Bowers & Wilkins ASW-700 Subwoofer Review

The Bowers & Wilkins ASW-700 is a compact, high-performance active subwoofer introduced as part of the original 700 Series around 2003–2004. It was designed to partner with speakers such as the 703, 704, and 705, offering deep, controlled bass in a relatively small sealed cabinet. It sits below the larger ASW750 in the range and remains a respected option on the used market for music and home theater systems.

Design and Build

The ASW-700 uses a sealed (closed-box) enclosure for tight, accurate bass response. It measures approximately 347 × 340 × 408 mm (excluding feet) and weighs 26.5 kg (58 lb). The cabinet is heavily braced to provide a rigid platform for the powerful driver and is finished in real wood veneers that match the contemporary 700 Series speakers (maple, cherry, rosewood, walnut, or black ash).

The front-firing 250 mm (10-inch) long-throw driver features a paper/Kevlar composite cone with B&W’s “mushroom” reinforcement structure for high stiffness and low distortion. A large magnet and high-power voice coil enable significant air movement from the compact cabinet. The amplifier is a high-quality 500 W continuous Class D design (full-range rather than bandwidth-limited), with a switch-mode power supply for efficiency and cool running.

Key Specifications

• Type: Active closed-box subwoofer
• Driver: 250 mm (10″) paper/Kevlar long-throw cone
• Amplifier: 500 W continuous Class D
• Frequency response: ±3 dB 22 Hz – 31/110 Hz (adjustable, EQ position A)
• Frequency range: –6 dB at 17 Hz and 40/140 Hz (adjustable)
• Low-pass filter: Active 2nd-order, variable cut-off
• High-pass filter: Active 3rd-order, –6 dB at 80 Hz (on line outputs)
• Controls: Volume, variable low-pass frequency, low-pass bypass, bass roll-off/EQ alignment, phase switch, auto on/standby
• Inputs/Outputs: Line-level RCA in; high-pass line out and link out
• Power consumption: 75 W rated
• Dimensions: 347 × 340 × 408 mm
• Weight: 26.5 kg

Sound Quality

The sealed design gives the ASW700 a characteristically tight, fast, and well-controlled bass response. It reaches impressively low (usable output into the upper teens Hz) while remaining articulate and free of boominess. Reviewers and users note strong punch and authority for both music and movies, with good integration potential when properly set up.

It is versatile enough for medium to larger rooms without dominating the space physically. The full-range Class D amplifier contributes to clean, dynamic performance with low distortion. Bass is described as powerful yet refined — capable of delivering impactful low frequencies without overshadowing the main speakers. The extensive rear-panel controls (especially the EQ alignment and variable low-pass) make it relatively easy to blend with a wide range of satellite speakers.

Pros

• Compact size with genuine low-frequency extension
• Tight, controlled, and musical sealed-box bass
• Powerful 500 W Class D amplifier that runs cool
• Flexible controls for system integration
• Matching finishes for the original 700 Series
• Strong performance for both music and home theater
• Solid build quality

Cons

• Limited maximum output compared with larger modern ported or higher-powered sealed subs
• No modern features such as app control, wireless connectivity, or advanced DSP room correction
• Aging units (now 20+ years old) may benefit from servicing
• Relatively heavy for its size

Verdict

The B&W ASW-700 is a well-engineered sealed subwoofer that prioritizes accuracy, control, and integration over sheer quantity of bass. It delivers deep, refined low frequencies from a compact, attractively finished cabinet and pairs especially well with the original 700 Series speakers.

While newer designs offer greater output, more features, and sometimes deeper extension, the ASW700 still performs admirably in medium-sized rooms when properly set up. On the used market it represents good value for listeners seeking tight, musical bass with classic B&W quality. Recommended for those who prefer sealed-box precision and are pairing it with resolving main speakers.