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Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3
Thanks to 706 S3's decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter and carefully upgraded crossover, it provides exceptional detail and insight into your music, while its substantial 165mm (6.5in) Continuum Cone bass/midrange drive unit provides ample scale and extension for use in larger spaces. * Stand(s) not included.
Life-sized acoustics
The powerful 706 S3 is the ideal stand-mount loudspeaker for delivering exceptional sound in larger spaces.
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.
Inspired by greatness
The new curved cabinet baffle and individual drive unit pods are inspired by the 800 Series Diamond, and greatly reduce cabinet coloration, ensuring a cleaner, more immersive sound.
Dealers selling Bowers & Wilkins near you
The 706 S3 delivers remarkably neutral, musically engaging sound, pairing crystalline detail from its decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter with deep, well-controlled low end from the Continuum cone. Reviewers applaud its tonal balance, transparency and controlled bass, making this compact standmount a reliable, high‑resolution monitor that translates studio recordings into vivid realism via StereoLife Magazine and HomeTheaterHifi.
Pros
- Exceptional tonal balance, neutrality and transparency that preserves timbre and vocal presence.
- Surprisingly deep, well-controlled bass for a compact monitor thanks to the Continuum cone and Flowport.
- High-quality build and finish with thoughtful mechanical details (terminals, port plugs) that feel premium.
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Cons
- Treble is a touch reserved by design; some listeners may prefer a slightly bolder top-end.
- Grille design and overall styling are divisive and may not suit every taste.
Sound Quality
90/100
Bass
90/100
6.5" Continuum mid/bass and Flowport deliver deep, controlled low end for its size; reviewers called the lows "flawless", "adequately deep" and in tune with the midrange. Rear porting can be managed with stands/placement; overall extension (~45Hz -6dB) and control earn an excellent-for-size rating.
Mid
92/100
Multiple reviews praise tonal balance, neutrality and transparency, describing the midrange as natural, present and "in tune" with bass. Vocal presence and timbral accuracy are repeatedly highlighted, supporting a high midscore.
Treble
88/100
Decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter provides refinement and detail with minimal harshness; one reviewer noted the treble is slightly reserved and "could have been a bit bolder," indicating a deliberate, polished presentation rather than forwardness.
Soundstage Imaging
90/100
Reviewers describe immersive realism and reliable, unfussy imaging that translates high fidelity into convincing spatial cues. The speakers are reported to create a tangible, present soundstage when well-positioned.
Dynamics
90/100
Characterized as "fast, adrenaline-charged" and tangible; measured distortion figures are low (<1% across much of the band), and reviewers note punch and control consistent with the speakers' sensitivity and recommended amp range.
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Build Quality
92/100
High-quality workmanship cited (lacquer, woodwork, attractive terminals), plus careful mechanical details (separated terminals, dense foam port plugs). Finish options and solid construction underpin a premium feel.
Features Connectivity
82/100
Passive bookshelf baseline applied (80) with +1 for included dense foam bass-reflex plugs and +1 for well-engineered terminal placement; 2-way vented design, single-post passive connections, 88dB sensitivity and 8Ω nominal impedance.
Value for Money
90/100
Reviewers call the tonal balance, neutrality and transparency "hard to repeat at a similar price"; with street/MSRP in the low $2k range and strong performance across criteria, these offer compelling value vs peers.
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