When it comes to premium compact speakers that deliver studio-quality sound, the Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 stands out as an impressive choice for audio enthusiasts. These standmount speakers pull in some trickle-down tech from the flagship 800 Series, but at a price that’s a bit more approachable—especially for folks with smaller rooms who still want that high-end performance.
The 707 S2 sports a pretty slick combo of drivers. There’s a 1-inch Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter up top for those sparkling highs, and a 5-inch Continuum cone driver taking care of midrange and bass. Together, they pull out details in vocals and instruments that you just don’t get from run-of-the-mill speakers.
- COMPACT BOOKSHELF SPEAKER - With the acquired tech of our award-winning 800 Series Diamond range and Flowport technology assisting for solid bass, the Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 2-Way Standmount Loudspeaker's compact design makes it ideal for smaller areas
- CLEANER AUDIO WITH BETTER BASS - With Bowers & Wilkins' Flowport technology, this standing speaker produces solid bass and prevents the turbulent "chuffing" that can be created by standard ports. Includes a two-piece foam plug to adjust bass response
- HIGH-QUALITY SOUND WITH SHARPER DETAILS - The 707 S2 bookshelf speaker features a Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter that is purpose-built for the 700 series. It reveals clarity and detail in great vocal performances, and delivers well-balanced sound
One of the more clever features is the Flowport technology. It’s designed to kill off that annoying air noise you sometimes get from regular speaker ports, so you get tighter, cleaner bass. They even toss in foam plugs to help you tweak the sound if your room is tricky.
You’ll want proper stands to get the best out of these (and yeah, that’s an extra cost). On the plus side, they slot right in with other 700 Series models if you’re thinking about a full surround setup.
Click here to purchase the 707 S2 and experience studio-quality sound in your home.
Overview: Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 Standmount Loudspeaker
These compact bookshelf speakers punch well above their size. The 707 S2 borrows a lot from B&W’s fancy 800 series—most notably, the 5-inch Continuum cone driver and carbon dome tweeter.
Key Performance Features:
- Carbon dome tweeter provides exceptional vocal clarity
- Continuum cone delivers precise midrange reproduction
- Flowport technology reduces bass turbulence
- 30-watt maximum output power
The build feels solid, and that gloss black finish is a real eye-catcher. The carbon tweeter digs out fine details in your music, the kind that usually gets lost on cheaper speakers. The midrange is natural and balanced, though some folks might wish for a bit more sparkle up top.
Downsides? The stands aren’t included, so factor that in. Still, they’re versatile enough—music, movies, whatever. And if you’re building a bigger system, they play nicely with the rest of the 700 series.
Dimensions: 10.9″ x 6.5″ x 11″
Weight: 13.2 pounds each
Studio-Quality Sound Performance
Fire up the 707 S2, and the first thing you notice is just how clean and detailed everything sounds. That Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter really makes vocals float—no haze, no harshness, just clarity that’s honestly a bit addictive.
The Continuum Cone driver keeps the midrange honest, handling instruments and voices without that weird coloration you sometimes get. Bass is tight thanks to the Flowport; you don’t get the “chuffing” noise that plagues a lot of ported designs, and the low end stays present without getting boomy.
Key Performance Aspects:
- Clarity: Vocals and instruments stand apart, no smearing
- Bass Control: Clean lows, no port noise
- Detail Retrieval: Highs stay crisp, even at lower volumes
You’ll want a proper amplifier—these speakers wake up with decent power behind them. Bass doesn’t go super deep (physics is physics), but for nearfield setups or smaller rooms, the balance is honestly pretty impressive.
Continuum Cone Driver for Midrange Clarity
The Continuum cone really is the star when it comes to midrange. This woven material, unique to B&W, keeps things sounding open and warm. Vocals and acoustic instruments have a natural, almost tactile presence.
Because of how it’s built, the cone avoids the harshness or breakup you sometimes get from paper or metal drivers. Even after long listening sessions, you don’t get that ear fatigue—dialogue stays clear, guitars and piano sound true.
Key Performance Areas:
- Vocals stay smooth at all volumes
- Strings and acoustic instruments come through without that metallic edge
- Mid-bass transitions nicely into the highs
It’s not perfect; with really dense music (think big orchestras), you might hear it compress a little if you crank the volume. But for most home listening, especially with jazz, classical, or anything vocal-heavy, the midrange is just lovely.
Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter
The tweeter design is easily one of the best things about these speakers. By decoupling it from the cabinet, B&W keeps unwanted vibrations from muddying up the highs.
Across genres, the tweeter’s clarity stands out. You get delicate details in acoustic tracks, but it never gets harsh—even after hours of listening.
Key Performance Areas:
- Vocals: Clear, no hiss or sibilance
- Separation: Instruments don’t blur together
- Dynamics: Handles soft and loud passages smoothly
The decoupled mount really seems to help keep treble clean, especially compared to more basic designs. If you push them to silly volumes, the tweeter can start to sound strained, but that’s well past what most people would do at home.
Flowport Technology for Enhanced Bass
B&W’s Flowport system is a neat bit of engineering. It’s all about getting rid of the air turbulence that can make bass sound sloppy or noisy in small speakers.
In practice, it works. Bass is controlled, not muddy, and you don’t get that “puffing” sound from the port. The included foam plugs let you tweak the bass if your room is tricky or if you’ve got them near a wall.
Key Performance Features:
- No turbulence, so bass stays tight
- Bass clarity even when you turn it up
- Foam plugs for tuning the low end
If you’re not running a subwoofer, the Flowport helps the 707 S2 dig surprisingly deep for their size. You won’t rattle the windows, but for bookshelf speakers, the bass is satisfying.
Design and Build Quality
The gloss piano black finish is a real showstopper—these look every bit as expensive as they are. They’ve got a reassuring heft, but aren’t so big you can’t fit them on a desk or shelf.
Key Design Elements:
- Cabinet: Compact, classic 2-way standmount
- Tweeter: 1″ Decoupled Carbon Dome
- Driver: 5″ Continuum cone
- Technology: Flowport for better bass
Everything feels premium, from the materials to the way the drivers are mounted. The tweeter sits up top, the Continuum cone dominates the front, and nothing feels flimsy.
One thing to note: stands aren’t included, and honestly, you’ll want them for best results. Still, their size makes them easy to work into most rooms, and they’ve got enough weight to feel like serious gear.
Home Theater Integration Options
If you’re piecing together a surround system, these play nicely with the rest of the 700 Series. Pair them with the HTM72 S2 center, 704 S2 towers, and maybe a DB4S sub, and you’ve got a cohesive setup.
Compatible Components:
- HTM72 S2 center channel speaker
- 704 S2 tower speakers
- DB4S subwoofer
- FS-700 S2 dedicated stands
They work great as stereo speakers, too. Impedance is 8 ohms, so most amps and receivers will be just fine.
The FS-700 S2 stands are made for these, but again, they’re extra. The compact size means you can place them in rooms where big towers would be overkill.
Pros and Cons
After living with these premium bookshelf speakers, here’s what really stands out.
Pros
The carbon dome tweeter is just brilliant—vocals and detail are next-level. Instruments keep their character, no matter what you throw at them.
That Continuum cone driver gives you a solid midrange. Bass is surprisingly good for such a small box, and the Flowport keeps things clean.
Build quality is top-notch. The gloss finish looks killer, and they feel like they’ll last. They slot in easily with other 700 Series gear, so expanding your system is simple.
Compact size makes placement a breeze. Desks, shelves, stands—whatever works for your space.
Cons
Stands aren’t included, which stings at this price. The marketing photos can be a bit misleading since they always show them on stands.
Price is definitely on the high side. If you’re just dipping your toes into hi-fi, these might be a stretch.
Amp requirements—they need some juice. Don’t pair them with a bargain-basement receiver and expect magic.
Some listeners find the sound signature a bit more laid-back than they’d like. If you want something super bright or in-your-face, you might want to look elsewhere.
The gloss finish is a fingerprint magnet. You’ll be wiping them down more than you’d expect.
Customer Reviews
Owners are pretty vocal about the 707 S2’s build and finish—lots of love for the piano black look, and folks seem happy with the heft and quality.
Sound Quality Feedback:
- Vocals are clear, details pop
- Tweeter gets high marks for top-end performance
- Midrange gets solid praise
People using them on desktops (with good amps and sometimes a sub) are happy. They’re pulling double duty for music and gaming in some setups, and seem to handle both well.
Common Concerns:
- Stand confusion – A bunch of people thought stands were included (they’re not)
- Sound signature – Some wish they were a touch brighter
- Price – A few mention finding better deals elsewhere
RV and mobile audio fans like the small size. They work with both vintage and modern amps, but everyone agrees: don’t skimp on your source gear if you want them to shine.
Conclusion
After plenty of hours with the 707 S2, I’d say they’re a killer option for desktop or small-room listening if you want that classic B&W sound. The Continuum cone and carbon dome tweeter work together to deliver crisp vocals and sparkling highs—definitely worth the investment if sound quality is your top priority.
The finish is gorgeous, and the build feels rock solid. Just remember to budget for stands—they’re not included, and you’ll want them.
Key Takeaways:
- Super clear, detailed sound
- Looks and feels premium
- Great for music, movies, or gaming
- Needs a decent amp and proper stands
- Best for near-field or small rooms
They’re not cheap, but if you’re after compact speakers with real audiophile chops, the 707 S2 delivers. It’s a solid pick for anyone who’s a bit picky about their audio, whether for a desk, shelf, or even a small home theater.
Frequently Asked Questions
After spending some time with these compact speakers, a few questions come up again and again. Here’s what people are most curious about:
What improvements have been made in the Bowers & Wilkins 707 S3 over the 707 S2 model?
The 707 S3 isn’t out yet—at least as of this review. The 707 S2 is still the current model in the 700 Series.
If you’re after the latest tech, the S2 version already includes a bunch of the good stuff from the top-tier 800 Series Diamond range.
How does the Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 compare in performance to the 606 S2 model?
The 707 S2 sits higher up than the 606 S2 in Bowers & Wilkins’ lineup. It’s got some trickle-down tech from the pricier models, which is always a plus.
The Continuum cone in the 707 S2 really brings out midrange clarity—definitely a step up from the 606 S2’s more basic driver materials. And that carbon dome tweeter? It digs out more detail up top, which can be addictive if you love picking apart your music.
Key Performance Differences:
| Feature | 707 S2 | 606 S2 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Technology | Continuum cone | Standard cone |
| Tweeter | Carbon dome | Aluminum dome |
| Bass Response | Flowport technology | Standard port |
| Series Position | Premium 700 Series | Entry 600 Series |
Can you describe the sound quality and acoustic performance of the Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 speakers?
These have a sound signature that’s all about clarity and detail. Vocals come through with a sense of space and realism that makes you want to keep listening—at least, that’s been my experience.
The carbon dome tweeter pulls out subtle textures in the highs without getting edgy or fatiguing. Treble stays open and clean, and it blends nicely with the mids. It’s not just about specs; you actually hear the difference.
Bass is tighter than you’d expect from a speaker this size, probably thanks to that Flowport. No annoying chuffing noises, just clean low end. And if your room is boomy, the foam plugs are handy for dialing things in.
What are the specifications and features of the B&W 707 S2 loudspeakers?
You’re looking at a 2-way design here, with a 5-inch Continuum cone handling the lows and mids. Up top is a 1-inch carbon dome tweeter that’s decoupled from the cabinet.
Flowport replaces the usual port, cutting down on unwanted noise and tightening up the bass. They’re compact enough to fit into tight spaces but still manage to put out a surprisingly full sound.
Core Features:
- Driver Configuration: 2-way design
- Woofer: 5-inch Continuum cone
- Tweeter: 1-inch carbon dome
- Port Design: Flowport technology
- Adjustability: Two-piece foam bass plugs
- Finish Options: Gloss black available
How do the Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 speakers fit into a high-end audio setup?
These slot in nicely with quality amps and sources. People who’ve paired them with mid- to high-end integrated amps or AVRs seem pretty happy with the match.
If you’re building out a full 700 Series system, the voice-matching makes them a solid pick for a surround setup. They can be your mains in a smaller room, or do surround duty in a bigger space.
On a desk, their size and clarity make them a fun choice—just put them on decent stands and get the positioning right. They hold up well for near-field listening, which isn’t always the case with speakers this refined.
What is the price range for the Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2, and how does it reflect in its value for money?
The 707 S2 usually falls squarely into the premium bookshelf speaker bracket. Pricing shifts a bit depending on which finish you pick or whatever deal a retailer’s running at the moment.
Its build quality feels worth the investment—thick cabinet walls, premium drivers, and a piano black finish that’s honestly pretty striking if you care about looks as much as sound.
There’s a bit of trickle-down tech from B&W’s pricier models, and the brand’s reputation for reliability isn’t just marketing fluff. If you’re chasing the absolute best value per dollar, you might be tempted elsewhere, but if you care about refinement, these are hard to ignore.
One thing: you’ll need to budget for separate stands. It’s an extra expense, sure, but they really do make a difference in how these sound in a room.
