700 S3 Signature: Bowers & Wilkins refines its high-end Hi-Fi speakers

A little less than two years after the release of the 700 S3 range, Bowers & Wilkins, famous English Hi-Fi manufacturer, is pushing refinement even further with its three new models 702 S3 Signature, 705 S3 Signature and HTM71 S3 Signature. This Signature subtitle means that particular care has been taken with the speaker to bring out a sort of ultimate version, with refinement pushed to its peak.

Here, this translates first of all into two new high-end finishes: Metallic Midnight Blue and glossy Datuk Gloss wood. Each speaker is also highlighted by a golden ornament and a small plaque with the words Signature placed on the back of each speaker.

The 702 S3 Signature is a column model which incorporates many of the characteristics of the 702 S3. A 3-way speaker, it still has a carbon dome tweeter housed in a protuberance overlooking the case. For this Signature version, B&W has used the front grille of the more high-end 800 range tweeters. The treble should gain in precision and clarity according to B&W. The English manufacturer also indicates that it has improved the various filters with better components to provide superior clarity. New brass connectors are also appearing, a novelty which is supposed to improve the quality of the signal.

The 705 S3 Signature model, in library format this time, incorporates the characteristics of the 705 S3 while providing the improvements listed above concerning the tweeter, filters and connectors. B1W also says it has reworked the main speaker’s suspension system to deliver cleaner midrange and deeper bass.

The HTM71 S3 Signature closes this new range. Just like the two models above, this center speaker sees its tweeter grille, filters and connectors improved.

The 702 S3 Signature, 705 S3 Signature and HTM71 S3 Signature are already available at respective prices of €8,500 per pair, €4,000 per pair and €2,500, i.e. €1,500, €1,000 and €500 more than their versions respective non-Signature.