
Regards,
Joe Vaz
I own Primaluna Dialogue HP Premium Integrated amp, do you think 702 s2 is a match I should at least listen to, or should I go for other options? Right now, I'm using MA Silver 500 under this amp, but looking for speaker upgrade.
Thoughts on pairing these with Musical Fidelity M5si and Cambridge streamer front end? Would this be too much of a good thing in the highs? Other speakers under consideration Focal Aria 948 & Sonus Faber Sonetto VIII. Unfortunately unable to audition them.
Excellent review, thank you. Would these speakers fit to a NAD t778 or Marantz SR8015? Aiming to buy the NAD with B&W
Thanks for the video. I was wondering about these speakers.
I've owned a pair of the 702 S2 speakers, I bought them at the end of July. 2020. l have had many speakers over the years (I'm 66) and I've found these speakers to be the best I've heard that I've owned. Again as we all know you will like the speakers that you like. No one can tell you what sounds best to you however these speakers are sweet! To be sure Andrew hit the nail on the head you need an amp/receiver that puts out the muscle. The speaker is rated from 30 watts and up but you won't be happy with an underpowered source. As we can appreciate the law of physics that comes to play and when you have several speakers to drive within one cabinet you need some muscle. I'm using a Macintosh 7200 which has up to 200 watts however I don't need the full power of the amp either. I am very happy with these speakers and this is the first time I've owned Bowers and Wilkins product. What a nice model to have from them.
This was very helpful. Thank you. I also have a MC 7200 and was wondering if that amp paired well with these speakers. My preamp is also Macintosh, C42. I just put a deposit on a brand new pair that was damaged during shipping; cosmetic issues but not a problem for me because the damage is on the lower right side so won't be seen in my setup as that speaker will be near a right side corner wall. Sale price is $4,500 which I assume is a no brainer for a pair of Sig. 702's. I've been listening to Thiels 3.1 speakers for 32 years and looking forward to this. I'll be checking them out in-person tomorrow. Cheers.
Hey BC with a powerful amp such as yours, would you say low level listening is enjoyable as well on those speakers?
Have u ever heard PROAC response 3??
@@jimwong2823 No
@@BC-ni3sk U should . Knowledge is power
Thank you so much for the small mention of the formation duos and how they compare. I freaking love those speakers so much!! Awesome review btw.
Hi Andrew I have just purchased a pair of 702 I am b&w fan, question these are for a home theatre front mains I can buy an amp for them possibly electrocompaniet but have a pair of rotel 1075, yes they are old but was thinking of bi amping them thoughs?❤
Hi Andrew! Great review! I have a question for you. I currently own a b&w 683 speakers which are powered by roksan kandy L3 amplifier. My question is what would be the best amplifier to power my speakers? Thanks.
Do you think the parasound halo p6 and halo a21+ will be good with the signature?
Thanks for that superb video, i have just ordered a pair to go with my Naim Supernait and NDX2, but thinking of getting a NAP 250 in the future, whats your thoughts ??
They're so pretty! Seriously, how good do these look in our house?!?!?
Some of the best (looking) by far!
THE best looking.
hello Andrew, thanks for the content ,these speakers or monitor audio gold 300 g5? what do you think, a good combination with Marantz model 30 , thanks and good luck
Another great video! Love your content Andrew, always on point well spoken and clear!
Really appreciate that, Andreas.
Hello Mr Robinson, hey I enjoyed this review being familiar with and having experienced different vintage mid to high line b&w speakers, you're really on point with this review and like the simple thorough emphasis on the type and quality of power! Thanx again eye opening test!
Dear Andrew, thank you for your fantastic videos. I purchased the concept 50 due to your review, but they are on back order and am considering cancelling the order, because recently the b&w 703 s2 have gone on sale ($1500). I have emotive XPA gen3 amps. Do you think these amps would pair well? Would you recommend that I just wait for the concept 50? Thank you so much for your time and aside!!
Thanks for the review. Have you heard any version of b&w CM10 and IF so how do they compare? Also, are they AS demanding?
Just got 702S2 for a day paired with hegel h190 even sound fantastic straight out of the box, bass is stronger than i expected for a new speaker, i am blown away by the perfomence
Thank you for another great review Andrew. I appreciate your time and efforts.
Phenomenal video, ads harm the flow. Nothing wrong with making money or advertising but you have a special presentation and I was 100% locked then the ads threw me off. I am back in it now and enjoying every second. Thanks
Will an Onkyo rz 50 bring the best out of the B&W signature floor standing speakers with tweeter on top both of which I just purchased. Thanks
As a very happy owner of a pair of two-year-old B&W 702 s2 floorstanders, I can say that your review of the new 702 Signatures matches my own experience. That is to say, that if paired properly the 702s are outstanding speakers. When I first brought them home I was running them off my Rotel a 12 amplifier. However, when I upgraded to a Linn Majik DSM integrated amplifier the sound opened up. More recently, I tweaked them by adding IsoAcoustic Gaia iii speaker isolaters. This move opened up the soundstage even further. Amazing clarity and separation on the high and mid-range. My only issue is that my living room is small, forcing me to place the speakers closer to the wall than the recommended 18 inches. The Linn Spatialization software has helped tremendously, but i still need to put foam plugs in the back bass outport to compensate. That said, I love them.
I heard the 702 s2 some days ago, and I was so disappointed . Finally i had save up for some new speakers, and I have been looking on the 702 s2 for some while. I own the standard 603's, and in my opinion the 603 sounds so much better. And i dont get why that is. The 603 cost about 2.000$ and the 702 s2 cost 5.500$ . I was ready to be blown away, and nothing happened. Gonna take them home for a couple of days to hear them in my home. Any toughts on this ?
This review remembers me when I was 20 years old and I saw an outstanding Ferrari Testarossa parked near the beach clubs. I looked it all the way, hesitating to touch it and then, two men approach the car talking out loud about the racing test one of them was forced to pass in order to have it because the high power under the hood. 30 years later, the 702 are my current Testarossa, I have not enough power to drive them and no money to acquire it.
These videos are getting more entertaining each time, love the delivery. Thanks
Glad you like them!
Will you de doing anything on the 705 Signature bookshelf speakers?
Great honest review! Keep up the good work. Thank you.
Thanks for the great review. This video has helped me so much in my HiFi journey in selecting my Amp and speakers. Just upgraded from B&W 705 to 702 Signature speakers and I am blown away in every way. Hooked up to my Amp, Yamaha AS2200, these STUNNING speakers sound FANTASTIC! I am all smiles and could not be happier!!! Thank you for the great advice on matching Amp and speakers.👍🏼👍🏼
I have a Yamaha AS2100 amp (predecessor to the 2200) and am thinking about buying 702 Siganture speakers - so I am very interested in your experiences. You seem very happy with your combination. Does your system still sound good at lower volumes? Some people seem to think 702 Sigs only sound good when played loud. I can't turn the volume up too high due to my neighbours. Any comments please? Thanks, Nick
Yamaha AS-2200 is such a power house that I can barely turn the volume up more than half way in my living room! I listen to my music at 25%-%35 volume in the evening and I’m pretty happy. Louder volume gives a more immersive experience and I can feel the energy coming from the woofers. Hope this helps. What speakers do you currently have?
@@safaeslambolchi4129 Thanks for the reply. I did have B&W 804 D3 speakers, which I loved - but I have sadly had to downgrade my main hifi system to release money for a house move. My temporary speakers are Monitor Audio Gold Signature GS20s which are OK as a stop-gap. Before the 804 D3s, I had B&W CM10 S2s which I liked. The 804 D3s were a clear step up, but much more money. I was thinking of getting some second hand 702s (or even another pair of CM10 S2s) as a compromise solution, without breaking the bank. It's hard when you are downgrading!
Great review ... your comments are relevant today as well as way back in B&W history. In the early 1980's I bought, and still use and enjoy, B&W Matrix 802 Series 3 loudspeakers. At first while I replenished my "slush fund" I powered them with my existing Yamaha MX-50 135W stereo amp and it was bad. Lifeless, lacking dynamic impact, etc. Additionally, the 802's could cause the MX-50 to clip with ease. Once able I replaced the amplifier/preamp with my Krell KSA 150/KSP7B (still used to this day) and, like magic, problem solved. So, you are exactly correct that as it relate to the higher end B&W's it has always been the case that a significant investment in amplification is required to extract their best. Love the channel, keep up the good work.
I finally have my KEF LS50s dialed in with a pair of “cheap” SVS SB1000 subs (high level). I was getting a suckout at 50Hz. It never occurred to me that the phase setting was the issue. 180 degrees later, perfection. The punch is back!
Recommended for just about any amp that isn’t “hot” at high frequencies.
What do you thing for series 700 -s2 book shell
How would you expect the speakers to sound with a Mcintosh C42 pream and MC 7200 Amp?
the way you deliver your statements is downright hilarious and genius at the same time! I am not really in to HiFi but, man your videos are so worth watching
Damn! Thanks Andrew. I have been hoping for a review from you on these for months.
Preciate you guys 🙏🏾 amazing reviews keep up the good work looking Foward to next year doing an amazing job Kristi thank you thank you thank you 🙏🏾 keep up the good work.
A few days ago, at Magnolia Home Theater, I tested the 702 S2 (not signature) using Marantz w/110 per channel power and that produced an amazing sound quality on those speakers. One of the most detailed sounds I have ever heard.
This channel never lets me down ...outstanding content and host, production value...linked this to my buddy that is interested in buying this exact product. Very cool.
❤
Much appreciated, 78.
Is a Marantz PM80mkII up to the job to the Signatures?
I look forward to your reviews Andrew, you have one of those voices I could listen to all day long, add in that you are a HiFi freak like me and its winning combination. These speakers look drop dead gorgeous and I bet sound incredible!
Hello, thank you for the excellent review. Have you tried these speakers with a tube amplifier?
How’s you get your hands on the M8xi? Are you in USA? My dealer said they haven’t landed yet in the US.
Does it need external amplifier for sounds good ??
Thanks for your honesty. Good review.
So glad to see Musical Fidelity integrated amplifiers can't wait for your review. Also if they have built in phono stage report on that too please and thank you!
i'm curious, given the price of these, and sort of in the same ballpark, what are you impressions, or down the line could there be a comparison to the Klipsch Cornwall IVs?
How about driving those speakers with the upcoming Anthem MRX-1140 and power amp Anthem MCA-225 (for stereo mode)? Will the 225 watts of the MCA be enough? Any ideas?
Hi Andrew. Excellent review. Been a B&W fan for the past 30 years and have owned most of their products and still do. Right now i Have the B&W PM1's connected to my Rotel RMB 1095 amp. Have to tell you that i have auditioned the 702 signatures few months ago and to be honest i couldn't justify the upgrade from my PM1's with a Sub to these towers. The prices are getting higher and higher but the sound quality i find still not mind blowing different than their older models. I know some people will disagree with this but to my 51 year old ears the PM1's still sound better than most new speakers on the market. Keep up the good work..
I have been looking at 702 S2 speakers and I have been hoping to hear how these would work with my McIntosh MA5200. It puts down 100 watts at 8 ohm but it is about cleanest I have ever owned. I wonder if these would work with that.....
Thanks for another great review Andrew. How do you think they would pair with a couple of Bryston 7Bsst2 monoblocks? How would they compare to used Martin Logan Prodigy's?
Brilliant review and so glad you made direct comprassions with the Q Acoustics Concept 500.
Keep up the good work.😀
Might be a stupid question but how is this speaker compared to Polk R700? Can’t find these speakers where I am currently living. I saw your good review on that Polk specially the price.
Great and Honest review I almost finalised DynaAudio Evoke 50 but this B&W Ref 702 is forcing me to change plans.
Appreciate if you can compare with Evoke 50 Fom Dynaaudio.
May I know which B&W speakers you think the best based on your personal opinion as considered as professional opinion (for some people here especially non B&W fans) given that you’re recording engineer or music producer? Thank you
I have found the 702 s2 to be a great speaker tied to a 200w rms Rotel system. I found the soundstage improved with a class a valve preamp. Looking at the schematics of the crossover systems of the 702 s2 and signature they have been very mildly tweaked by slightly changing the values of the upper and lower resistors. B&W has charged a premium for these small changes although the exterior finish is far superior. Tried high end Yamah amp just didn't make the grade. You are very correct in your assessment of these 702s they are unforgiving. If recordings are inferior they let you know but with good recordings they are incredible and the detail is stunning. Very much an audiophile speaker as you mentioned. A great review.
Very good review. I'm thinking about Musical Fidelity M3si for my B&W 603s and considering that it was acceptable with these, it should be a good match for 603s. One more thing, I use XTZ Edge at the moment with 603s and it's not bad at all. I wonder how it would go with these 702 signature ones. Especially when using two XTZs as monoblocks.
What’s your take on pairing it with McIntosh mc152?
In your opinion do you think and anthem Mrx720 would drive these okay? Considering moving away from paradigm studios from 2009…
These speakers and Focal 948's are the bomb. Focal are a little smoother while the B&W are a little sharper but not in a bad way.
Andrew, I own these 702 Signatures and an running them on a Rotel 1590 amp. The issue I'm trying to work out is why there seems to be a certain weakness in certain bass frequencies. Is the amp the issue? I realize they will sound different on each amp, but the Rotel is extremely clear and precise on the mifs and highs, just feels garbled and soft in the lower end. Any suggestions?
Experiment with speaker placement
Thank you for your honesty. Most B&W's have required reserve power to enhance the dynamic range at normal listening levels because of their inherent crossover and driver and bass designs. I agree with everything said and have owned many B&W speakers through the years. Good review.
Hi Andrew. Fantastic review…as always. I have the Yamaha AS1200 and wondered how you think it would pair with the 702s? Many thanks. Gary from the UK.
Hey man, great vids btw.
Question: What's the deal with the cue lever of the turntable? Do you really have to be pulling it up or down everytime you switch records?
I see DJs doing their set and the lever has never been touched or moved. Meaning?
Hope to be enlighten. Newbie here
Cheers man!
Have you tried out the sonus fabre Olympics nova 5 , I would want to know what you think
Interesting review!
How does it compare to the Monitor Audio Gold 300?
Do you have any Monitor Audio reviews?
Their products are really good price/quality!
Or your recently new Klipsch favorites, the Forte IV
@Andrew Robinson, please compare these
Excellent review. Do you think a parasound a21 amplifier would be a good match. Also would love for you to see if you have some insight about damping factor in amplifiers
I'm using B&W CM8s2 which are also difficult to drive. I'm using a Nelson Pass Aleph J which drives them beautifully. It's a Class A 25W amplifier.
Hi Andrew, love your channel! Just purchased these 702 signature speakers. Looking at either the MF m8xi or rotel michi x5 integrated. From your expertise which brand integrated would you say pairs best or would be your choice of these 2? Look forward to hearing back. Great work. Thanks
@Memer Dreamer neither of those amps mentioned are HT. Both the M8Xi and X5 are exceptional 2-channel amps.
Hi Andrew. Thanks for the outstanding review! I've just bought the 702 S2 as I got a very good offer of about 2k for a new pair. As I am a home cinema enthusiast I need to use an AVR for multichannel listening (using NAD T758 V3i). It performes very well at the surround side but I'm not completely satisfied by the stereo sound.
In your video you recommend to use a Musical Fidelity Amp to get the most out of it but the price of the top model is not matching my budget. Is the M3si sufficient or do the M5si or M6si clearly outperform it as they have much more power? Is there a possibility to drive a subwoofer with the Musical Fidelity Amps as they have no Sub-out?
Would the NAD C399 also be an option or would it sound like garbage too? Thanks for your feedback;)
Bought a Musical Fidelity M6si, plugged in and it sounds amazing now. It feels like having completely other speakers:) The harshness of the highs disappeared, pretty warm and comfortable sound with way more bass now. There is no comparison to the NAD! Thank you Andrew for your review and your ears👌
Great review as usual.
I almost bought these since I used to own the CM10s, UNTIL I was enlightened by focals. I just heard their Kanta and then their Sopra 2's which I'm going to get as part of the home theatre. Have you heard the focals sopras and kantas. They seemed to have much more forgiving highs making me listen to them for longer.
Now obviously I know the sopras are more comparable to the B&W 800 series but maybe the Focal Kanta? Just curious
I'd love to hear your opinion.
Great review - I ended up getting the Formation Duo's as got a headache trying to figure out which floor standers combined with which amp, cabling etc. etc. would be right for me and the 702 signature / 702 s2 were top of my list. Very happy indeed with the Duo's and don't wish for anything more.
Andrew, I have had been considering the B&W 702 Signature as my replacement speaker. Currently, I have a Marantz SR7008 that will allow me to bi-amp using a spare surround channel, and was wondering if you thought it would be suffice in driving this loudspeaker?
unless you gonna put in a power amp there I think the 705 signature would be a better match.
I remember installing MAC 500watt monos and 802s2 many years ago, expecting “magic” and it was not there. Hifi stereo systems are sophisticated instruments that need synergy for real. It’s not just plug and play expensive stuff and it’s going to be great. Awesome to see these reviews that reveal this. It’s shame when people spend the $$ and don’t get the result. It’s sure worth finding. Love my music, it’s what got me into the industry :)
I recently bought these speakers ^^ and had the chance to do a back to back comparison with the 702 S2 (regular) speakers as well as the Monitor Audio Gold 300. The amp was a high-end McIntosh, so driving them wasn't a problem. The Monitor Audios won the award for most bass and by a margin to my ears, but the 702 Sigs seemed just more revealing and although they didn't have quite the same deep bass, the LF they had was more controlled and dynamic I felt. The mid to upper ranges really sang to me and I don't mind a speaker that some may think is a little clinical in this regard. It was a tough choice overall between the Sig's and the MA Golds, mostly as they are very different sounding speakers, so it was a little tricky to get your footing and realise a true baseline for the way they would sound in your own home. The Sigs ultimately won as the bass accuracy, lovely mids and clean highs won me over compared to the impressive, show stopping MA Golds and after seeing Andrew's review of them (this actual one) I upgraded my Roksan K3 power amp to a Musical Fidelity M6 PRX and the Sigs have really sung to me ever since. The interesting thing of my test was the difference between the two B&W models, the S2 and the Sig. I wondered if I would embarrass myself in front of the hi-fi shop salesman and be unable to hear much, if any, difference (it is mainly the crossover that is different, not the actual drive units), but no, it was actually quite an easy reveal. The two speakers do indeed sound quite different to each other. I was most surprised. The Sigs had a much better sound stage, wider and more accurate, as well as a sort of richness to the mid range and what sounded like a little more heft and attack in the mid and lower bass. I certainly could have performed a blindfold test on these two and picked them apart without trouble. The best part was I had gone to listen to the speakers with a view to buy the Sigs as the store's demo pair (the ones I actually listened to) but in the end got a fantastic deal on a brand new pair at £3,000. I realise the 702 S3 is about to hit the shops, but I suspect it won't be much better, if at all, than the S2 Sigs and certainly nowhere near the price I got them for. Keep up the good work Kristi and Andrew :)
Hey mate, been looking for some time could just be me but have you done a video on pre-amps? Budget, expensive and quality etc. If not would you do a video on that or to the point what would be a couple you would recommend that wouldn't break the bank. Cheers mate.
This was an excellent review. I've owned several B&W's over the last 25 years (801 Matrix S3, CDM 7SE, 804 Nautilus, CM9, CM 10 S2, and now 803 D2) and all B&W's have a similar sonic signature that you indicated top to bottom. I agree, that if you want the absolute best performance possible, using quality components is a must. NAD's M32 is a very good integrated amp with good power. It made a significant difference in the quality/depth of the bass and improved detail in mid/highs in my system. That said, I do agree that in order to truly enjoy them and appreciate what they're capable of, you need to listen to them at a suitable volume allowing them to open up and be revealing. I would disagree that they otherwise sound flat, but rather constrained because they're actually being held back at lower volume. For better or worse, it is what it is.
I recently auditioned the 702 S2 in home in comparison with a pair of Tekton Impact Monitors in order to decide which to buy. This was after the Tektons had beaten out Buchardt S400s in a home test, and the B&Ws sounded vastly better than a set of Elac Vela F@407s in an in- store listening experience. In my home, both speakers were Dirac Live tuned via a MiniDSP DDRC-24, and power was courtesy of an XTZ Edge A2-300. Source is a HTPC running Tidal and/or FLAC files from the hard-drive via USB audio to the MiniDSP which serves as the DAC. The B&Ws were a bit of a strange beast in that they had a much better sense of room presence and "sparkle" to the high end in particular and tighter bass, but simply did not sound natural to me in comparison to the Tekton Impact monitors. Midrange, and in particular vocals, sounded a bit colored. They actually make voices sound nasal in comparison to the Tektons, which seem to have a very neutral sound. That is not to say that the Tektons are not without their issues. Their quality control is pretty suspect, in that they arrived with two screws not fully tightened on each of the lower midbass speakers, same one on both cabinets. That made them sound awful, and I genuinely thought something was wired up out of phase when they arrived. They also have shipping damage to their finish due to poor packaging, for which they are trying to blame the shipping company when it is clearly from the plastic bags they ship the speakers in rubbing against the finish. To top it off, the optional grilles would be be considered comically bad if they hadn't cost me $75 extra. They stick out past the corners of the speaker cabinets because they don't have a bevel like the speakers themselves do in the corners, and were broken on arrival despite no damage to the packaging Only thing holding one of them together is the fabric stappled to them. Yes, you read that correctly. Stapled, obviously by hand. Bad company to deal with from a customer service perspective, but man are they onto something with that weird looking tweeter array. It's just so perfectly natural sounding in it's presentation of voices especially. B&Ws sounded better in the bass and the highs, but midrange rules all when it comes to the musical experience, and I simply couldn't part with the Tektons in the end. Makes me wonder what you might be able to come up with if you took an array of tweeters and drivers as exceptional as the B&Ws are, and combined it with the design concept of the Tektons. Would cost a small forture to do though, given that there are 14 tweeter per pair. LOL!
Great channel 👍😎 All I'll say is back in the 80's my first speakers were B&W 801F .. yeah you have to have a strong Amp I had an Aragon 4004.
I’m using Musical Fidelity monoblocks in my system, 700wpc @8 ohms. It replaced a Mcintosh MC 252 which is no slouch but the MF is on another level. Absolutely amps matter
Haha brilliant. At about 9min30 I was shouting at the screen "Musical Fidelity!" Great choice! I like that you also gave a shout out to the M3si which, I've actually been considering recently myself.
You brought up an interesting point. I find a lot of speakers these days don't like to be played "quietly."
Elac Reference 62 for sure.
Hey, how did you connect the LG TV to your system? Optical? You used pcm audio?
Does arylic sound better than the bluesound as a source?
We connect via HDMI ARC/eARC as many of our pieces have HDMI inputs. But yes, we also have used optical connections in the past. Does the Arylic sound "better" than the Bluesound? Still figuring that out for myself.
Hi Andrew, you’re suggesting bi-amping in the end. How do you handle that? Two integrated amps - or one preamp and two power amps? How do you ensure equal output for bass and midrange/treble respectively?
Thanks Andrew for recommending the Crown XLS amplifier to drive the woofers of my standard 702s. These speakers were definitely an upgrade over my PSB Alpha bookshelves but my Azur 351R AVR just couldn't get enough bass out of the 702s. At the showroom I auditioned the Cambridge Azur 851A and Rotel RA-1592. While they sounded slightly better than my AVR, they were bright and fatiguing and still not getting enough bass despite having at least twice the watts. Only the Michi s5 (500watts) was able to bring out a fuller sound but that's a $$$ amp! The Crown on its own makes the treble and mids very harsh and unbearably grating. Initially I paired the Crowns with a Marantz NR1711, but the sound was muffled and lifeless. Only when I paired it with my Rotel A-10 did the speakers open up in imaging, separation and warmth - yes bass was there too! Sounds almost or better than the Michi at 20% the cost! I've currently paired the Crowns with an Rotel A-11 so that I can do hometheather bypass with the Marantz.
@Peter - to bi-amp with a Crown XLS, connect your sources (ie CD, streamers etc) to the stereo amp (in my case the A-11) that will be driving your high/mids. Do note that your stereo amp must have pre-out connections. Connect the pre-outs of that amp to the input of the Crown amp. Set the Crown amp to "low-pass" filter mode (see Crown user manual). Remove the connecting jumpers from your speakers' binding post. Connect the speaker cables from your stereo amp to the top pair of binding posts on each speaker. Connect the speaker cables from the Crown amp to the lower pair of binding post on each speaker.
Pls note this advice is only suitable for bi-amping with a Crown amp - not sure if the same for other amps or configurations.
Damn. Thanks for the honesty! Refreshing
I have a pair of 702 s2’s paired with a Cambridge Azur 851a amplifier and I think it’s a pretty sweet combo. Definitely sensitive to recording quality though!!! Sometimes I find the top end just a little too much and yes, definitely agree you don’t get the full sound spectrum unless they are at a decent volume. Had the 603’s prior and there is definitely more separation and clarity in the 702’s. some tracks they really surprise me 😊
The B&Ws work really well with the naim Nap 250 DR and up amplifiers
Just wanted to say that the only reason they have the base is due to a tipping standard in Europe where they're produced. The country (I believe its the UK) has a tipping standard for all furniture being sold, which loudspeakers are considered furniture there. If you push the speaker sideways it will actually rock back and forth, but not tip over unless shoved. If you were to bump into them, they would simply rock.
Just thought that would be a interesting bit of information. The stands aren't necessary for the speaker in any capacity.
Thanks for another great video Bro
Running the normal 702 S2s for almost 3 years with the Arcam SR250 and this combination works really well.
I've never felt I needed more power to drive these speakers. Top end is crisp and detailed..very life like. If you close your eyes....you could imagine the sonic stage in the center of the room like the artist has come alive and singing a private concert just for you. Mid range is incredible and very resolving and base is fast and tight..with no boominess. The setup is very modest but provides amazing results. I've demod components for almost 20k more and the difference in sound quality did not justify the outlay. Heavily into the Diminishing returns territory.
I'm sure some would argue a 702 s2 and arcam sr250 is already Diminishing returns but imo for the money its incredible value.
B&W speakers have been a solid choice for a while now. Most people have heard of them as well so they get high marks for brand recognition when/if you choose to upgrade.
based on this post I was wondering if you had an opinion regarding the Bowers and Wilkins 603 anniversary speakers. I am searching for an amp that would suit this speaker, I'm also thinking the amp should have network streaming capabilities since I don't have a lot of records or cd's. If you read this and respond, thank you!
I still have not heard the new 600 series anniversary from B&W. Thank you for watching.
Cool, calm, concise.
I would think my McIntsoh MC152 amp would be a good amp to bring out the speakers details? However if you have to play music loud to have it sound great, the Focal Aria's appear to be a better option.
Hello Andrew. Im amazed at your knowledge. Im just about to buy a system mainly for vinyl. Can you tell please give me the technical stats that the amp will require to get great to maximum performance out of B&W 702 speakers. Quantitative Like : amp power output etc, and qualitative: like outputs, tubes, etc. Thank you mate
Just if you find it useful, I have the 702 S2 paired with a Naim Nait XS 3 and they sound amazing with very little effort from the AMP. It also has a quite good phono stage so you might want to consider it.
Andrew,can you please review the b&w 705s2 signatures?
Hi, what do you think about the new Signature 705. Is that as hard to drive or power and as sensitive to the amplifier as this floorstanding speaker is?
And do you think that these speakers (705) absolutely needs an class A or A-B amp to be able to sound good? I was kinda suprised to hear that the Naim Atom or Powernode sounded crap.
Br:Kris
I would bet on those or 705 / 707s2 ;) And with a NAD M10 who knows... ;)