Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Signature: An Elevated Listening Experience

Bowers & Wilkins, a distinguished name in the realm of high-fidelity audio, has cultivated a legacy of producing loudspeakers that resonate with discerning listeners worldwide. With a commitment to innovation and a history of trickling down technology from their flagship ranges, the brand consistently delivers performance that belies its price point. The introduction of the 700 Series Signature range further exemplifies this philosophy, elevating already capable loudspeakers to new heights of sonic refinement. Among these enhanced offerings, the 702 S3 Signature stands as the flagship floorstanding model, representing the pinnacle of the 700 Series and promising an unparalleled level of audio performance. This designation signifies more than just subtle alterations; it embodies a dedication to meticulous engineering and the incorporation of premium components, resulting in a listening experience that aims to surpass its predecessors. Recognizing that aesthetics play a crucial role for many audiophiles, the 702 S3 Signature is available in two exquisite finishes: the deep and lustrous Midnight Blue Metallic and the rich, natural Datuk Gloss, both designed to complement sophisticated listening environments.

The Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Signature boasts an advanced driver configuration meticulously engineered for optimal sound reproduction. At the apex resides the 25mm Decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter, a hallmark of B&W's commitment to high-frequency purity. This tweeter is not merely affixed to the cabinet but is housed in the Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top enclosure, a design that strategically isolates the delicate tweeter from the vibrations and resonances emanating from the main cabinet. This decoupling is crucial as it minimizes unwanted interference, allowing the tweeter to operate with greater precision and clarity, ultimately enhancing the dispersion and detail retrieval in the high frequencies. The carbon dome itself is a sophisticated construction, comprising a layer of carbon coating applied via Physical Vapour Deposition over an aluminum dome, further reinforced by a carbon ring. This multi-layered approach increases the dome's stiffness, pushing its break-up point higher and resulting in a more accurate and less distorted treble response.

The midrange frequencies, often considered the heart of the audio spectrum, are handled by a 150mm Continuum cone FST driver. The Continuum cone, a proprietary innovation by Bowers & Wilkins, is crafted from a unique woven material known for its neutral and highly detailed sonic characteristics. The "FST" designation stands for Fixed Suspension Transducer, a technology that eschews a traditional fabric surround in favor of a carefully optimized termination, further reducing unwanted vibrations and reflections that can smear the clarity of the midrange. Adding to this advanced design is the biomimetic suspension, a six-spoked plastic ring that acts as the driver's spider. This lighter and less mechanically noisy alternative to conventional fabric spiders contributes to a cleaner and more detailed midrange performance. Notably, this is the very same midrange driver found in Bowers & Wilkins' esteemed 802 series, a testament to its exceptional quality and a significant factor in the 702 S3 Signature's performance. The midrange driver is also decoupled from the cabinet to further isolate it from unwanted vibrations.

For the lower frequencies, the 702 S3 Signature employs a trio of 165mm Aerofoil Profile bass drivers. These drivers utilize a sophisticated sandwich construction, featuring a foam core of varying thickness – thicker in the middle and thinner at the edges – encased by rigid outer layers. This design maximizes cone stiffness without adding excessive mass, allowing the drivers to produce deep and powerful bass with remarkable control and minimal distortion. This same Aerofoil cone technology is also utilized in the higher-end 800 Series models, highlighting the trickle-down of advanced engineering principles.

The seamless integration of these advanced drivers is facilitated by an upgraded crossover network, a critical component in directing the appropriate frequencies to each driver. The "Signature" designation brings with it significant enhancements to this crucial circuitry, including the use of high-quality Mundorf Evo capacitors, superior inductors, and high-frequency capacitors featuring Mundorf Angelique lead-out wires. Larger air-core inductors are employed for the bass drivers, and Bevenbi bypass capacitors are used in a doubled-up configuration. These premium-grade components minimize signal degradation and ensure a more transparent and accurate reproduction of the audio signal, allowing the full potential of the drivers to be realized.

The cabinet of the 702 S3 Signature is thoughtfully designed to complement the advanced driver technology. The slim front baffle, only slightly wider than the combined diameter of the drivers, is intentionally narrow to minimize diffraction, which can negatively impact soundstaging and imaging. The front baffle also features a subtle curve with inset driver trims, adding an elegant visual touch. The loudspeaker employs a rear-ported design, with a downward-firing Flowport that is elevated above an integral plinth supported by four aluminum legs. This configuration ensures that the reflex port has adequate space to function optimally, allowing for efficient and controlled bass reproduction. The downward-firing design also offers a degree of placement flexibility, as the interaction of the bass frequencies with the floor is more consistent. Finally, the 702 S3 Signature features upgraded speaker terminals crafted from low-lead brass with a chrome finish, mirroring the quality found in the 800 Series Signature models. These high-quality terminals not only provide a secure connection for speaker cables but also contribute to improved signal transfer, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail throughout the speaker's design.

Table 1 provides a concise overview of the Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Signature's key specifications:

Table 1: Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Signature - Key Specifications

The sonic character of the Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Signature is one of refined detail and balanced performance across the frequency spectrum. The bass reproduction offers excellent depth and control, providing a solid and articulate foundation to musical passages. It delivers a tight and deep pulse that propels the rhythm forward without any sense of muddiness or exaggeration. While the bass extends impressively for the speaker's size, listeners with very large rooms or those who prioritize maximum low-frequency impact above all else might consider the addition of a subwoofer to fully satisfy their preferences. However, for most listening environments, the 702 S3 Signature provides a well-integrated and satisfying low-end response.

The midrange performance stands out as a particular strength of this loudspeaker. Vocals are rendered with exceptional clarity and definition, allowing listeners to discern every nuance and inflection in the singer's voice. Acoustic instruments also benefit from this level of detail, exhibiting a natural and lifelike quality. The Continuum cone driver, shared with the more expensive 802 series, contributes significantly to this remarkable midrange clarity, offering a smooth and detailed presentation that avoids any sense of harshness or artificiality. Compared to the non-Signature 702 S3, the Signature model offers a slightly smoother midrange with an added layer of detail, further enhancing the listening experience.

The high frequencies are handled with finesse, offering ample extension and detail without becoming strident or fatiguing. Cymbal strikes are crisp and dynamic, and the overall treble presentation contributes to a sense of airiness and spaciousness in the soundstage. While one review noted a slight tendency towards hardness with certain sibilant sounds, the speaker's excellent timing generally mitigates this, and the overall high-frequency performance remains refined and enjoyable. The upgraded tweeter grille, with its more open design, likely contributes to improved vocal projection and high-frequency dispersion.

The Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Signature excels in creating a wide and deep soundstage, allowing music to unfold with a remarkable sense of space and dimension. Individual instruments are precisely placed within this sonic landscape, creating a holographic image that enhances the listener's immersion in the music. The speakers have a remarkable ability to "disappear," leaving only the music to fill the room. This impressive soundstaging and imaging are further enhanced when paired with high-quality amplification, as demonstrated by the reviewer's positive experience with a Class A Sugden amplifier, which produced an expansive three-dimensional image.

In terms of dynamics, the 702 S3 Signature demonstrates impressive capabilities, handling both subtle nuances and powerful crescendos with equal aplomb. The speaker exhibits excellent transient response, allowing it to start and stop notes with precision, contributing to a sense of immediacy and realism in the music. It can effortlessly transition from delicate passages to full-bodied orchestral swells without losing composure or detail. The ability to track low-level dynamics is particularly noteworthy, revealing subtle changes in volume and the attack and decay of notes, adding a richness and depth to the musical performance.

Listening sessions with the Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Signature reveal its versatility across various musical genres. With Big Boi and Dre Present Outkast, the speakers delivered a tight and deep bassline that anchored the groove, while the vocals remained clear and well-defined. The expansive soundstage was particularly evident with the live e.s.t. 30 album, creating a palpable sense of being present at the performance. Female vocals, often a critical test for loudspeakers, were handled with grace. Shelby Lynne's voice on "Just A Little Lovin'" exhibited no annoying sibilance, and the bass guitar was reproduced with detail and weight. While Joss Stone's "The Chokin' Kind" had a slight touch of sibilance, it was no more than what is typically heard on neutrally voiced speakers, suggesting the 702 S3 Signature is not masking any imperfections in the recording.

The speaker's ability to reveal the nuances of well-recorded music was evident with tracks like The Irresistible Force's "Nepalese Bliss," which was presented with maximum low-end girth and a wealth of detail. Even less audiophile-grade productions were handled impressively, with the speakers maintaining control and clarity. The dynamic capabilities were further showcased with Floating Points' "Les Alpx," which became a lively and engaging experience. The improvement over the non-Signature 702 S3 was noticeable, with guitar strings and vocals sounding cleaner and more defined. Esbjörn Svensson's piano playing on his solo album "Home. S-" was rendered with expressive clarity and the appropriate weight and body. Older recordings, such as Andy Bey's "Celestial Blues," were revealed to have more energy and vitality than typically perceived, largely due to the speaker's low noise floor. Rumer's version of "Don't Interrupt the Sorrow" sounded plush and open, with the 702 S3 Signature effortlessly resolving the fine details and the reverb in the recording.

The 702 S3 Signature is a revealing loudspeaker, meaning it will faithfully reproduce the quality of the source material. While it excels with well-produced recordings, it can also expose the limitations of less refined ones. This characteristic is common in high-fidelity audio equipment and should be considered by listeners with diverse music libraries. The synergy with amplification is also important, as demonstrated by the positive results achieved with a Class A Sugden amplifier, which seemed to complement the speaker's inherent characteristics.

V. The Verdict: Strengths and Limitations

A. Strengths:

• Exceptional clarity and detail in the midrange, particularly with vocals.
• Detailed and extended high frequencies that are generally free from harshness.
• Well-controlled and articulate bass performance with good extension.
• Wide and three-dimensional soundstage with precise instrument imaging.
• Excellent dynamic capabilities and transient response, handling both subtle and powerful musical passages effectively.
• Revealing nature that allows listeners to appreciate the nuances of high-quality recordings.
• Luxurious and visually appealing finishes in Midnight Blue Metallic and Datuk Gloss.
• High level of build quality and premium materials used throughout.
• Benefits from trickle-down technology and engineering principles from Bowers & Wilkins' flagship 800 Series.
• Offers noticeable sonic improvements over the standard 702 S3 model.
• Downward-firing port design provides some flexibility in room placement.

B. Limitations:

• Requires careful setup and positioning to achieve its optimal sonic performance.
• The 3.1-ohm minimum impedance may necessitate a powerful and capable amplifier to drive them effectively.
• While the bass is of high quality, some listeners in very large rooms or those with a strong preference for deep, impactful bass might desire more output.
• Its revealing nature means it can be unforgiving of poorly recorded or mastered music.
• There is a slight potential for the treble to sound a little hard-edged on certain recordings or with specific system pairings.
• The incremental improvements over the standard 702 S3, while significant, might not justify the price premium for all potential buyers.
• The inclusion of the plinth adds to the speaker's overall height, which could be a consideration in some listening environments.

VI. Conclusion: A Worthy Contender in the High-End Audio Arena?

The Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Signature stands as a testament to the brand's ongoing commitment to sonic excellence. Its elevated performance, characterized by exceptional midrange clarity, detailed highs, and controlled bass, creates an immersive and engaging listening experience. The "Signature" designation is more than just a badge; it represents tangible upgrades in key components that result in a noticeable step up in sonic refinement compared to the standard 702 S3 model.

While the 702 S3 Signature demands careful setup and a capable amplifier to truly shine, the rewards are significant. Its ability to reveal the nuances in music, coupled with its impressive soundstaging and dynamic capabilities, makes it a compelling option for discerning audiophiles. Potential buyers should consider their listening room size and amplification options to ensure a synergistic match. For those seeking a high-performance floorstanding loudspeaker that offers a taste of the technology and sonic prowess found in Bowers & Wilkins' flagship models, the 702 S3 Signature is undoubtedly a worthy contender in the competitive high-end audio market.

Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Signature - Pros and Cons Summary