Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 Bookshelf Speaker Review: Best Compact Speaker?

Finding a compact speaker that actually sounds great in a typical living room or office isn’t as easy as it should be. The 707 S2 from Bowers & Wilkins manages to stand out, especially in satin white. It’s got that understated, minimalist vibe and is built for both stereo and home theater setups, if you’re into matching your gear.

People seem to really like the 707 S2’s detailed sound, thanks to the Continuum cone and decoupled dome tweeter. Build quality gets a lot of nods, and the midrange is especially clear. It’s not exactly the brightest-sounding speaker, though, and the product photo is a bit misleading—stands aren’t included.

If you’re thinking about building a matching set from the Bowers & Wilkins 700 Series and don’t have a ton of space, this is probably on your shortlist. Just remember, you’ll need to budget extra for stands.

Overview of Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 Standmount Loudspeaker

This compact bookshelf speaker from Bowers & Wilkins has a reputation for clear sound and a pretty refined look, especially in the satin white finish. The 707 S2 comes with a decoupled carbon dome tweeter for better high-frequency detail, plus a mid/bass driver that borrows tech from their pricier models.

Most folks agree it feels solid and looks premium, but the absence of stands is a common gripe. It’s designed for small to mid-sized rooms and works with a bunch of devices. The sound is clean, the look is sharp, but opinions on how bright it sounds are all over the place.

Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter

The decoupled carbon dome tweeter is one of the big talking points here. It’s supposed to cut down on vibration interference, so you get more clarity up top.

A lot of owners say the highs are crisp but not piercing. Some even notice details in vocals and instruments they didn’t catch with other speakers in this price range.

That said, a handful of people mention that, in the wrong room or with rough recordings, the tweeter can call attention to sibilance or harshness. Still, for most setups, it’s a highlight—refined, accurate treble that doesn’t get fatiguing.

Continuum Cone Midrange and Bass Performance

The Continuum Cone in the 707 S2 does a solid job with midrange clarity, especially for vocals and acoustic stuff. Since it’s borrowed from higher-end models, you get a level of detail that’s not always expected in a speaker this size, and distortion stays pretty tame at normal volumes.

Bass is respectable for something so compact. You won’t get wall-shaking sub-bass, but for most music and movies, it’s got enough control and weight. Placement and room size matter, so you might need to experiment to get the best out of it.

Pros:

• Midrange is clean and detailed
• Bass is tight, within the limits of a small speaker

Cons:

• Deep bass is a stretch in big rooms
• Needs careful placement for best results

Flowport Technology for Enhanced Bass

Small bookshelf speakers often sound a bit muddy or boomy in the low end, especially in tight spaces. The 707 S2 tries to fix that with Flowport tech, which smooths out airflow in the bass port and keeps weird noises at bay when you crank the volume.

Most users and reviewers say this pays off with bass that’s more controlled and less fuzzy than you’d get from similar speakers without this feature. Still, if you’re after big, thumping bass, you’ll notice the limits—especially in large rooms.

Pros:

• Less port noise
• Bass feels clean and defined

Cons:

• Low-end output drops off in large spaces
• Not a floor-shaker—don’t expect miracles

Compact Design for Small Spaces

If you’ve got a small apartment or a cramped home office, finding room for good speakers is a headache. The 707 S2 is genuinely compact, so it fits on shelves or desks without taking over the whole area.

People like the small footprint, but it’s worth repeating: stands aren’t in the box, so you’ll need to plan (and pay) for those if you want them off the desk.

If you’re after big sound in a little space, the 707 S2 is a strong pick—just be ready for some extra logistics.

System Compatibility and Home Theater Integration

Hooking these up is pretty straightforward, but you’ll want to pair them with a decent amp or receiver. They’re flexible—users have them running with TVs, laptops, projectors, you name it, in both stereo and surround setups.

Again, no stands included, so it’s not a plug-and-play out of the box if you want them at ear level. They blend into home theater systems easily enough, but matching them with the right gear makes a real difference. Sometimes you’ll need extra cables or bits and pieces, but it’s usually not a hassle.

Build Quality and Aesthetic Appeal

The 707 S2 feels sturdy for its size—no cheap plastic vibes here. The satin white finish looks good and doesn’t show fingerprints like some glossy speakers. The cabinet is put together with care; you can see the attention to detail.

Minimalist fans will like the clean lines and subtle look. Some folks aren’t thrilled with visible seams or the lack of stands, but overall, it’s got a nice balance of sophistication and understatement. If you care about looks and build, it’s a strong contender—just remember the extra spend for stands.

Pros and Cons

Here’s a quick rundown to help you decide if these standmount speakers are your thing.

Pros

• Solid Build: Feels well-made, especially in the nicer finishes.
• Clear, Detailed Sound: Vocals and instruments come through with real separation, thanks to the tweeter and driver setup.
• Compact Size: Easy to fit in tight spots or on a desktop.
• Tweakable Bass: Foam plugs included if you want to dial in the low end.

Strength	Details
Sound Clarity	Sharp detail, especially in vocals and mids
Build Quality	Sturdy construction, quality materials
Aesthetic Appeal	Modern look, slick finish options

Cons

• Stands Sold Separately: The product shots are a bit misleading—stands aren’t in the box.
• Sound Signature Not for All: Some find it less lively or bright than they’d like.
• Pricey: It’s not cheap, and value is debatable if you’re watching your budget.
• Bass Isn’t Huge: You may want a subwoofer for real low-end punch.

Other Drawbacks:

• No stands included
• Mixed feelings on brightness
• Price can be tough to swallow
• Might need extra gear for top results

Customer Reviews

Most buyers say these little speakers punch above their weight with detailed mids and a classy finish. Build quality gets a lot of love, especially the looks in both satin white and gloss black.

Plenty of users mention good results for both music and movies, especially when paired with the right amp or a subwoofer. The missing stands are a sore spot, since the promo photos show them.

Not everyone agrees on the sound signature—some wanted more sparkle, others thought the balance was spot on. Overall, people are happy, though there are hesitations about the price and what’s included.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 perform in terms of sound quality compared to its predecessors?

A lot of listeners feel the 707 S2 steps up the detail and clarity compared to older compact models. The midrange benefits from tech borrowed from pricier speakers, so vocals and instruments have more accuracy. Still, not everyone thinks it’s a night-and-day upgrade in brightness—if you’re chasing a really lively sound, you might still prefer an older version.

What are the key features that differentiate the Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 from the 705 series?

The 707 S2 is all about being compact and using B&W’s Continuum cone and Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter. It’s smaller than the 705, so it fits where space is tight. The finishes and build are a step up in some ways, but the main differences are in driver size and cabinet design.

Feature	707 S2	705 Series
Driver Size	5″ Mid/Bass	Larger Mid/Bass
Tweeter Type	Carbon Dome (Decoupled)	Similar Tech, Placement
Intended Room Size	Smaller	Medium/Larger
Price	Generally Lower	Typically Higher

Can the Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 loudspeakers be considered a worthwhile investment for audiophiles?

If you’re an audiophile who cares about clarity, build, and a small footprint, the 707 S2 is definitely appealing. The sound is detailed but not overly bright, and you can tweak the bass with the foam plugs. If you want thunderous bass or to blast at party levels, you’ll probably want something bigger or pricier.

What technological advancements are included in the Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2?

The highlights are the Continuum cone (trickled down from the 800 Series), the Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter for less distortion, and Flowport tech to cut down on port noise. All of this is meant to give you better accuracy and a more comfortable listen, even for long sessions.

Notable Technologies:

• Continuum Cone: Clearer midrange.
• Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter: More detail, less distortion.
• Flowport: Cleaner bass, less noise.

How do the Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 speakers compare with competitors like Bose and Sonos?

Against Bose and Sonos, the 707 S2 comes off as more neutral and detailed. Bose is known for easy-to-use features and boosted bass, Sonos for smart connectivity and multi-room tricks. The 707 S2 is more about classic stereo sound, premium parts, and manual tweaking—better for purists than tech lovers who want everything wireless and voice-activated.

Comparison Points:

• Sound Quality: 707 S2 is more neutral; Bose/Sonos go heavier on bass.
• Smart Features: Bose and Sonos win for connectivity.
• Build: 707 S2 usually gets higher marks for materials.
• Who It’s For: 707 S2 suits those who want accuracy over convenience.

What improvements are found in the Bowers & Wilkins 707 S3 series compared to the 707 S2 series?

The S3 series brings some noticeable refinements—think updated driver materials, tweaks to the cabinet, and changes in the crossover. These all chase after a bit more clarity and realism. Some folks say the highs and mids mesh together better, and the bass has a bit more punch without getting sloppy. The design’s been adjusted to help with resonance, and honestly, it just looks a little sharper in person. That said, whether it’s really worth the jump in price over the S2? Well, that’s still up for debate.