The Studio Sound Revolution: A Deep Dive into the Bowers & Wilkins 700 Series
At Toma Audio, we believe that listening to music shouldn’t just be a pastime; it should be an event. This week, we are thrilled to announce a dedicated deep dive into one of the most prestigious names in the industry: Bowers & Wilkins. Specifically, we are turning our focus toward the 700 Series, a range that has long been considered the "sweet spot" of the high-fidelity world.
If you’ve been following our journey on the Gold Coast, you know we don't just sell boxes; we curate experiences. Whether you are looking for the heart of your next high end audio australia setup or upgrading a dedicated listening room, the 700 Series offers a bridge between the attainable and the extraordinary. Join us as we peel back the layers of this iconic range, from its 1960s heritage to the cutting-edge Signature models.
A Legacy of "True Sound"
To understand where the 700 Series sits today, we have to look back to 1966. John Bowers, the founder of Bowers & Wilkins, had a singular, almost obsessive philosophy. He believed that the perfect loudspeaker shouldn’t add anything to the music, nor should it take anything away. He famously said, "The speaker that gives the most is not the one that adds the most, but the one that takes away the least."
This pursuit of "True Sound" led to the creation of the Steyning Research Establishment, often called the "University of Sound." It’s here where the technologies found in the world’s most famous recording studios: like Abbey Road: are born. The 700 Series is the direct beneficiary of this research, inheriting the "invisible backbone" of the flagship 800 Series Diamond but tailored for the home environment.
The Invisible Backbone: Technical Innovations of the 700 S3
The current S3 (Generation 3) of the 700 Series represents a massive leap forward. It isn't just a facelift; it’s a total re-engineering of how sound is projected into your living space.
1. The Continuum™ Cone: The End of Kevlar
For decades, the yellow Kevlar cone was the visual hallmark of Bowers & Wilkins. However, science never stands still. The introduction of the Continuum™ Cone marked a revolution in midrange performance.
Unlike Kevlar, which could have unpredictable "break-up" patterns at high frequencies, the silver woven Continuum material is remarkably neutral. It behaves like a clean canvas, allowing vocals and acoustic instruments to emerge with a "warm, analog soul" and unadulterated clarity. In a hi-fi systems gold coast environment, where open-plan living often introduces acoustic challenges, this level of midrange control is essential.
2. Carbon Dome™ Tweeter: Precision Without the Price
While the 800 Series uses Diamond domes, the 700 Series utilizes the Carbon Dome™ Tweeter. This is a purpose-built unit that bridges the gap between the entry-level aluminum domes and the ultra-high-end diamond variants. By reinforcing the dome with a carbon coating, the "break-up" frequency is pushed to a staggering 47kHz. This ensures that the high frequencies remain sweet and precise, avoiding the "ultimate mood killer" of harshness or sibilance during a symphonic masterpiece.
3. Biomimetic Suspension: Breathing Room for Sound
One of the most exciting "trickle-down" technologies in the S3 range is the Biomimetic Suspension. In traditional speakers, a fabric "spider" is used to hold the voice coil in place. However, this fabric can create air pressure and unwanted noise behind the cone.
The Biomimetic Suspension replaces this with a slim, skeletal structure. Think of it as removing a heavy-lifting copper backbone and replacing it with something light and agile. This reduces air turbulence and allows the midrange to "breathe," resulting in a transparency that makes the speakers seemingly disappear from the room.
4. Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top
You’ll notice on models like the 702 S3 and 705 S3, the tweeter isn't buried inside the cabinet: it sits proudly on top. This isn't just a design statement; it’s a technical masterstroke. Milled from a single, solid block of aluminum, this "Solid Body" housing is completely inert. By decoupling the tweeter from the main cabinet, it is isolated from the vibrations of the bass drivers. The result? A soundstage that is wide, deep, and incredibly focused.
The Pinnacle: The 700 S3 Signature
For those who demand the absolute best, the 700 S3 Signature models (the 702 and 705) are the ultimate expression of the craft. These are not just speakers; they are sound investments.
The Signature models feature:
- Bespoke Finishes: Stunning Datuk Gloss or Midnight Blue Metallic finishes that look more like fine furniture or luxury automobiles than audio equipment.
- Upgraded Crossovers: They utilize premium Mundorf capacitors and refined motor systems. In plain English, this means the speaker handles the electrical signal with even greater finesse, revealing micro-details you might have missed in your favorite tracks for years.
- Refined Bass Systems: The Signature floorstanders benefit from upgraded pole-pieces in the motor units, providing even tighter, more articulate bass that grounds the performance.
Why the 700 Series is the "Sweet Spot"
We often get asked by our customers in South-East Queensland and the Northern Rivers: "Where is the point of diminishing returns?" While everyone’s ears and budgets differ, the 700 Series is widely considered the point where true "High-End" performance becomes accessible.
It pairs beautifully with our range of stereo amplifiers australia, such as the Marantz MODEL 40n or the Primare I15 Prisma. When you combine the transparency of B&W with a high-quality power source, the result is a system that can handle everything from a delicate jazz trio to a full-scale orchestral swell with ease.
Audition the Experience
Reading about the 700 Series is one thing, but hearing it is another entirely. We’ve all been there: scrolling through reviews and spec sheets: but nothing replaces the feeling of unwinding with a glass of red while your favorite artist performs "live" in front of you.
As part of our week-long deep dive, we invite you to our Tweed Heads showroom. We believe in a "listen first" approach. We have dedicated rooms where you can audition these masterpieces in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. Whether you are building a new home, renovating, or simply looking to elevate your daily life, we are here to provide the expert advice and personalized service that Toma Audio is known for.
Ready to find your "True Sound"?
Click here to get in touch or book a private audition today. Let’s start the conversation and build the foundation for your ultimate home entertainment experience.