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fullspecs

Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Signature vs KEF Reference 4 Meta

Best For

Best for Home Theatre
KEF Reference 4 Meta
Better High-Frequency Detail Technology
KEF Reference 4 Meta
Best for Stereo Music Listening
Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Signature
Easier Amplifier Matching
Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Signature

The Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Signature and KEF Reference 4 Meta are premium wired loudspeakers designed for listeners who want exceptional sound quality at home. The Bowers & Wilkins model features a decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter, Continuum cone midrange and Aerofoil bass drivers, with a frequency response extending down to 28 Hz. The KEF Reference 4 Meta uses a 12th-generation Uni-Q driver array with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) and four 165 mm bass drivers, making it particularly appealing for high-end home theatre systems. While both focus on detailed, powerful audio, their driver designs, amplifier requirements and intended applications help distinguish them.

Verdict

The KEF Reference 4 Meta is the stronger choice for immersive home theatre setups, thanks to its four bass drivers, Uni-Q array and MAT technology designed to reduce high-frequency distortion. Its 50–400 W recommended amplifier power range also supports demanding system configurations, although its 4-ohm impedance requires careful amplifier matching. The Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Signature is an excellent alternative for premium stereo listening, offering 90 dB sensitivity, an 8-ohm impedance and a 28 Hz lower frequency limit. Choose KEF for theatre-focused clarity and scale, or Bowers & Wilkins for refined music listening.

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Specification
KEF Reference 4 Meta KEF Reference 4 Meta
Rs.950,000.00
Price
772370.42
950000.00
Brand
Bowers & Wilkins
KEF
Model No
702 S3 Signature
Reference 4 Meta
Wired / Wireless
Home Theatre Speaker Specification
Home Theatre Speaker Specification
Driver Type
Dynamic
Dynamic
Driver Diameter
25/660 mm
Uni-Q Driver Array
HF : 25 mm Aluminum Dome With MAT
MF : 125 mm Aluminum Cone
Bass Unit LF : 4 X 165 mm Aluminum Cone
Impedance
8 ohm
4 Ohms ( Min.3.2 Ohms )
Sensitivity
90dB
88 dB
Frequency Response
28 Hz - 33 kHz, 46 Hz - 28 kHz
Frequency Response ( ±3dB ) 48 Hz - 35 kHz
Crossover Frequency 450Hz, 2.1kHz
Typical In-Room Bass Response ( -6dB ) 33 Hz
Frequency Range Free Field ( -6dB )
Short Port : 43Hz - 45kHz
Long Port : 40Hz - 45kHz
Maximum Power Input
AC 100V-240 V / 50 Hz / 60 Hz
NA
Maximum Power Output
30 W - 300 W ( RMS )
50 - 400 W ( RMS )

Three-Way Bass Reflex
Signal to Noise Ratio
90 dB
116 dB
Noise Cancelling
NA
Aux Connectivity
No
No
Weight
35.26 Kg
45.2 Kg
Dimensions
1138 mm X 391 mm X 290 mm
Speaker : 205 mm X 1090 mm X 463 mm
Available Colors
Blue, Brown
Black, White, Blue, Grey, Silver
Accessories
Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Signature Speaker
KEF Reference 4 Meta Home Theatre Speaker
User Manual
Warranty Information
Other Features
3-Way Vented-Box System.
5-Year warranty Valid from the date of purchase for passive loudspeakers.
The 702 S3 Signature takes our state-of-the-art flagship 700 Series tower loudspeaker and evolves it to deliver unparalleled levels of performance.
Technical Features - Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter, Solid Body Tweeter-On-Top, Continuumâ„¢ Cone FSTâ„¢ Midrange, Decoupled Midrange, Aerofoilâ„¢ Profile Bass Cones, Flowportâ„¢.
The 705 S3 Signature is engineered to deliver sonic brilliance in a more compact form. This Signature stand-mount loudspeaker builds on the performance levels of the Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3, evolving them to new heights.
Engineered for pristine studio-quality sound at home, the 702 S3 Signature utilizes upgraded midrange and low-frequency motor systems, improved capacitors, revised speaker terminals, plus a more open tweeter grille mesh, as developed for our 800 Series Signature loudspeakers.
Available in 5 finishes
Optimised cabinet design for best acoustic performance.
Enhanced crossover design fine-tuned the signal path for maximum clarity.
The Reference Series Grille set for each model is available as separate item.
With mounting inserts to secure on KEF S-RF1 Floor Stand ( available as separate item ).
Bespoke 12th generation Uni-Q with MAT driver array for exceptional acoustic accuracy.
Metamaterial Absorption Technology eliminates 99% of high-frequency distortion for pure, natural sound.
For movie lovers looking for total immersion, Reference 4 Meta is the last word in absolute quality. Featuring four bass drivers and 12th generation Uni-Q® driver array with MAT™, this centre speaker (can be used as Left-Centre-Right speaker) is a revelation for clarity, detail and emotional depth.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which speaker is better for home theatre?
The KEF Reference 4 Meta is the more compelling choice for home theatre enthusiasts, featuring four bass drivers and a Uni-Q array with Metamaterial Absorption Technology. Confirm the intended centre or LCR placement when planning your system.
Which speaker has better bass response?
The Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Signature lists a frequency response starting at 28 Hz, while the KEF Reference 4 Meta specifies a typical in-room bass response of 33 Hz at -6 dB. These measurements use different conditions, so they do not establish a definitive winner in bass performance.
Does either speaker support Bluetooth?
Neither model lists Bluetooth connectivity. Both are wired passive loudspeakers and require a compatible amplifier or receiver.
Which speaker is easier to drive?
The Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Signature has 90 dB sensitivity and an 8-ohm impedance, compared with 88 dB sensitivity and a 4-ohm nominal impedance for the KEF Reference 4 Meta. The Bowers & Wilkins model is generally easier to match with amplifiers.
What is the difference between KEF Uni-Q and Bowers & Wilkins' driver design?
KEF uses a Uni-Q array that positions the tweeter at the acoustic centre of the midrange driver, combined with MAT to absorb unwanted high-frequency sound. Bowers & Wilkins uses a decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter, Continuum cone midrange and Aerofoil bass drivers to pursue clarity, controlled bass and detailed stereo reproduction.
Which speaker should you buy for premium home audio?
Choose the KEF Reference 4 Meta if your priority is a high-end home theatre or LCR installation. Choose the Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Signature if you primarily want a premium stereo listening experience and prefer its stated 8-ohm amplifier compatibility.

Top Differences

  • Sound Output: 30W vs 50W
  • Channels: 30 vs 50
  • Bluetooth: na vs no
  • Frequency Response: 28 Hz - 33 kHz, 46 Hz - 28 kHz vs Frequency Response ( ±3dB ) 48 Hz - 35 kHz Crossover Frequency 450Hz, 2.1kHz Typical In-Room Bass Response ( -6dB ) 33 Hz Frequency Range Free Field ( -6dB ) Short Port : 43Hz - 45kHz Long Port : 40Hz - 45kHz
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