Bowers & Wilkins is launching the second version of its B&W 700 Series loudspeaker range. This range replaces the acclaimed CM Series range, from which it adopts certain technologies while introducing new ones. The 700 Series S2 Series includes three compact speakers, three floorstanding speakers and two center speakers, plus a subwoofer and an optional stand for the compact models.
The B&W 700 Series S2 range introduces a brand new tweeter with a carbon dome braced by a surround. Each tweeter is decoupled from the enclosure and features a Nautilus design with a backwave damping chamber. The carbon replaces the CM S2 Series? double aluminium dome in order to offer a more extended and regulated frequency response in the highs. For the high-end compact and floorstanding models, the tweeter is decoupled and housed in a solid aluminium cabinet, thus allowing for an even more extended frequency response while minimizing distortion.
The B&W 700 Series S2 range features mid-bass drivers fitted with B&W Continuum type cones, the same as those found on the Diamond 800 models. Kevlar has been replaced by even more rigid synthetic fibers with superior damping qualities. This serves to further minimize distortion.
The mid-range models in the B&W 700 Series S2 range benefit from FST cone surround technology. The ultra-short, rigid suspension increases the emissive surface area while ensuring optimal restitution of this register.
Lastly, the FlowPort bass-reflex ports are designed to guarantee a noise-free flow of the sound wave at high volume.
The new B&W 700 Series S2 range includes:
- The compact B&W 707 S2, a 2-way speaker with a 5? (13 cm) driver and a 1? (2.5 cm) tweeter
- The compact B&W 706 S2, a 2-way speaker with a 6.5? (16.5 cm) driver and a 1? (2.5 cm) tweeter
- The compact B&W 705 S2, a 2-way speaker with a 6.5? (16.5 cm) driver and a 1? (2.5 cm) tweeter
- The B&W 704 S2, a 3-way floorstanding speaker with two 5? (13 cm) drivers, one 5? (13 cm) midrange driver and a decoupled 1? (2.5 cm) tweeter
- The B&W 703 S2, a 3-way floorstanding speaker with two 6.5? (16.5 cm) drivers, one 6? (15 cm) midrange driver and a 1? (2.5 cm) tweeter
- The B&W 702 S2, a 2-way floorstanding speaker with three 6.5? (16.5 cm) drivers, one 6? (15 cm) midrange driver and a decoupled 1? (2.5 cm) tweeter
- The B&W HM72 S2, a 2-way center speaker with two 5? (13 cm) drivers and a 1? (2.5 cm) tweeter
- The B&W HM71 S2, a 3-way center speaker with two 6.5? (16.5 cm) drivers, one 4? (10 cm) midrange driver and a 1? (2.5 cm) tweeter
The B&W DB4D subwoofer will be available in a few weeks, while the B&W 700 Series S2 speakers will be available in about a week.
As is often the case with B&W, the sensitivity of the speakers varies from low to average (84 dB to 90 dB/2.83 V/1m). As such, these speakers will need to be driven by at least mid-range hi-fi amplifiers or home theater receivers. The impedance of the floorstanding models is about 3 Ohms in the upper bass register, and any amps used to drive them must have a solid power supply.
We hope to be able to test some models in this new range in the coming weeks.
