Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3

Reviews consistently describe the dual-woofer bass as weighty, fast, punchy and tightly controlled; What Hi-Fi? calls it one of the speaker’s trump cards, while Sound Advice praises its extension and speed. Some listeners find it more articulate than warm or room-filling, however, and bass level can depend substantially on wall distance, port adjustment and amplifier choice.

The Continuum midrange earns repeated praise for openness, clarity and fine vocal detail. Sound Advice found voices and instruments involving and well detailed, while The Ear heard rich, soulful vocal tone; Pursuit Perfect System similarly praised clean, sometimes holographic vocals, though it noted occasional crispness with certain recordings.

Several reviews find the titanium tweeter more open, silky and refined than earlier versions, with strong resolution but no routine shrillness. However, What Hi-Fi?, SoundStage Solo and Pursuit Perfect System all warn that system matching matters: the upper range can sound energetic, crispy or a little too prominent with bright partnering equipment or recordings.

The 603 S3’s imaging is a major strength, with reviewers describing a wide, deep and stable stage that reaches convincingly beyond the cabinets. Sound Advice reports realistic image scale and secure placement after slight toe-in, while Hi-Fi News and Future Audiophile particularly praise its enveloping depth, layering and sense of space.

The speakers can play with convincing speed, composure and scale: Sound Advice admired their handling of orchestral swings and driving rock, and The Ear praised their timing and control as mixes grow complex. What Hi-Fi? offers an important counterpoint, finding them somewhat restrained in dynamic contrast versus key competitors, so they are not the most explosive choice in the class.

The cabinets, plinths and terminals are widely considered solidly engineered, with multiple reviewers highlighting their reassuring mass, inert feel, stable foundation and precise grille fit. Oak and white finishes receive particular praise, although Pursuit Perfect System finds the standard black finish less lavish than some similarly priced alternatives.

At around £2,000 / $2,500 per pair, several reviewers consider the 603 S3 highly competitive: Sound Advice calls it something of a bargain, The Ear says it is among the best in class, and Hi-Fi News calls it excellent for the money. The premium is not unquestioned, though; Pursuit Perfect System notes a considerable price rise over the prior generation and modest finish quality, while What Hi-Fi? says the similarly priced PMC Prodigy 5 offers more nuance and dynamic excitement.