Audio T Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 is a substantial floorstanding speaker capable of delivering impressive scale, deep bass and precise stereo imaging.
Its Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top provides an open and focused treble, while the dedicated Continuum cone midrange and three Aerofoil Profile bass drivers keep voices, instruments and low frequencies clear and controlled.
The 90dB sensitivity is relatively amplifier-friendly, but the 3.1-ohm minimum impedance and considerable bass capability mean the 702 S3 deserves a powerful, high-quality amplifier and a room large enough to accommodate it properly.
Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Floorstanding Speakers
The 702 S3 is the flagship floorstanding loudspeaker in the Bowers & Wilkins 700 Series.
Its three-way design combines a Decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter, dedicated 150mm Continuum cone FST midrange driver and three 165mm Aerofoil Profile bass drivers.
Designed for listeners who want substantial scale and low-frequency authority, the 702 S3 is particularly well suited to larger listening rooms and high-performance stereo or home cinema systems.
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 front baffle.
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 while improving high-frequency openness, focus and stereo imaging.
Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter
High frequencies are reproduced by a 25mm Decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter developed specifically for the 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 operate with greater rigidity through the audible frequencies, helping the 702 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 rather than a conventional fabric spider.
The design is intended to reduce unwanted air pressure and noise generated as the driver moves, helping uncover low-level detail within the midrange.
The complete midrange assembly is also decoupled from the cabinet to minimise interference from the movement of the three bass drivers.
Three Aerofoil Profile Bass Drivers
Three 165mm Aerofoil Profile bass drivers provide the low-frequency foundation of the 702 S3.
Each cone uses a variable-thickness profile developed through computer modelling, providing greater rigidity where it is most needed without adding unnecessary mass.
Using three dedicated bass drivers allows the 702 S3 to deliver substantial depth, dynamic impact and room-filling scale while retaining control and definition.
Downward-Firing Flowport
The 702 S3 uses a downward-firing Flowport that vents through the space between the cabinet and its supplied plinth.
The dimpled port surface is designed to manage airflow and reduce unwanted turbulence as bass output increases.
The downward-firing arrangement helps distribute bass energy more evenly than a conventional rear-facing port, although the speaker’s position within the room will still affect its low-frequency balance.
Fit the Supplied Plinth Before Use
The plinth forms part of the 702 S3’s cabinet and port arrangement. It should be installed correctly before the speakers are used.
Do not obstruct the space beneath the cabinet, as this is where the downward-facing Flowport vents into the room.
Cabinet Construction
The 702 S3 uses a substantial three-way vented enclosure designed to provide a stable platform for its six drive-unit elements.
Separating the tweeter, midrange and bass sections allows each drive unit to concentrate on a more focused part of the frequency range.
The narrow front baffle also helps reduce unwanted diffraction around the drive units while allowing the speaker to maintain a relatively elegant appearance.
Speaker Placement
The 702 S3 is designed to stand directly on the floor using its supplied plinth, spikes or alternative floor protectors as appropriate.
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 702 S3 measures 1,138mm high, 290mm wide and 410mm deep.
Each speaker weighs 33.46kg, so adequate space and assistance should be arranged before delivery, unpacking or repositioning.
Amplifier Matching
Bowers & Wilkins recommends amplifiers rated between 30 and 300 watts into 8 ohms on unclipped programme material.
The 702 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, its low minimum impedance and three bass drivers place significant demands on amplifier current delivery and control.
A capable amplifier will help the 702 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.
Running In
New loudspeaker drive units can change as their suspensions settle through normal use.
Allow the 702 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 702 S3 is designed to 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
- Flagship floorstanding loudspeaker in the 700 Series
- Three-way passive vented-box design
- 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
- Three 165mm Aerofoil Profile bass drivers
- Downward-firing Flowport
- 28Hz–33kHz published frequency range
- 90dB sensitivity
- 8-ohm nominal impedance
- 3.1-ohm minimum impedance
- 30–300-watt amplifier recommendation
- Suitable for larger stereo 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 702 S3 speakers supplied as a pair?
Yes. They are supplied as a stereo pair of passive floorstanding speakers.
Do the 702 S3 speakers need an amplifier?
Yes. They require a separate stereo 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 300 watts into 8 ohms on unclipped programme material.
Are the 702 S3 speakers difficult to drive?
Their 90dB sensitivity is relatively amplifier-friendly, but the 3.1-ohm minimum impedance and three bass drivers mean 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.
Where is the bass-reflex port?
The Flowport faces downwards and vents through the space between the main cabinet and the supplied plinth.
Are the plinths included?
Yes. The stabilising plinths are supplied and should be installed correctly before the speakers are used.
What size room suits the 702 S3?
The 702 S3 is best suited to medium-sized and larger listening rooms with enough space to position the speakers away from surrounding walls.
Can the 702 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 1,138mm high, 290mm wide and 410mm deep.
How much does each speaker weigh?
Each speaker weighs 33.46kg.
What finishes are available?
The 702 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 702 S3.