Bowers & Wilkins 703 S1 Floorstanding Speakers Review

The Bowers & Wilkins 703 (commonly called 703 S1 to distinguish it from later generations) was the flagship floorstander of the original 700 Series, introduced around 2003–2004. It replaced models from the CDM NT range and brought significant trickle-down technology from the higher-end Nautilus 800 Series into a more accessible package. Originally priced around $3,000 per pair, it was widely regarded as an outstanding performer for the money.

Design and Build

The 703 is a three-way, four-driver bass-reflex design. It features B&W’s distinctive free-mounted Nautilus tube-loaded alloy dome tweeter sitting on top of a gracefully curved cabinet. The cabinet uses a continuous front-and-top MDF panel for increased rigidity, with a tapered shape that reduces diffraction and internal standing waves. A rear-firing Flowport helps minimize turbulence.

Drivers:

• Tweeter: 25 mm (1″) alloy dome with Nautilus tube loading
• Midrange: 150–160 mm (6″) woven Kevlar FST (Fixed Suspension Transducer) — a key B&W technology that eliminates the traditional spider for reduced coloration and greater midrange clarity
• Bass: Dual 165 mm (6.5″) paper/Kevlar composite cones with mushroom-style reinforcement

Dimensions are approximately 1007 × 232 × 357 mm, with each speaker weighing around 27 kg (59–60 lbs). Finishes included real wood veneers such as cherry, rosewood, walnut, maple, and black ash. Build quality is excellent — solid, well-finished, and typical of B&W’s standards at the time.

Key Specifications

• Type: 3-way vented-box system
• Frequency response: 38 Hz – 25 kHz ±3 dB
• Sensitivity: 90 dB (2.83 V/1 m)
• Nominal impedance: 8 Ω (minimum around 3 Ω)
• Recommended amplifier power: 50–200 W
• Crossover frequencies: Approximately 350 Hz and 4 kHz

Sound Quality

The 703 S1 is celebrated for its combination of resolution, dynamics, and musical engagement.

• Midrange: One of its strongest suits. The FST Kevlar driver delivers exceptional clarity, expression, and naturalness, particularly with voices and acoustic instruments. Many reviewers noted that the midrange performance rivaled speakers costing significantly more.
• Treble: The free-mounted alloy dome is sweet, detailed, and agile, with excellent air and extension. It is generally free of harshness and supports long listening sessions, though the overall balance can lean slightly cool or bright depending on partnering electronics and room acoustics.
• Bass: Taut, fast, and well-controlled with good extension for the cabinet size. It offers solid weight and definition without boominess. In most rooms it is full-range enough that a subwoofer is optional rather than essential.
• Soundstage & Dynamics: Imaging is precise and spacious, with a wide soundstage and strong depth. Dynamic range is excellent — the speakers handle both delicate detail and high-volume passages with composure and authority.

Overall character is analytical yet engaging, with high resolution that reveals both the strengths and weaknesses of recordings and upstream components. It is versatile across genres, from classical and jazz to rock and electronic.

Pros

• Outstanding midrange clarity and expression (FST driver)
• Detailed, non-fatiguing treble
• Tight, controlled, and reasonably deep bass
• Excellent imaging and dynamic capability
• High build quality and elegant design
• Strong value when new; still competitive on the used market
• Relatively easy to drive for a speaker of this performance level

Cons

• Can sound slightly cool, thin, or bright in some systems (benefits from careful amplifier matching)
• Impedance dips mean it prefers amplifiers with good current delivery
• Later S2 and S3 generations offer refinements (Continuum cones, carbon tweeters, etc.)

Verdict

The B&W 703 S1 remains a highly regarded floorstanding loudspeaker more than two decades after its introduction. It delivers a large portion of the B&W high-end experience — particularly in midrange purity and overall resolution — at a price that made it accessible to a wide audience.

It shines with quality amplification and rewards careful system matching. On the used market it continues to offer excellent performance for the money and is a strong choice for listeners seeking detailed, dynamic, and engaging sound in a refined package. Highly recommended for those who value midrange excellence and B&W’s classic sonic signature.