Bowers & Wilkins 704 S2 Floorstanding Speaker
2 760,00 €
Bowers & Wilkins 704 S2 is a passive floorstanding speaker for a wired home stereo system. Its three-way design uses four drivers, allowing separate driver sections to reproduce different frequency bands. The slim 165 mm cabinet simplifies space planning, although its 925 mm height and 18.5 kg weight must be considered. The nominal impedance of 8 ohms and 3.1-ohm minimum are important when choosing a stable external amplifier.
Bowers & Wilkins 704 S2 is a passive three-way floorstanding speaker designed for a home stereo system. It combines a slim 165 mm cabinet with a four-driver configuration. The narrow enclosure helps conserve floor space.
This model is best suited to compact and medium-sized listening rooms. When planning its position, allow for its 925 mm height, 255 mm depth and the 18.5 kg weight of each speaker.
Four drivers in a three-way system
The 25 mm Carbon Dome tweeter is mechanically decoupled from the cabinet. This separation helps limit the effect of cabinet vibrations on high-frequency performance.
The 130 mm Continuum FST midrange driver is also mechanically decoupled. It reproduces the midrange independently of the high- and low-frequency drivers.
Low frequencies are handled by two 130 mm Aerofoil Profile bass drivers. They work with a Flowport bass-reflex port, which manages airflow through the cabinet.
Connection and amplifier selection
This is a passive speaker, so it must receive its signal from an external amplifier through speaker cable. Volume control, source selection and streaming are handled by the chosen external electronics.
The recommended amplifier power is 30-150 W into an 8-ohm load. This recommendation applies to unclipped programme material. It is an amplifier-selection range, not a continuous power rating for the speaker.
The nominal impedance is 8 ohms, but the minimum value is 3.1 ohms. The amplifier must also be capable of driving this lower load reliably. Amplifier selection should therefore not be based on nominal impedance alone.
Operation and measurement data
Because the speaker is passive, volume and source selection are controlled by the amplifier. The speaker itself does not include wireless connectivity, streaming functions or surround-sound decoding.
The 88 dB sensitivity figure was measured with a 2.83 V signal at a distance of one metre. Compare this value with other speakers only when the same measurement conditions are used.
Harmonic distortion figures are specified at a level of 90 dB and a distance of one metre. Distortion is below 1 percent across the broader stated frequency band and below 0.5 percent across the narrower band.
Positioning in the listening room
The Flowport opening must remain unobstructed so air can move freely. The bass balance of a reflex-loaded speaker depends on its distance from surrounding walls. Placing it too close to a wall may increase low-frequency output.
Begin with both speakers positioned at an equal distance from the listening position. Adjust their distance from the walls in small steps, listening to the evenness of the bass after each change. This makes it easier to adapt the system to the particular room.
The slim cabinet simplifies placement, but the speaker still requires a firm, level surface. When allowing for its depth, also leave space for the speaker cable and ensure that the bass-reflex port is not blocked.
Technical specifications
| Type | Passive three-way bass-reflex floorstanding speaker |
|---|---|
| Technologies | Mechanically decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter, Continuum FST midrange driver, Aerofoil Profile cones, Flowport |
| Drivers | 1 × 25 mm tweeter, 1 × 130 mm midrange driver, 2 × 130 mm bass drivers |
| Frequency range | 43 Hz-33 kHz at -6 dB |
| Frequency response | 48 Hz-28 kHz, ±3 dB |
| Sensitivity | 88 dB SPL, 2.83 V RMS, 1 m |
| Second and third harmonics | <1% from 100 Hz to 22 kHz; <0.5% from 300 Hz to 20 kHz; measured at 90 dB and 1 m |
| Nominal impedance | 8 ohms, minimum 3.1 ohms |
| Recommended amplifier power | 30-150 W into 8 ohms with unclipped programme material |
| Dimensions | 165 × 925 × 255 mm, width × height × depth |
| Net weight | 18.5 kg per speaker |
FAQ
Does this speaker require an external amplifier?
Yes. A passive speaker does not contain an integrated amplifier. External electronics supply the signal and control the listening volume.
Can music be streamed wirelessly?
Wireless streaming equipment must be connected to the external amplifier or audio source. The speaker itself is designed to receive a wired audio signal.
Why does the minimum impedance matter?
It indicates the more demanding electrical load that the speaker can present to an amplifier. A suitable amplifier must remain stable under these conditions.
How should I begin positioning the speakers in my room?
Place them symmetrically in relation to the listening position and keep the bass-reflex ports unobstructed. Then adjust the distance from the walls in small steps.
What is the difference between frequency range and frequency response?
The 43 Hz-33 kHz frequency range is specified at the -6 dB limits. The stricter ±3 dB frequency response covers 48 Hz-28 kHz.
