90%
Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3
705 S3’s Carbon Dome tweeter is housed in a Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top enclosure evolved from the latest generation of 800 Series Diamond. That joins a new and subtly curved baffle endowed with an all-new ‘pod’ housing for its Continuum Cone bass/midrange driver. * Stand(s) not included.
Experience the detail
This uncompromising two-way speaker reveals subtle nuances in music others miss. Its high-performance features include a solid body Tweeter-on-Top design borrowed from the 800 Series Diamond.
A house for high frequencies
The 700 Series features the latest generation of our iconic Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top housing. Its new, more elongated form incorporates a longer tube-loading system to produce an even more free and open sound with high frequencies. The carefully decoupled housing is milled from a single solid block of aluminum to better resist resonance.
Sharper detail
Carbon Dome tweeters are purpose-built for the 700 Series. Delivering a dramatic improvement on the aluminum double dome tweeter, they raise the breakup threshold to 47kHz, for pinpoint imaging accuracy and detail.
Truly amazing sound
Thanks to its composite construction, the Continuum™ cone avoids the abrupt transitions in behavior that can impair the performance of a conventional drive unit. The result is a more open, neutral performance that delivers voices and instruments with precision and transparency.
Dealers selling Bowers & Wilkins near you
The 705 S3 pairs a crystalline, low‑distortion Decoupled Carbon Dome treble with a muscular Continuum cone mid/bass to deliver prodigious detail, taut bass and a convincing, wide soundstage. Reviewers at hi‑fi+ and SoundStage praise its refinement and build; it rewards careful partnering.
Pros
- Highly resolved, low‑distortion high frequencies from the Decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter deliver clean extension and microdetail.
- Large, layered soundstage with precise imaging — the speakers can ‘disappear’ when set up properly.
- Surprisingly deep, taut bass for a compact standmount — strong punch and extension for its size.
- Impeccable build and refined tweeter‑on‑top cabinet with upgraded terminals and premium finishes.
&
Cons
- Needs strong, well‑matched amplification — can sound restrained or lose bite with modest electronics.
- Top end can be mildly tipped‑up in some systems/rooms, so positioning and partner choice matter to avoid apparent brightness.
- Losessome animation and low‑level dynamic drive at modest listening levels compared with its performance at higher volumes.
Sound Quality
91/100
Bass
91/100
6.5" Continuum woofer in a vented Flowport cabinet yields solid extension to ~50Hz and punch. Multiple reviews call the low end 'deep for a small standmount', 'ridiculously powerful' and 'serious slam'—porting and driver size explain the strong performance. Some room-placement sensitivity and occasional boom were noted, so excellence is 'for its size'.
Mid
92/100
Consistently praised as articulate, eloquent and highly detailed; reviewers point to clear, natural vocals and layered midband information. Continuum cone and smooth crossover deliver very convincing timbre and instrumental body.
Treble
90/100
Decoupled carbon-dome tweeter and Solid-Body tweeter-on-top give very clean, detailed highs with low distortion (breakup ~47kHz). A few reviewers noted a mild treble 'tip-up' or slight brightness that can be managed by positioning or partnering at higher volumes.
Soundstage Imaging
92/100
Multiple reviewers describe a large, convincing soundstage with excellent depth, layering and pinpoint imaging; the speakers 'disappear' when set up correctly and project a spacious presentation beyond their footprint.
Dynamics
86/100
Shows very good punch, transient speed and macro-dynamic capability—they 'come alive' at higher volumes and with stronger amplification. Several reviews note a loss of animation and low-level dynamics at modest listening levels, and the speaker benefits from robust partnering.
Show Less
Build Quality
94/100
Impeccable fit-and-finish, billet aluminium tweeter housing, solid bracing and quality crossover parts (Mundorf caps reported). Reviewers repeatedly call the construction exemplary and a benchmark for rivals.
Features Connectivity
83/100
Passive two-way with chunky binding posts accepting bare wire/bananas/spades; bi-wire/bi-amp capable (+2) and dedicated bolt-on stands available (+1) -> passive baseline applied. Score constrained within passive bookshelf bounds.
Value for Money
86/100
At the listed price (~$3,400 / £2,600-2,599 referenced in reviews) multiple reviewers state the 705 S3 delivers much of a higher-end experience and compares favorably to costlier models, though the S3 is pricier than the prior S2 and careful partnering is advised.
Reviews
Online Reviews & Mentions
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
FAST, EASY & NEAR
Find Bowers & Wilkins Verified Dealers Near You
Bowers & Wilkins dealers in the map