Audio T Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 combines the precise imaging of Tweeter-on-Top technology with the weight and scale of a substantial 165mm Continuum driver.
Its Carbon Dome tweeter produces an open and focused treble, while the Continuum cone gives voices and instruments clarity, body and impressive low-frequency authority for a standmount design.
The 88dB sensitivity and 3.7-ohm minimum impedance make it compatible with a broad range of good-quality amplifiers. The matching FS-700 S3 stands, careful positioning and a capable supporting system will help it perform at its best.
Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 Standmount Speakers
The 705 S3 is the flagship standmount loudspeaker in the Bowers & Wilkins 700 Series.
Its two-way design combines a 25mm Decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter in a separate Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top enclosure with a 165mm Continuum cone bass and midrange driver.
The result is a spacious, detailed and powerful presentation for listeners who want high-performance sound without introducing a floorstanding cabinet into the room.
Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top
The Carbon Dome tweeter is housed in a separate Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top enclosure rather than being fitted directly into the front of 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 bass and midrange driver, 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 705 S3 reveal fine detail, ambience and the space surrounding voices and instruments.
Continuum Cone Bass and Midrange Driver
A 165mm Continuum cone driver handles the bass and midrange frequencies.
The composite Continuum cone is designed to avoid the abrupt changes in behaviour that can affect more conventional cone materials.
This helps the 705 S3 reproduce voices and instruments with an open, neutral and consistent character while delivering convincing bass weight from its standmount cabinet.
Flowport Bass-Reflex Design
The 705 S3 uses a two-way vented-box enclosure with Bowers & Wilkins Flowport technology.
The dimpled surface of the rear-facing port is designed to manage airflow and reduce unwanted turbulence as bass output increases.
The distance between the speaker and the rear wall will influence its low-frequency balance, so small positioning changes can make a noticeable difference.
Curved Cabinet Baffle
The front baffle uses a curved profile inspired by design ideas developed for the Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamond.
The shape helps reduce the amount of flat surface surrounding the Continuum cone and provides a more controlled transition between the driver and the room.
This supports cleaner imaging and helps the cabinet interfere less with the sound produced by the drive unit.
Compact Cabinet, Large-Scale Presentation
The main cabinet measures 345mm high, 192mm wide and 297mm deep.
The separate Tweeter-on-Top enclosure increases the overall height to 413mm, while the grille and rear terminals increase the complete depth to 337mm.
Although it remains a standmount loudspeaker, the 705 S3 is a substantial design capable of producing greater scale and bass authority than the smaller 706 S3 and 707 S3.
Speaker Stands and Placement
The 705 S3 should be used on rigid, stable speaker stands that position the tweeter close to seated ear height.
A useful starting point is to:
- Position both speakers the same distance from the listening seat
- Place the tweeters close to seated ear height
- Leave some space between the speakers and the rear wall
- Avoid placing either speaker tightly into a corner
- Keep both stands level and stable
- Experiment with small changes in toe-in
- Move the speakers a few centimetres at a time
Moving the speakers closer to the rear wall will normally increase bass output. Pulling them further into the room will usually improve openness, bass definition and image depth.
Speaker Stands Are Not Included
The Bowers & Wilkins FS-700 S3 stands are designed for the standmount speakers in the 700 Series and are sold separately.
They are available in black and silver finishes. Audio T can also advise on stand filling, floor protection and positioning.
Amplifier Matching
Bowers & Wilkins recommends amplifiers rated between 30 and 120 watts into 8 ohms on unclipped programme material.
The 705 S3 has a sensitivity of 88dB, a nominal impedance of 8 ohms and a minimum impedance of 3.7 ohms.
It can be partnered with a broad range of good-quality integrated, streaming and power amplifiers, although its minimum impedance means capable current delivery and control remain important.
A well-matched amplifier will help the 705 S3 produce tighter bass, clearer dynamics 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 705 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 705 S3 time to settle before making final decisions about speaker 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 705 S3 can be used as the main pair in a high-quality two-channel Hi-Fi system.
Its scale, clarity and dynamic ability also make it suitable for the front channels of a premium 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 smaller 700 Series 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
- Flagship standmount loudspeaker in the Bowers & Wilkins 700 Series
- Two-way passive vented-box design
- Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top enclosure
- 25mm Decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter
- Approximately 47kHz tweeter break-up frequency
- 165mm Continuum cone bass and midrange driver
- Flowport bass-reflex technology
- Curved cabinet baffle
- 45Hz–33kHz published frequency range
- 88dB sensitivity
- 8-ohm nominal impedance
- 3.7-ohm minimum impedance
- 30–120-watt amplifier recommendation
- Suitable for stereo Hi-Fi and home cinema systems
- Compatible with Bowers & Wilkins FS-700 S3 stands
- Supplied as a stereo pair
- Five-year limited manufacturer’s warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 speakers supplied as a pair?
Yes. They are supplied as a stereo pair of passive standmount speakers.
Are speaker stands included?
No. Suitable speaker stands are required and sold separately.
Which speaker stands are recommended?
The matching Bowers & Wilkins FS-700 S3 stands are designed for the standmount speakers in the 700 Series.
Do the 705 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 120 watts into 8 ohms on unclipped programme material.
Are the 705 S3 speakers difficult to drive?
Their 88dB sensitivity is reasonably amplifier-friendly, although the 3.7-ohm minimum impedance means a capable amplifier with good 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.
Can the 705 S3 be placed on a bookshelf?
Its size, weight and rear-facing Flowport make dedicated speaker stands the preferred option. A shelf would need to be exceptionally deep, rigid and well ventilated around the rear of the speaker.
Can the 705 S3 be positioned near a wall?
Yes, although the rear-facing Flowport means the final distance should be chosen according to the room’s bass response.
What size room suits the 705 S3?
The 705 S3 is particularly suitable for small and medium-sized rooms, although it also has enough scale for some larger spaces when partnered with a suitable amplifier.
How does the 705 S3 differ from the 706 S3?
Both use a 165mm Continuum driver, but the 705 S3 adds the separate Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top enclosure for improved high-frequency openness and stereo imaging.
Can the 705 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.
How large is each speaker?
Including the Tweeter-on-Top enclosure, grille and terminals, each speaker measures 413mm high, 192mm wide and 337mm deep.
How much does each speaker weigh?
Each speaker weighs 9.58kg.
What finishes are available?
The 705 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
- Speaker stand and isolation guidance
- Room positioning and setup advice
- Stereo and home cinema system planning
- Speaker cable and termination advice
- 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 705 S3.