B&W 704 S3
Bass-reflex three-way floorstanding speaker from Bowers & Wilkins, in a slim format, combining a carbon tweeter with Aerofoil and Continuum FST diaphragms.
Description
The 704 S3 is a three-way floorstanding speaker in a bass-reflex configuration, designed by Bowers & Wilkins to deliver a full sound reproduction within a particularly narrow footprint compared to the brand's other floorstanding speakers. It is installed as the main front speaker of a stereo system or a home cinema setup, driven by an external amplifier.
Its architecture is built around three dedicated drivers: two 13 cm woofers with Aerofoil diaphragm, a 13 cm midrange driver with Continuum diaphragm, and a 25 mm carbon dome tweeter. The Aerofoil diaphragm, with variable thickness, reinforces the diaphragm's rigidity at stressed points, which favours deep and dynamic bass. The Continuum diaphragm limits driver behaviour breakup, for an open and neutral midrange. The carbon tweeter pushes its resonance threshold to 47 kHz, a figure that reflects better performance at very high frequencies and greater precision at the top of the spectrum.
In terms of performance, the 704 S3 accepts a power handling of 150 W RMS and should be driven with an amplifier delivering 30 to 150 W RMS at 8 ohms. Its sensitivity of 88 dB /1W /1m and its impedance of 8 ohms (with a minimum of 3.1 ohms) determine the type of amplifier required to make full use of it. Its frequency response extends from 43 Hz to 33 kHz at -6 dB, and from 48 Hz to 28 kHz at -3 dB, with distortion below 1% between 100 Hz and 22 kHz at a level of 90 dB.
This speaker is aimed at enthusiasts wanting a floorstanding speaker able to cover a wide spectrum without taking up much floor space, particularly in rooms where footprint must remain limited. Its slim format makes it suitable for a stereo installation or a multichannel system where it would occupy the front position.
Technical specifications
| Power handling | 150 W RMS |
| Recommended amplifier | 30 to 150 W RMS at 8 ohms |
| Frequency response ( 6 dB) | 43 Hz to 33 kHz |
| Frequency response ( 3 dB) | 48 Hz to 28 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 88 dB /1W /1m |
| Distortion at 90 dB | < 1% from 100 Hz to 22 kHz |
| Impedance | 8 ohms (minimum 3.1 ohms) |
| Dimensions with plinth (H × W × D) | 964 x 252 x 321 mm |
| Dimensions without plinth (H × W × D) | 925 x 165 x 263 mm |
| Weight | 20.5 kg |
What to check before buying used
When buying used, it is worth checking the condition of the Aerofoil and Continuum diaphragms, which should show no deformation or cracks, as well as the suspension of the woofers, whose ageing can affect bass performance. The carbon dome tweeter deserves particular attention: an impact or rough handling can damage it in a way that is invisible to the eye but audible when listening. It is also useful to check the condition of the bass-reflex ports and the absence of moisture marks or deformation on the plinths, which contribute to the speaker's stability.
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