Bowers & Wilkins 704 S3 vs Yamaha NS-2000A
The Bowers & Wilkins 704 S3 vs Yamaha NS-2000A pits two premium dynamic passive floorstanding speakers against each other, each a three-way vented/bass-reflex tower carrying a "giant-killer" badge and near-identical overall scores (91.3 vs 91.2). The 704 S3 is Bowers & Wilkins' slimmest tower, pairing a Decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter, Continuum cone FST midrange and twin Aerofoil bass cones for transparent mids and refined, controlled bass, with a manufacturer-rated 48Hz–28kHz ±3dB response and 88dB sensitivity. The substantially larger, 72.3lb Yamaha NS-2000A uses a Harmonious Diaphragm driver array, and reviewers measured strong in-room bass to 25Hz plus wide, precisely imaged staging, though with a reportedly recessed midrange and elevated treble. This comparison helps you weigh the 704 S3's compact footprint and midrange clarity against the NS-2000A's deeper bass, higher power handling (up to 200W) and larger-room authority.
Quick Take
Best for Larger Rooms
Yamaha NS-2000A
The much larger, 72.3lb NS-2000A handles high volumes and large dynamic swings cleanly, with reviewers calling it well suited to medium-to-larger rooms and able to play louder than tolerable without strain.
Best Full-Range Sound
Yamaha NS-2000A
With measured in-room bass to 25Hz, treble to 65kHz (-10dB) and a wide, immersive stage, the NS-2000A delivers genuine full-range scale from deep bass to extended highs.
Best Bass Without Sub
Yamaha NS-2000A
Audioholics measured powerful, controlled bass to 25Hz and noted most music listeners will not need a subwoofer, whereas the 704 S3's specified extension (48Hz ±3dB) is more modest.
Best Main System Speaker
Bowers & Wilkins 704 S3
Its Continuum FST midrange, Carbon Dome tweeter and top-tier build earn the highest overall score (91.3) with transparent mids, refined treble and expansive imaging for a reference main pair.
Watt'n Potatoes Analysis
Bowers & Wilkins 704 S3
91/100
Deliciously Crispy
Reviewer Summary
The slim 704 S3 brings midrange transparency, refined treble and tightly controlled bass to a premiu
Read MoreScore Breakdown
Sound Quality
92
Build Quality
96
Features Connectivity
80
Value for Money
74
Pros & Cons
Pros
Continuum midrange, decoupling and Biomimetic Suspension are designed to deliver exceptionally transparent, low-noise vocal and instrumental detail.
Carbon Dome tweeter upgrades and elongated tube loading support a cleaner, lower-distortion high-frequency presentation.
Aerofoil bass cones and enlarged Flowports aim for substantial, expansive output with cleaner bass performance.
Yamaha NS-2000A
91/100
Deliciously Crispy
Reviewer Summary
The NS-2000A marries deep, muscular bass with a wide, precisely imaged soundstage, delivering effort
Read MoreScore Breakdown
Sound Quality
91
Build Quality
95
Value for Money
89
Pros & Cons
Pros
Powerful, controlled low end reaches deeply enough that most music listeners will not need a subwoofer.
Wide, immersive soundstage with precise imaging and convincing acoustic-space reproduction.
Handles high volumes and large dynamic swings cleanly, while retaining detail and balance at lower levels.
Exceptional fit, finish and cabinet solidity, highlighted by the piano-grade gloss lacquer and premium hardware.
Cons
On-axis measurements indicate a recessed midrange and elevated treble; careful placement with minimal toe-in is advisable.
The top end is refined and non-fatiguing rather than exceptionally extended compared with some rivals.
Final Verdict
Choose Bowers & Wilkins 704 S3 if you want:
You want a slim-footprint tower that fits compact rooms while still delivering scale from twin Aerofoil bass drivers.
Midrange transparency and natural vocal timbre matter most; the Continuum cone FST midrange scored highest in its sound breakdown.
You value a refined, detailed treble from the Decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter without harshness.
You appreciate top-tier fit and finish, with a build-quality rating of 96.
Bi-wire capability and multiple finish options suit your system and décor.
Choose Yamaha NS-2000A if you want:
You want deep, muscular bass measured to 25Hz in-room, reducing the need for a subwoofer.
You need high power handling (up to 200W) and effortless output at high volumes.
Wide, expansive soundstage and precise imaging are priorities for your listening.
You prize furniture-grade build with piano-lacquer finish and premium hardware.
You accept a reportedly recessed midrange and elevated treble that reward careful placement with minimal toe-in.