I’ve always loved the search for the best sound. Finding speakers that bring music to life is a lifelong quest. Today, I’m looking at two top-notch British speakers: the Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 and the KEF R7.
These speakers are at the forefront of sound technology. They aim to give you an immersive, high-quality listening experience. As we dive into their design, build, and sound, I hope to share insights that help you choose the right speaker for you.
Key Takeaways
- Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 and KEF R7 are two premium floorstanding speakers with distinct British audio heritage
- Both speakers feature advanced driver technologies and innovative design elements to deliver exceptional sound quality
- Careful consideration of room size, placement, and amplification requirements is key for the best sound
- While the speakers are in the premium range, you might find discounts from authorized dealers
- Comparing the speakers’ bass, midrange, and high-frequency sound will help you pick the best for your taste
Introduction to Premium Floorstanding Speakers
The world of high-end audio has changed a lot. Brands like Bowers & Wilkins and KEF are at the forefront. They offer top-notch floorstanding speakers, thanks to years of engineering.
The Evolution of High-End Audio
Bowers & Wilkins began as an audio dealer before making their own speakers. KEF, a British brand, is now owned by GP Acoustics in Hong Kong but keeps its UK R&D. Both have a long history in the hi-fi world, always improving sound and design.
Understanding the British Audio Heritage
The British audio scene focuses on perfect sound. Bowers & Wilkins and KEF have perfected their craft. They make some of the best floorstanding speakers, loved by music lovers and audiophiles.
Market Position and Price Points
The Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 and the KEF R7 are at the top of the market. They cost about $5,999 per pair. These speakers aim to give a deep, immersive sound experience for the most critical listeners. Their high price shows the effort and skill that goes into making them.
“The British audio heritage is deeply rooted in the pursuit of sonic perfection.”
Design Philosophy and Build Quality
Premium floorstanding speakers like the Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 and the KEF R7 stand out. The Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 has a narrow, curved baffle. This design reduces cabinet boundary effects, making the sound more natural and immersive.
The top-mounted tweeter in an aluminum casing adds to the speaker’s look. On the other hand, the KEF R7 is known for its Uni-Q driver array. This design combines the tweeter and midrange into one unit, aiming for a more unified sound.
Both speakers are built with high-quality materials and finishes. Bowers & Wilkins offers a mirror-polished back plate and binding posts. KEF, on the other hand, has a sleek, minimalist design.
| Specification | Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 | KEF R7 |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet Construction | Narrow, curved baffle to reduce cabinet boundary effects | Sleek, minimalist design |
| Tweeter Design | Top-mounted tweeter in an aluminum housing | Integrated Uni-Q driver array |
| Midrange Driver | Distinctive midrange driver | Integrated Uni-Q driver array |
| Finish Options | Mirror-polished back plate and binding posts | Variety of contemporary finishes |
The Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 and the KEF R7 focus on speaker design, build quality, and cabinet construction. They ensure these speakers not only sound great but also look amazing in any room.
Technical Specifications and Driver Technology
The Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 and the KEF R7 are top-notch floorstanding speakers. They use advanced driver technology and design to give you a rich, detailed sound. This makes your music and movies come alive.
Tweeter Designs and Implementation
The Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 has a one-inch Decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter. It goes up to 47kHz, ensuring top-notch high-frequency sound. The KEF R7, on the other hand, uses the Uni-Q driver array. It combines a one-inch vented aluminum-dome tweeter with a five-inch aluminum-cone midrange driver for a unified sound.
Midrange Innovation
Bowers & Wilkins has added their Continuum Cone, FST, and Biomimetic Suspension technologies to the 703 S3. It has a three-way design with a six-inch Decoupled Continuum cone midrange driver. The KEF R7’s Uni-Q driver array also ensures clear and detailed midrange sound.
Bass Driver Configuration
- The Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 has two 6.5-inch Aerofoil Profile bass cones. They provide deep and extended low-frequency sound.
- The KEF R7 has two dedicated 6.5-inch bass drivers. They’ve been redesigned with a better magnet system for better bass response and control.
Both speakers use advanced crossover designs and special materials. This ensures great sound quality across all frequencies. It’s perfect for those who love high-end audio.
Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 vs KEF R7: Direct Comparison
When comparing the Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 and the KEF R7, music lovers are in for a special treat. These top-notch floorstanding speakers have unique sounds that appeal to different tastes.
The Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 has a slightly brighter sound, thanks to its Tweeter-on-Top design. This design, inspired by the 800 series, enhances high-frequency sounds. On the other hand, the KEF R7 offers a warmer sound. Its Uni-Q driver array creates a unified and engaging soundstage.
| Specification | Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 | KEF R7 |
|---|---|---|
| Tweeter Design | Tweeter-on-Top | 2.5 cm aluminum tweeter with MAT technology |
| Midrange Driver | 6.5-inch Continuum cone | 12.5 cm aluminum midrange driver |
| Bass Drivers | Two 7-inch Aerofoil cones | Two 16.5 cm woofers with hybrid aluminum diaphragm |
| Frequency Range | 28 Hz – 28 kHz | 33 Hz – 50 kHz (-6 dB) |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB | 88 dB |
| Impedance | 8 Ohms | 4 Ohms |
| Recommended Amplifier Power | 50 – 200 W | 15 – 250 W |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 1,080 x 320 x 400 mm | 110 x 31 x 38 cm |
| Weight | 34 kg | 29.3 kg |
| Price | $3,999 | 5,000 € |
Both speakers show top-notch build quality and finish. The 703 S3 has a classic look, while the R7 is sleek and modern. Your choice will depend on your sound preferences and how well they fit in your room.
Sound Signature Analysis
The Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 and KEF R7 floorstanding speakers have unique sound signatures. They both have strong bass response, but differ in overall sound and midrange clarity.
The 703 S3 uses Aerofoil Profile cones for a tight bass response. Its carbon fiber tweeter adds to the high-frequency detail. This gives a sense of treble extension that’s both airy and controlled.
Midrange Clarity and Detail
The 703 S3 excels in midrange performance. Its Continuum Cone technology ensures clear midrange clarity and vocal articulation. This lets you dive deep into your favorite music’s expressive details.
High-Frequency Performance
The KEF R7 has a more cohesive sound signature. Its Uni-Q driver array seamlessly blends midrange and treble extension. This creates a captivating soundstage that envelops the listener.
While the 703 S3 is precise and detailed, the R7 is warm and inviting. Both speakers meet different listener needs and musical tastes.
“The Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 and KEF R7 are like two sides of the same coin, each providing a unique and compelling sonic experience for audiophiles.”
Room Integration and Placement Considerations
When setting up premium floorstanding speakers like the Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 and the KEF R7, how you place them matters a lot. The room acoustics and speaker placement are key to getting the best sound. They help optimize the sound optimization of these high-end audio systems.
The Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 needs about 18 inches of space behind it for the best bass. On the other hand, the KEF R7 can be placed in more spots in the room.
Both speakers benefit from the right room treatment and placement. This helps get the best soundstage and bass. The 703 S3’s curved baffle design cuts down on room interactions. The KEF R7’s Uni-Q driver technology creates a wider “sweet spot” for listeners.
“The placement of speakers in a room can have a significant impact on the overall sound quality. It’s essential to experiment with different positions to find the optimal speaker placement for your specific room and listening preferences.”
- Make sure the 703 S3 has enough space behind it for its rear port.
- Think about your room’s size and layout when placing the KEF R7 for the best soundstage and imaging.
- Use room treatments, like acoustic panels or diffusers, to improve the room acoustics and reduce unwanted reflections.
By thinking carefully about speaker placement and room acoustics, you can get the most out of these top-notch floorstanding speakers. Enjoy a truly immersive and optimized listening experience.
Amplification Requirements and Compatibility
The Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 and KEF R7 are top-notch floorstanding speakers. They need high-quality amplifiers to sound their best. These speakers aim to deliver outstanding sound quality. But, they also have specific needs for power handling and compatibility when choosing an amplifier.
Power Handling Capabilities
Both speakers can handle a lot of power. The 703 S3 can take 30-200 watts, and the R7 can handle up to 200 watts. This means they can work with many amplifiers, from mid-range to high-end, without getting damaged.
Recommended Amplifier Pairings
- Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3: These speakers go well with many amplifiers, like Denon and Marantz. For the best sound, use a dedicated power amplifier instead of an all-in-one receiver.
- KEF R7: These speakers pair well with amplifiers from brands like Yamaha and Arcam. Like the 703 S3, a separate power amplifier is best for sound quality and power.
When picking an amplifier for the 703 S3 or R7, think about power output, speaker compatibility, and sound signature. Pairing these speakers with the right amplifier unlocks their full sound. This way, you get an immersive audio experience.
Value Proposition and Price-Performance Ratio
High-end floorstanding speakers like the Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 and the KEF R7 are top choices for audiophiles. The 703 S3 combines advanced technology from B&W’s 800 series with a lower price. This makes it a great option for those who want B&W’s sound quality without breaking the bank.
The KEF R7 also offers great value. It uses KEF’s Uni-Q driver technology in a full-sized design. This combination delivers sound quality that’s hard to find at lower prices.
These speakers are big investments but offer an audio experience that’s on par with the most expensive models. They’re perfect for those who want top-notch sound but don’t want to spend a fortune. The 703 S3 and R7 are solid choices for anyone looking to invest in their audio setup.
In the end, choosing between the Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 and the KEF R7 depends on your personal taste and listening space. Both speakers are high-end options that offer amazing sound quality and value. They’re definitely worth considering for serious audiophiles.
FAQ
What are the key differences between the Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 and the KEF R7 floorstanding speakers?
The Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 has a narrow, curved baffle and a top-mounted tweeter in aluminum. The KEF R7 features a Uni-Q driver array that combines the tweeter and midrange. Both speakers are built with high-quality materials and have unique designs.
How do the sound signatures of the 703 S3 and R7 differ?
The B&W 703 S3 has a slightly brighter sound. The KEF R7 has a warmer, more enveloping sound. The 703 S3 uses technology from the 800 series, including the Tweeter-on-Top design. The R7’s Uni-Q driver offers a cohesive soundstage.
What are the key technical specifications and driver technologies used in these speakers?
The B&W 703 S3 uses a carbon fiber tweeter, a thin foil midrange, and paper cone woofers. The KEF R7 has the Uni-Q driver array for the tweeter and midrange. Both speakers use advanced crossover designs and materials to improve sound quality.
How do the 703 S3 and R7 perform in terms of bass response, midrange clarity, and high-frequency extension?
The 703 S3 has detailed high frequencies and exceptional midrange clarity. It also has robust bass response. The KEF R7 is known for its warm sound and cohesive performance across the frequency range.
What are the room integration and placement considerations for these speakers?
The 703 S3 needs about 18 inches from the back wall due to its rear port. The KEF R7 is more flexible in placement. Both speakers benefit from proper room treatment and careful positioning for the best soundstage and bass response.
What are the amplification requirements and compatibility for the 703 S3 and R7?
Both speakers need high-quality amplification to perform well. The 703 S3 works with many amplifiers, including Denon and Marantz AVRs. The KEF R7 pairs well with Yamaha and Arcam amplifiers. Separate power amplification is recommended for the best results with both speakers.
How do the 703 S3 and R7 compare in terms of value and price-performance ratio?
Both the B&W 703 S3 and KEF R7 offer great value for serious audiophiles. The 703 S3 brings technology from B&W’s flagship 800 series to a more accessible price. The KEF R7 provides the Uni-Q driver technology in a full-sized floorstanding design.
