Audio T Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 combines impressive scale and bass authority with the clarity and focus of a dedicated midrange driver.
Its Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top provides an open and precisely focused treble, while the Continuum cone FST midrange and twin Aerofoil Profile bass drivers give music weight, clarity and dynamic impact.
The 90dB sensitivity is relatively amplifier-friendly, although the 3.1-ohm minimum impedance means the 703 S3 deserves a capable amplifier with strong current delivery and control.
Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 Floorstanding Speakers
The 703 S3 is a substantial three-way floorstanding loudspeaker from the Bowers & Wilkins 700 Series.
Its design combines a Decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter, dedicated 150mm Continuum cone FST midrange driver and two 165mm Aerofoil Profile bass drivers.
The result is a spacious, detailed and powerful presentation suited to medium-sized and larger rooms, high-quality stereo systems and substantial home cinema installations.
Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top
The Carbon Dome tweeter is mounted inside a separate Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top enclosure rather than being fitted directly into the main cabinet.
The elongated housing is milled from a solid block of aluminium and incorporates a tube-loading system behind the tweeter.
Separating the tweeter from the main cabinet helps reduce interference from the midrange and bass drivers, supporting greater high-frequency openness, focus and stereo imaging.
Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter
High frequencies are reproduced by a 25mm Decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter developed for the Bowers & Wilkins 700 Series.
The Carbon Dome construction raises the first break-up frequency to approximately 47kHz, well beyond the audible range.
This allows the tweeter to remain more rigid through the audible frequencies, helping the 703 S3 reveal fine detail, ambience and the space surrounding voices and instruments.
Continuum Cone FST Midrange
A dedicated 150mm Continuum cone FST driver handles the midrange frequencies.
The composite Continuum cone is designed to avoid the abrupt changes in behaviour that can affect more conventional cone materials.
Separating the midrange from the bass drivers allows voices and instruments to be reproduced with greater clarity, consistency and precision.
Biomimetic Suspension and Midrange Decoupling
The Continuum cone midrange driver uses Bowers & Wilkins’ Biomimetic Suspension instead of a conventional fabric spider.
The design is intended to reduce unwanted air pressure and noise generated behind the cone as the driver moves.
The complete midrange assembly is also decoupled from the main cabinet, helping minimise interference from the movement of the twin bass drivers.
Twin Aerofoil Profile Bass Drivers
Two 165mm Aerofoil Profile bass drivers provide the low-frequency foundation of the 703 S3.
Each cone uses a variable-thickness profile developed through computer modelling, providing rigidity where it is most needed without adding unnecessary mass.
The twin-driver arrangement allows the 703 S3 to deliver deep, dynamic and controlled bass while retaining definition through complex music and demanding film soundtracks.
Flowport Bass-Reflex Design
The 703 S3 uses a three-way vented-box enclosure with Bowers & Wilkins Flowport technology.
The dimpled port surface is designed to manage airflow and reduce unwanted turbulence as bass output increases.
Room position will still affect the speaker’s low-frequency balance, so small changes in distance from surrounding walls can make a noticeable difference.
Cabinet and Plinth
The 703 S3 uses a narrow-fronted cabinet supported by a substantial stabilising plinth.
The separate tweeter housing increases the overall height, while the plinth extends beyond the width and depth of the main enclosure.
The complete dimensions should therefore be checked before ordering, particularly where the speakers will be positioned close to furniture or walkways.
Speaker Placement
The 703 S3 is designed to stand directly on the floor using its supplied plinth and suitable spikes or floor protectors.
A useful starting point is to:
- Install the supplied plinth correctly
- Position both speakers the same distance from the listening seat
- Leave space between the speakers and the rear and side walls
- Avoid placing either speaker tightly into a corner
- Keep both speakers level and stable
- Experiment with small changes in toe-in
- Move the speakers a few centimetres at a time
Moving the speakers closer to surrounding walls will normally increase bass output. Pulling them further into the room will usually improve bass definition, openness and image depth.
Check the Full Dimensions and Weight
Including the Tweeter-on-Top assembly and plinth, each 703 S3 measures 1,117mm high, 290mm wide and 372mm deep.
Each speaker weighs 28.81kg, so adequate space and assistance should be arranged before delivery, unpacking or repositioning.
Amplifier Matching
Bowers & Wilkins recommends amplifiers rated between 30 and 200 watts into 8 ohms on unclipped programme material.
The 703 S3 has a sensitivity of 90dB, a nominal impedance of 8 ohms and a minimum impedance of 3.1 ohms.
The relatively high sensitivity allows the speaker to produce useful volume without requiring extreme amplifier power. However, the low minimum impedance and twin bass drivers place meaningful demands on amplifier current delivery and control.
A capable amplifier will help the 703 S3 produce tighter bass, greater dynamic control and a more stable stereo image, particularly at higher listening levels.
Amplifier power alone does not determine compatibility. Room size, listening distance, preferred volume and the tonal character of the complete system should also be considered during a demonstration.
A Separate Amplifier Is Required
The 703 S3 is a passive loudspeaker and does not contain built-in amplification, network streaming or Bluetooth.
It must be connected to a suitable stereo amplifier, streaming amplifier, pre-amplifier and power-amplifier combination, or home cinema receiver.
Running In
New loudspeaker drive units can change as their suspensions settle through normal use.
Allow the 703 S3 time to settle before making final decisions about positioning, bass balance or system matching.
Normal listening at sensible volume levels is sufficient. There is no need to play the speakers continuously or at unusually high volume.
Stereo Hi-Fi and Home Cinema
The 703 S3 can provide full-range performance as the main left and right speakers in a high-quality stereo system.
Its scale, bass extension and dynamic ability also make it suitable for the front channels of a substantial home cinema installation.
The matching Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3 centre speaker can be added to maintain a consistent tonal character across the front soundstage, with suitable 700 Series standmount speakers available for surround duties.
Finish Options
Current manufacturer finish options include:
- Gloss Black with a black grille
- Satin White with a grey grille
- Mocha with a black grille
Finish availability should be confirmed when ordering.
Key Features
- Three-way passive floorstanding loudspeaker
- Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top enclosure
- 25mm Decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter
- Approximately 47kHz tweeter break-up frequency
- 150mm Continuum cone FST midrange driver
- Biomimetic midrange suspension
- Decoupled midrange assembly
- Twin 165mm Aerofoil Profile bass drivers
- Flowport bass-reflex technology
- Three-way vented-box enclosure
- 30Hz–33kHz published frequency range
- 90dB sensitivity
- 8-ohm nominal impedance
- 3.1-ohm minimum impedance
- 30–200-watt amplifier recommendation
- Suitable for stereo Hi-Fi and home cinema systems
- Supplied with a stabilising plinth
- Supplied as a stereo pair
- Five-year limited manufacturer’s warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 speakers supplied as a pair?
Yes. They are supplied as a stereo pair of passive floorstanding speakers.
Do the 703 S3 speakers need an amplifier?
Yes. They require a separate stereo amplifier, streaming amplifier, pre-amplifier and power-amplifier combination, or home cinema receiver.
What amplifier power is recommended?
Bowers & Wilkins recommends an amplifier rated between 30 and 200 watts into 8 ohms on unclipped programme material.
Are the 703 S3 speakers difficult to drive?
Their 90dB sensitivity is relatively amplifier-friendly, although the 3.1-ohm minimum impedance means a capable amplifier with strong current delivery is recommended.
What is the Tweeter-on-Top design?
The tweeter is mounted in a separate aluminium housing above the main cabinet, helping reduce cabinet interference and improve high-frequency openness and stereo imaging.
What is Biomimetic Suspension?
It is the suspension system used behind the dedicated midrange cone. It is designed to reduce unwanted air pressure and noise as the driver moves.
Are the plinths included?
Yes. Stabilising plinths are supplied and should be installed correctly before the speakers are used.
What size room suits the 703 S3?
The 703 S3 is particularly suitable for medium-sized and larger rooms with enough space to position the speakers away from surrounding walls.
Can the 703 S3 be used in a home cinema system?
Yes. A pair can be used as the front left and right speakers alongside the matching HTM71 S3 centre speaker and suitable 700 Series surround speakers.
Will I need a subwoofer?
Not necessarily for stereo listening. A suitable subwoofer may still provide deeper extension and greater physical impact for home cinema systems.
How large is each speaker?
Including the Tweeter-on-Top assembly and plinth, each speaker measures 1,117mm high, 290mm wide and 372mm deep.
How much does each speaker weigh?
Each speaker weighs 28.81kg.
What finishes are available?
The 703 S3 is available in Gloss Black, Satin White and Mocha finishes.
What warranty is included?
Bowers & Wilkins provides a five-year limited warranty for passive loudspeakers, subject to its warranty terms and conditions.
Related Bowers & Wilkins Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- In-store Bowers & Wilkins demonstrations
- Amplifier and system-matching advice
- Room positioning and setup guidance
- Stereo and home cinema system planning
- Speaker cable and termination advice
- Delivery and installation guidance
- Part exchange on suitable existing equipment
- Ongoing setup and after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration of the Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3.