Bowers & Wilkins 705 S2 HiFi Speakers Review - Mighty Book Shelf Speakers

[@KajottR]

I've had the 705 S2 since March. Together with my Atoll IN100 they are a dream combination. I recommend listening to it! As I found out, a reasonable power supply and good cables are also very important!!! TCI, Wireworld, Audioquest are now in use (costs about 1500€). The sound image is 3D and holographic! It's addictive to listen to for hours without fatigue!

[@daftmoonz9395]

Demoed them with a Rotel A14 bought them in Rosenut with a Rotel 1592.

[@constantin58]

If price doesn't matter, would you pick KEF R3 or B&W 705 S2 ?

[@CriPPleR_HD]

How much of the 705 S2 sound you get from the 706 S2?

[@Lawd_Kolya]

A lot I would say. The biggest difference is in the treble due to the separate treble house in the 705. That's my experience.

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

👍🤗 THANKS FOR SHARING …🤔 wondering how well you know the man in the story😉😂😍😍😍

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

I had a similar experience with B&W 600s3 LCRs damaged both 😞 …but they both STILL SOUND GREAT TO THIS DAY🤗 😍😍😍

[@rafaelarminanaromeu7401]

Gran revisión Terry, totalmente de acuerdo con usted, es importante asociarlos con un amplificador suave, no muy brillante en agudos.Tengo un amplificador Yamaha AS2100,, y estos B&W 705 S2 conectados en el canal A, y en el canal B tengo unos Focal Chorus 716. Conectando A+B, solo puedo decir que suena increíble, superior, he escuchado muchos equipos de miles de euros y este conjunto no tiene nada que envidiarles. Mi fuente es un Yamaha BDA 1060, con conexiones XLR, los cds suenan maravillosamente bien, y la transmision a traves de PC con AUDIONIRVANA, es una pasada en DSD 128, aunque el cd suena mucho mejor , para mis oídos.

[@borlach321]

I heard these in Chicago. Bass is insane for bookshelf speakers.

[@andyfreestone7616]

The B&W 702 is certainly impressive. If you are on a more limited budget you might consider the B&W CM8 s3, it uses the same tweeter and sounds almost as good.

[@Drackleyrva]

Great review! How would these sound with electronic music? Would you recommend a subwoofer? Thanks

[@GeoffParsons1469]

mine sound brilliant with electronic without using my sub

[@timmajni9293]

I’ve got a pair of Sumiko S9 subs with these. Very pleasant. Real is another option.

[@peterrobertson4495]

I'm currently looking at purchasing either B&W 705 S2s or potentially Kef R3s. You mention Kef Reference 3 in this review, I assume you are referring to the Reference 3 Floorstanders, not the R3 bookshelves? Thanks in advance and enjoyed the review.

[@MegaPalesz]

Hi!!!I would trade my wharfedale lintons for Bowers. Bowers & Wilkins 705 S2.....Will Bowers have a nicer voice?Thank you!!!

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

very different

[@MegaPalesz]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem Which one is better???Which one should I buy?Are you both good ???Thank you...

[@Demoaccount-i2k]

@@MegaPalesz the better is the ones you prefer listening to Nobody can answer this question

[@MegaPalesz]

@@Demoaccount-i2k Ok I already bought Monitor Audio Gold 100 sounds fantastic!

[@Demoaccount-i2k]

@@MegaPalesz they do i owned bronze silver and gold series, i can hear the difference between all of them but silver range is being my favourite sounds more exciting and lively than gold series, gold series produce more neutral sound I should take delivery of bw 705 s2 in next few days 🥳 I remember owning bw 606 and they left me with very good impression Im sure 705 s2 should top that

[@deanbrandon3615]

I have heard these in person. They are fantastic with a Hegel H120 amp. The bass was very impressive as you say. -might consider a subwoofer, but you really would not need one unless you have a huge room or want very heavy low bass.

[@hclandscapes]

Do you think a Hegel H120 work well with B&W 704s2?

[@tanjalappin8332]

I just got the H190 Hegel to match the 705 s2.putting them up today.

[@deanbrandon3615]

I ended up getting the Hegel 190 with these speakers. They are great, but I also added a B&W DB4S Subwoofer and set it to get just the lowest of lows. It helps imop, but even without it, these speakers sound great, even low bass.

[@GeoffParsons1469]

How much toe-in did you use Terry? Thanks.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Hi Geoff I dont remember exactly I made some demo videos maybe look at them and see. Maybe a little bit of toe in not a lot from memory

[@GeoffParsons1469]

Pursuit Perfect System thanks mate, at the moment I’ve got them toed just a bit and seem to be ok :)

[@muliayou94]

B&W 705 S2 + ARCAM CD S50 + ARCAM SA20 = 👍

[@aussie_philosopher8079]

Im thinking about buying a set this week. Any knowledge and advice from people before I drop $3 K. Can they run with a Denon 3806 receiver until I upgrade my amp soon?.

[@daftmoonz9395]

What do you think of Bi Wiring the 705 s2 with a Rotel 1592 amp?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Daft Moonz I posted this below as well. I don't know that amp at all sorry. I don see the mileage in it but maybe try it and see what you think. Dont chuck a load of money at it just in case but Its good to try things I do like to change the speaker jumpers for some proper cable Audioquest Jupiter are very good and reasonably priced

[@daftmoonz9395]

Thanks I got the 705 s2 and Rotel 1592 this week really great sound I decided not to bother bi wiring might try changing the speaker jumpers. I think an iPad is next to stream FLAC to the Rotel DAC.

[@christelles9905]

I tried this rotel but it was too much bright! I like Arcam sa20 and exposure 2010s2d.

[@andreasmoller9798]

@@christelles9905 that’s why I did go with Hegel h190 over rotel ra1592 they sound pretty simular but the Hegel is less bright and have a bigger soundstage

[@christelles9905]

@@andreasmoller9798 this is a splendid amplifier (and I love amplifier with beautiful Soundstage) , but too much expansive for me. I had the B&W 704 s2 it was beautiful but too much big for my room. I just changed for the 706 s2 it's not too bad compared to the 704 s2. The medium was better but this is the same sonority. I will add B&W 608 for the bass. I searched a lot to have an idea of another amplifier after the Arcam sa20. And I found on the net that the hegel rost was beautiful with the s2. So if it don't disappear, later i will change for this one. This is like a hegel 120, just with a dac different nothing else.

[@InChristJesus87]

Excellent review! I must say the 705 is a masterful bookshelf speaker. I really would love you to review the 702S2 which frankly in my opinion offers the best value in the entire B&W line. I loved them so much I went and sold my left arm to get a pair.

[@paulcastelein4819]

kwazykilla87 in stead of The B&W 702S2 I bought Fischer&Fischers for The same price €3800. The sound much better than B&W, and 10 Year Warrenty.

[@andreasmoller9798]

@@paulcastelein4819 thats not how things works b&w might sound better for some people, and some other people prefer a different sound, I have heard the 702 s2 and I was in heaven. It’s not for everyone as they are forward sounding, I have listen to a couple of speakers in the same price point as well, they was all good, but to my ears the clarity in the tweeter on b&w was on a different level

[@guillermomartin8248]

Should have sold the other and got the 805D3

[@sidvicious3129]

Everything that you said about these speakers, 705 S2 is absolutely correct. I just bought them last week and they are being replaced with the new 705 S3. I wasn't expecting much and I also own the Kef R3's that you mentioned. Well, I was impressed, I listened to Rock, Rap, Jazz, and Country and it was impressive. The tweeters are phenomenal and are one of the biggest differences between them and the Kef R3. Your review sums up my experience and I had pretty much written Bowers and Wilkins off due to bad showroom setups by dealers. I'm using them on metal stands filled with sand and I have Blue Tack under the speakers for vibration control. There is just so much more air on the top, the midrange and midbass is better than the R3, but the R3 is no slouch, except in the treble department. The R3 has more bass, but the treble is recessed by comparison. I have these hooked up to a pair of sim audio 400ms and I listen low and get Class A for the first 10 watts. I'm also listening along with other Audio Research components and these speakers sing. Although I still like the Kef R3s, the Bowers and Wilkins with the SVS SB4000 sub are extremely good and the sub is able to keep up with the speakers and the Bower and Wilkins is the better speaker. If I buy the other SVS SB4000, I won't need full-range speakers with these subs, they will be full-range speakers with bass that can't be matched by any full-range speaker. I love the Bluetooth controls in the app and I can sit in my chair and tweak until my heart's content for the sub and set presets. I bought these for the potential but ended up loving them.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Thanks Sid, you can trust me after all :)

[@wheelbasemedia5814]

Would you pick a nice set of used N805 speakers for the same money as the 705 S2, or go with the latter . . .

[@vincentmartinent2518]

Difference important Bw 705s2 or Bw 706 ? Thanks

[@stevenoconnor5693]

Is this worth the upgrade from the 606

[@abacar6134]

I have the 606 currently. I had the 705 s2 which are a little better in every way but not over 3 times better. For the money you can’t beat the 606.

[@Demoaccount-i2k]

@@abacar6134 are 705 over 606 musically more exciting sounding?

[@guillermomartin8248]

Terry! Great vids! I’ve been back and forth with these, I ended up getting the 704S2 but the more I’m into music I feel them lacking a bit, I’ve even contemplating going for the 805d3’s but they are double the price. What kind of amp would I need to get the most out of these guys (705s2’s) Currently I have an Arcam AVR10 (still w/in return). I’m a 60/40 music movie guy respectively. My room is 10x11, acoustically treated as well.

[@davidstein9129]

Where can I learn more about " Direct Live" room correction? I have no idea how to use it. It sounds like it could be very useful.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Got a video coming soon for this - please keep a look out.

[@paulschectman6586]

Etakama stand?

[@tyleryosef9862]

Awesome video! Great work. I can listen to mine all day without a subwoofer. They’re such an enjoyable speaker.

[@jameschant2740]

If these 705 series match or better the CM series before them they will impress the discerning listener.

[@planetag310]

I just heard these speakers at an audio shop in LA. They were paired with a (cheap?) Anthem amp and pre-amp. They were so forward-sounding and bright that I had to cut the demo short lest my ears begin to bleed. Not sure if it would make that much of a difference with my tube amp. I've heard that women have a hard time with audio because of their sensitivity, but I never had this issue with Sonus Faber or Harbeth demos.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Audrey G they are not like that in the right hands and in the right conditions . check out the song demos I made for them and see what you think.

[@aussie8114]

Not sure the reps example for the reason to seperate the tweeter from the main speaker is valid. He used his voice as example but the tweeter frequencies are highly directional. Tweeters on top is obviously for sales reasons. I think anyway.

[@MattRichardsonX]

Also to avoid subjecting the sensitive tweeter to vibrations and turbulence inside the cabinet.

[@aussie8114]

Matt Richardson Good point.

[@ryousuketakahashi5038]

Also i think the best affordable speakers are : Wharfedale Diamond 11 series , EVO series and Elysian series designed by Peter Comeau. They sound and look like speakers that cost 3 or 4 times more , they are unique and very good built. I HAVE SPOKEN

[@46barrj]

Very thin sounding, not much bass and fatiguing is my take on these.

[@brewt1mer]

What equipment did you pair them with?

[@46barrj]

@@brewt1mer I listened to them in a local Hifi store in Western Australia, where I was comparing a number of different brand bookshelf speakers. I thought Focal's and the B&W 805 were much much better than the 705's.

[@planetag310]

I have a Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum (all tube amp) that has 100 watts of power. Will that work OK or do I need more power for these speakers?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

That should be ok 100 tube watts is supposed to be the equivalent of more. Have a listen and see how you get on

[@planetag310]

OK, but not great I'm thinking. Also, my amp cannot bi-wire with these speakers which is another downside I expect.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Audrey G I didnt bi wire them I have never bi wired speakers but I do invest in better jumper cables for between the HF & LF connections. Best to have a demo and see what you think

[@HumanAction1]

I have the 705 s2's with the Cronus Magnum (I have Tung Sol KT120's in it) and it sounds magical. I don't bi-wire them and whenever I did I never really heard an audible difference (bi-amping is another story altogether). I have an EL-84 amp and while that drives my Klipsch and JBL's no problem, I can hear the difference in the less efficient B&W. The Cronus Magnum definitely makes them sing.

[@timmajni9293]

100 tube watts should rock the boat.

[@sonnyjohnson4715]

i still use the solid monitors , love those things

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

sonny johnson hello sorry I really don't know the amp I don't see the mileage in biwiring but maybe try it and see. don't chuck a load of money at just in case

[@sonnyjohnson4715]

Pursuit Perfect System I appreciate the reply. But I think you posted on the wrong comment lol

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

sonny johnson sorry I don't know how that happened my eyes are barely open so tired sorry

[@sonnyjohnson4715]

Pursuit Perfect System . Lol. It's all good. Shows you actually read the comments most don't .

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

sonny johnson as many as I can some I forget to reply to and some seem to dissapear

[@pulltheskyopen]

Dont tell stories num nuts...

[@experiment54]

Someone should sell a stick on sticker of the port, as it would improve the look of the front.

[@tyleryosef9862]

experiment54 I just drilled a hole in the front of each of mine. Now they sound like crap but at least they look good.

[@experiment54]

Ty Get shame you didnt wait for a sticker pack :(

[@tyleryosef9862]

I wanted the real thing.

[@daftmoonz9395]

I'm going to place a mirror behind mine.

[@grogmonster2408]

Having just watched E Projects sound battle comparison of the 705s2 Vs Rp600m and its surprising how close the two speakers sound, when the volume levels are the same. Having seen your review of the Rp600m, do you consider them to be anywhere similar sounding, or is it that the sound is not coming through via youtube adequately ? Any insight or comments in this regard would be very interesting.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I would say they are nothing alike at all in sound, totally different frequency responses for starters should never sound alike. I don't know e projects but maybe you are hearing a lot of room sound in his recording that is levelling the playing field. I dont know but something to consider

[@dinmor2701]

How did you manage to even out that curve for the metallic treble sound? Was it done by a computer or the amp?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Mikkel .Scheufens done in dirac live

[@dinmor2701]

Pursuit Perfect System Thank you, ill try that on mine!

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Mikkel .Scheufens if you don't already have Dirac Live I would really appreciate it if you used one of my links to access the website to purchase it. Thanks very much

[@dinmor2701]

Pursuit Perfect System Thank for the reply, you bet i will!

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Thanks very much, appreciate it There is a link under pretty much every video but here it is again shop.dirac.se/order/product.php?PRODS=4623827&QTY=1&AFFILIATE=98626&__c=1 Thanks all the best

[@Mrbluesplayer43]

Sorry, but the top mounted tweeter looks awful.