Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

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SGM 15

reviews

[ { "title": "Tannoy Bounces Back with New Super Gold Monitor Series", "thumbnail": "https://v5.airtableusercontent.com/v3/u/36/36/1735092000000/Sfz9buRC3e13whFZWY94GQ/Q8MBiwPZzxrHoV_NZNfuVQVCBEx3-sxizMxffc6AF2LUrD0_tfJDcWDTYi3-W8pqQnS-YuspYWZSBGqjBSkBy9xMaBvbfgM1xEBiUPYTHPjWcHtXHq-VKruLt-pQOCXVikyqwbtvF0NxezhkW5f3p1p76vP3oN2E1YpXoZL4DeI/oFybER5NVtZXNQvUAJq902qIfHN_8W9_L7TD1l9o0kw", "link": "https://www.audioholics.com/tower-speaker-reviews/tannoy-super-gold", "source": "Audioholics", "datePublished": "12/29/2023" } ]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • System Frequency Response: 35 Hz – 30 kHz ± 6 dB
  • Recommended Amplifier Power: 20 - 300 W
  • Power Handling: 150 W continuous, 600 W peak
  • Sensitivity: 93 dB (1 W @ 1 m)
  • Impedance: 8 Ω
  • Crossover Frequency: 1.1 kHz
  • Components Low Frequency: 1 x 15" (380 mm) paper pulp cone
  • Components High Frequency: 1 x 1.3" (33 mm) aluminium/magnesium alloy dome
  • Dimensions (HWD): 650.2 x 424.9 x 1033.5 mm (25.6 x 16.7 x 40.7")
  • Net Weight: 50 kg (110.2 lbs)
  • Construction: 19 mm (3/4") Particle Board, MDF with plywood internal bracing
  • Finish: Walnut veneer and high acoustic transparency nylon grill cover
Once you step into the golden circle, it's nearly impossible to escape. Why? Because you will hear your music and films like you have never heard them before. Our heritage speaker Monitor GOLD was launched all the way back in the 1980's, and since then countless high-profile recording studios have used our speakers when mixing and/or mastering some of the most iconic albums and soundtracks in history. Artists like Michael Jackson, Elton John, The Eagles, Billy Idol, Depeche Mode, Christina Aguilera, and soundtracks for films like Top Gun, Breakfast Club and Catch Me if You Can had Tannoy speakers as the final link in the signal chain in the studio. Now, you can also have that legendary sound at home!

Responsive Tightness

The SUPER GOLD 10 speakers have 10" woofers that deliver that amazing sweetspot in between rich lows and tight and fast-responding mids and highs. They are the perfect companion when listening to music with fast transients and plenty of attack. For instance, Funk, Electronica, World Music and Contemporary Jazz comes to mind. That said, they are perfectly capable of giving you the chills when listening to Classical Music, Rock, Pop or any other music genre.

Dual Concentric Precision

We invented the dual concentric speaker design in 1947, and it has been refined and improved continuously over the decades. With SUPER GOLD you get the very latest incarnation of...
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • Tannoy emphasizes a "Dual Concentric" driver design, positioning the tweeter within the woofer for a single point source, leading to exceptional stereo imaging and a broad sweet spot.
  • They offer models with adjustable front baffle controls for treble energy and roll-off, allowing users to tailor the sound to their specific room acoustics and personal preferences.
  • Tannoy speakers are often described as providing a 3D soundstage, where instruments and vocals are distinctly positioned with air and space around them.
  • The brand values a "meaty," "strong," and "bold" sound, particularly in the bass frequencies.
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Avg. Product Price
$5,001-$10,000
Used For Sale
174
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Brand Popularity
35
 of 900+
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Top 50 Brand
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Products Listed
91
Founding Year
1926

Our take on the brand

Tannoy is distinguished by their unique coaxial design that places the tweeter in the center of the woofer, creating superior point-source performance that's particularly valued in recording and broadcasting studios. Their speakers feature a warm, lush sound signature that excels with jazz, acoustic instruments, and vocals, while maintaining a bold, retro aesthetic.

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Our interview with the brand

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What if you spend more?

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Tannoy
Canterbury GR-OW
13995
13995
/
3
Reviews
Tannoy is distinguished by their unique coaxial design that places the tweeter in the center of the woofer, creating superior point-source performance that's particularly valued in recording and broadcasting studios. Their speakers feature a warm, lush sound signature that excels with jazz, acoustic instruments, and vocals, while maintaining a bold, retro aesthetic.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Mid-range is undeniably world-class, providing realism of voices
  • Real bottom end that can be adjusted to personal taste with the help of slats
  • Super easy to drive with a benign impedance, working well with both low-watt tube amps and high-power solid-state amps
  • Highly detailed treble without shrillness, offering natural detail with excellent pace, rhythm, and timing
  • Delivers a combination of detail, warmth, depth, and power that is excellent and very musical
  • Height of the mid-section of the Dual Concentric might require elevating the speaker for optimal listening, as the tweeter may be below ear level

Product Considerations

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The performer placement is very good, though not quite the level of Vivid Giya G1, and the soundstage is both wide and deep, just a tad less expansive than the Giya
  • The tonality is similar to that exhibited by the one-tenth-as-expensive Sonus Faber Verere 3.0, just with a lot more force and bass extension

Takeaway: The Canterbury is an excellent speaker that offers detailed, integrated, dynamic, and warm sound, making for a stimulating listening experience with virtually all musical styles. It combines expertly-crafted woodwork and metalwork with adjustable bass and treble to fit any listener's preference.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Tannoy is distinguished by their unique coaxial design that places the tweeter in the center of the woofer, creating superior point-source performance that's particularly valued in recording and broadcasting studios. Their speakers feature a warm, lush sound signature that excels with jazz, acoustic instruments, and vocals, while maintaining a bold, retro aesthetic.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Borresen
X3
11000
11000
/
14
Reviews

The Børresen X series loudspeakers are not only a new entry-level into the Børresen universe, but also represents a real revolution in quality and performance in its price range. These speakers are created based on all the knowledge collected in the process of the creation of the M, 0 and Z-series. You´ll find components from these exclusive series in this Børresen X series loudspeakers – for instance the brand new Spread-tow carbon membrane, the highly praised Børresen ribbon tweeter and the use of copper caps in the magnetic motor system.

The X-series membrane that consists of three skins laminated into a single unit: two layers of spread carbon fiber, with a layer of aramid honeycomb spacers in between. The combination of these materials gives this membrane its unique properties. The spread-tow carbon fiber was designed to provide a skin with optimal stiffness. This unique feature of the membrane reduces sound-disturbing vibrations and resonances to unprecedented levels.

In the X-series magnet motor system, we use double copper caps on the pole rings to achieve high flux and low inductance. The use of copper caps has been adopted from the Børresen Z-series. Copper produces a response to flux changes – the better the counter-effect of these copper rings, the flatter the inductance curve, and the lower the electro-magnetic resonance.

The tweeter chosen for the Børresen X-series has the same design used in all other Børresen loudspeaker series. However, there is a reduction in magnet and iron mass. This is possible due to the extremely high efficiency of the original tweeter design. As a result, the efficiency has dropped only slightly from the exceptional 94 dB to 90 dB, but this is still an amazing efficiency for a tweeter.

The Børresen X-series is equipped with a parallel crossover built with the same high-quality components from the Z Series. This makes for a very mechanically stable crossover that minimizes its self-resonance.

The surface of the cabinet is finished in black or white piano lacquer and reinforced with carbon fiber inserts. The cabinet is made of a heavily braced wood composite material that has the property of eliminating sound distortion. The material used for the cabinet also reduces mechanical influences, especially hysteresis. The sonic result is clearly audible. The X-series is equipped with bass reflex ports. The tweeter is vented to compensate for the air pressure that builds up. The bass section consists of tuned ports calibrated for musically relevant frequencies.

Børresen Acoustics stands out for its iron-free magnetic motors and cryogenically treated metal components, which reduce inductance for clearer sound. The brand's speakers feature unique elements like zirconium-based 3D-printed baskets and a patented ribbon tweeter design, combined with series crossover networks for phase-locked electrical current across frequencies.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Exceptional imaging and soundstage.
  • Detailed high-frequency reproduction.
  • Tight and accurate bass.
  • Elegant design and high-quality build.
  • Good value for the price.

Product Considerations

  • Midrange response may have a 'hole' or 'scoop'.
  • Sweet spot is narrow.
  • Amplifier matching benefits from good current delivery.
  • Positioning requires careful attention.
  • Speakers are only available in black or white.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs GoldenEar Technology T66—the X3's tweeter is in 'a whole other class of high-frequency reproduction'.
  • Vs PureAudioProject Duet 15s—the X3 was faster, clearer, and had better transient response.
  • Vs KEF Reference 3 Meta—the X3 seems like a faster, clearer, more transparent speaker.
  • Vs Audiovector R3—the X3 has more pronounced and deeper bass.
  • Vs Audiovector R6—the R6 offers more visceral dynamics and seems to go lower.

Takeaway: The Børresen X3 is a well-built and visually appealing loudspeaker known for its exceptional imaging, detailed highs, and refined sound. It is a compelling option for those seeking a high-performance speaker in its price range.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Børresen Acoustics stands out for its iron-free magnetic motors and cryogenically treated metal components, which reduce inductance for clearer sound. The brand's speakers feature unique elements like zirconium-based 3D-printed baskets and a patented ribbon tweeter design, combined with series crossover networks for phase-locked electrical current across frequencies.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Estelon
Aura
19900
19900
/
11
Reviews

The Estelon AURA loudspeaker is designed and constructed by taking into consideration the environmental acoustics of real-life listening spaces. It provides an immersive and captivating audio experience like no other among speakers of this size. To achieve this, AURA has been designed with meticulous attention to detail, incorporating cutting-edge technology and unique features that set it apart from other loudspeakers in the market. The AURA is more than just a loudspeaker; it's a work of art that combines form and function to provide an unparalleled audio experience. With its unique design and advanced technology, AURA is sure to be a game-changer in the audio world.

Estelon crafts speakers using a proprietary marble-based composite material that provides advanced damping and rigidity, with their enclosures featuring no parallel walls and almost entirely curved surfaces to minimize sound diffraction. Their speakers resemble modernist sculptures and feature adjustable modules for optimizing performance in various room settings, along with premium Accuton drivers including diamond tweeters for precise high-frequency reproduction.
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Product Strengths

  • Striking aesthetic design is repeatedly praised, seamlessly blending into living spaces
  • Exceptional soundstage and imaging are consistently highlighted as standout features
  • Balanced presentation across the frequency range offers a smooth integration of bass, midrange, and treble
  • Well-controlled and detailed bass integrates well with the other drivers
  • Clear and detailed midrange and treble contribute to a fast presentation of vocals and instruments
  • Connectivity options are solid

Product Considerations

  • The Aura's impedance can drop to a low 2 ohms at 58 Hz, making it a demanding load for amplifiers
  • Bass output may not suit all tastes, particularly those who prefer bass-heavy music or have larger rooms
  • System matching with warmer components may be necessary to achieve a preferred sound balance
  • The placement of the binding posts and the tight space around them are a bit challenging when connecting speaker cables

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to SVS Titans, the Aura is a clear step up in clarity and transparency, but the Titans deliver more bass output
  • Compared to YG Acoustics Peaks Ascent, the AURA speaker has a very different frequency profile

Takeaway: The Estelon Aura speakers combine striking aesthetics with high-end sound, offering a balanced and engaging listening experience that works well in various rooms. They are a strong contender for audiophiles seeking a speaker that is both visually appealing and sonically refined.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Estelon crafts speakers using a proprietary marble-based composite material that provides advanced damping and rigidity, with their enclosures featuring no parallel walls and almost entirely curved surfaces to minimize sound diffraction. Their speakers resemble modernist sculptures and feature adjustable modules for optimizing performance in various room settings, along with premium Accuton drivers including diamond tweeters for precise high-frequency reproduction.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Audiovector
Trapeze
19950
19950
/
8
Reviews

A 3-way floor standing design, the Trapeze Reimagined features a proprietary 12-inch high-power mid/bass driver. A 5-inch-high speed midrange. And the only AMT-tweeter on the market that stays true to the original design from audio genius Dr. Oscar Heil. The three drivers combine to achieve an even power, flat frequency response to match the famous Brûel & Kjaer ideal room response.

A diffraction absorbing felt area around the treble and midrange drivers helps to create a rare and natural soundstage: prepare to be transported to the atmospheric heart of a live event. The low frequency tuning adds weight and drama to any music. The extremely low distortion of the bass driver allows unusually natural and dynamic vocals as well as a beautifully rich sound without boom or bloom that just sounds so right. No problems with bass, midrange, or treble. Just an open, rich, musical, and rhythmic reproduction of all kinds of music in all kinds of settings.

Audiovector, a Danish speaker brand, stands out for the founder’s relentless rethinking of every component in their designs. Their use of unique materials, innovative technologies, and unconventional theories on sound results in speakers that genuinely sound distinct—especially in the R series. The flagship models in this series are known for creating exceptional soundstage depth, the kind you’d typically expect from dipole speakers, not cone-driver designs. Audiovector also focuses on minimizing harsh treble, ensuring smooth, fatigue-free vocals. Their speakers consistently receive high praise from reviewers and often win best-of-the-year awards.
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Product Strengths

  • Clarity and seamless presentation, along with excellent dynamics and punch
  • Impressive bass power, agility, and grip
  • The design makes it less obtrusive in a domestic setting than most alternatives
  • AMT tweeter provides a crisp, revealing treble
  • Damping feature allows for a degree of flexibility in matching the speaker with amplifiers

Product Considerations

  • The design lacks the visual elegance of other high-end Audiovector speakers
  • Stereo imaging could be more expansive
  • The Freedom Grounding cable is expensive as an optional purchase

Takeaway: The Audiovector Trapeze Reimagined combines retro inspiration with modern technology, creating a speaker that puts entertainment first with clarity, dynamics and impressive bass. With its unique design and adaptable sound, it's a great pick for music lovers that want fun and high-end performance.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Audiovector, a Danish speaker brand, stands out for the founder’s relentless rethinking of every component in their designs. Their use of unique materials, innovative technologies, and unconventional theories on sound results in speakers that genuinely sound distinct—especially in the R series. The flagship models in this series are known for creating exceptional soundstage depth, the kind you’d typically expect from dipole speakers, not cone-driver designs. Audiovector also focuses on minimizing harsh treble, ensuring smooth, fatigue-free vocals. Their speakers consistently receive high praise from reviewers and often win best-of-the-year awards.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Tannoy
Kensington GR-OW
8165
/
Released
2 way floor-standing loudspeaker for large sized rooms featuring Dual Concentric driver technology that provides class-leading coherence and point-source imaging.
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Tannoy is distinguished by their unique coaxial design that places the tweeter in the center of the woofer, creating superior point-source performance that's particularly valued in recording and broadcasting studios. Their speakers feature a warm, lush sound signature that excels with jazz, acoustic instruments, and vocals, while maintaining a bold, retro aesthetic.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Beautifully made with retro design details and fine craftsmanship
  • Has adjustments for treble energy and roll-off which can be helpful
  • Delivers music with impressive force, scale, and ease
  • Produces subtle, textured, and articulate bass
  • Dual Concentric driver gives a seamless and direct delivery

Product Considerations

  • The size of the Kensington GR means a big room, around 20 square metres as a minimum, is needed
  • Closer placement to the rear or sidewalls can result in an unnatural bloom at low frequencies
  • Some rivals have more punch and grip in the bass

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Tannoy GRF, the Kensington is more relaxed, sweeter, and warmer
  • Vs Tannoy GRF, the Kensington lacks GRF's sense of scaling in the presentation
  • Vs Tannoy GRF, the Kensington's presentation is more entertaining but less clinically accurate

Takeaway: The Kensington GR is a well-made speaker that delivers music with impressive force and clarity. Its detailed design and sound make it a charming and unique addition to any room.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Tannoy is distinguished by their unique coaxial design that places the tweeter in the center of the woofer, creating superior point-source performance that's particularly valued in recording and broadcasting studios. Their speakers feature a warm, lush sound signature that excels with jazz, acoustic instruments, and vocals, while maintaining a bold, retro aesthetic.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Tannoy
Stirling III LZ Special Edition
5312
/
Released
2024
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Tannoy is distinguished by their unique coaxial design that places the tweeter in the center of the woofer, creating superior point-source performance that's particularly valued in recording and broadcasting studios. Their speakers feature a warm, lush sound signature that excels with jazz, acoustic instruments, and vocals, while maintaining a bold, retro aesthetic.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Music is delivered with impressive speed and punch, defining the leading edges of notes with crispness
  • Stereo imaging is a strength, providing a focused and stable soundstage with a broad listening sweet spot
  • Beautiful oiled Walnut finish that exudes a high-end look and feel with incredible build quality
  • The speaker's cabinet detailing and metalwork is lovely, along with a pleasing fit and finish, and the luxurious appearance of the oiled walnut veneer
  • An extremely efficient design with a 93 dB sensitivity means they can be driven with ease with a recommended amplifier from 20 watts to 250 watts

Product Considerations

  • There's a lack of subtlety to the presentation that is surprising; Stirlings don't exhibit the level of finesse, refinement and articulation expected
  • Tonally, these Tannoys sound lean and short of natural warmth through the midrange, leaving voices and instruments sounding thinner and harder than they should
  • Bass performance is flawed with a notable shortfall of grip and definition

Takeaway: The Tannoy Stirling III LZ Special Edition speakers are gorgeous and give a superb performance. It is worth considering taking a listen to the Stirling III LZ Special Edition speakers.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Tannoy is distinguished by their unique coaxial design that places the tweeter in the center of the woofer, creating superior point-source performance that's particularly valued in recording and broadcasting studios. Their speakers feature a warm, lush sound signature that excels with jazz, acoustic instruments, and vocals, while maintaining a bold, retro aesthetic.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
KEF
LS60 Wireless
5499
/
Released
2022
The LS60 Wireless delivers truly realistic, high-fidelity sound for home entertainment. Its slim, plug and play design, packed with KEF's key technology, offers the whole package: not only does it look as good as it performs, it boasts extensive connectivity options.
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KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Striking, sleek, and modern design that complements modern interiors
  • Incorporates KEF's Uni-Q driver array and Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) for neutral, open, detailed sound, reducing unwanted sound from the rear of the tweeter
  • Includes Uni-Core force-canceling woofers that reduce cabinet vibrations, contributing to balanced and detailed bass
  • The KEF Connect app allows for adjustments to fit the listening environment
  • Offers high connectivity and is a true stand-alone system

Product Considerations

  • Bass can be a bit too much out of the box, requiring adjustments via the app or placement considerations
  • Not well-suited for those who have many signal sources to connect to
  • Some reviewers found the bass lacked definition in the upper bass, with unclear instrument placement, even after adjusting EQ settings
  • The included remote control is considered basic or cheap
  • Mandatory online registration and administrator-level internet connection requirements for the app may be a drawback for privacy-conscious users

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Bang & Olufsen Beolab 28, the LS60 Wireless can achieve similar sound quality with adjustments, at a lower price point, although the Beolab 28 sounds 'more right' straight out of the factory
  • Compared to the KEF LS50 Wireless II, the LS60 Wireless is preferred stylistically, achieves near full-range playback, and has a more slim design, although it costs more and also provides much deeper bass
  • Compared to the Q Acoustics Active 400 Towers, the LS60 Wireless has no issues with products not working

Takeaway: The KEF LS60 Wireless are stylish, all-in-one speakers that deliver a balanced, detailed sound with advanced technology. They are a convenient, high-performing solution for those seeking a streamlined audio setup.

Video review

Our take on the brand

KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Product Page
Bowers & Wilkins
703 S3
5999
/
Released
2023
The new 703 S3 now features our iconic Tweeter-on-Top configuration for the first time, alongside a decoupled FST™ Continuum cone midrange driver - enhanced by the addition of our revolutionary new Biomimetic Suspension - and twin Aerofoil Profile bass drivers.
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Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Superb design and build quality.
  • Articulate sound, especially in the upper midrange and treble regions.
  • Very good imaging, with strong definition and delineation between instruments and performers.
  • Vivid and clear midrange, revealing subtle details in recordings.
  • Transparency ensures more of the music is heard as it was intended.

Product Considerations

  • A capable amplifier is needed due to impedance dips to 3.1 ohms.
  • Not a bass-heavy speaker.
  • The tweeter can become too much if listening to poorly recorded music or at very high volumes.
  • The bass can sound a bit thin, depending on room size and personal preference.
  • Can sound a little bit cool when playing certain types of music.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs KEF R11 Meta—KEFs presented more physical scale with respect to soundstage, with even greater width.
  • Vs Polk R700 and Klipsch RP8000F Mk2—Not better than the B&Ws, but aren't embarrassed by them either.
  • Vs B&W 805 D IV—In one listening room, the 703 is nearly as good.
  • Zoo sound a little bit warmer.

Takeaway: The 703 S3 makes listening engaging and fun, with dynamic sound suitable for both music and movies. It brings clarity to vocals, especially at lower volumes, making it great for late-night listening.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Bowers & Wilkins
702 S3
6999
/
Released
2022
Our flagship, the 702 S3, is a state-of-the-art tower speaker that defines new standards for performance in its class. If you want the best, this is it.
Check Amazon
Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Trickle-down technology from the 800 series narrows the gap with higher-end models
  • Improved clarity of details, accuracy, and soundstage width compared to previous 702 models
  • Clean and articulate bass is often attributed to the downward-firing port and plinth arrangement
  • Excellent imaging and soundfield, with impressive width and height
  • Delivers high definition and low coloration, offering a taste of the 800 Series experience

Product Considerations

  • Careful positioning is required to achieve optimal tonal balance and musicality
  • A reasonably powerful amplifier (minimum 75W recommended) is needed to perform at its best
  • May not be a great match for valve amplifiers, preferring solid-state options
  • The satin black MDF plinths are integral and require additional floor space
  • Difficult to move around due to their weight (over 40 kg each) and lack of handholds

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the 702 S2 and 702 Signature, the S3 has improved clarity, accuracy, and soundstage width
  • Compared to the Focal Aria 936 K2, the reviewer prefers the aesthetics of the 702 S3

Takeaway: The 702 S3 is a well-built loudspeaker offering a significant upgrade in sound quality. Trickle-down technology gives a taste of Bowers & Wilkins' flagship series at a more affordable price.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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