ALERT
Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 Signature vs KEF R3 Meta
Best For
Best Overall
KEF R3 Meta
Deeper Bass Extension
KEF R3 Meta
Three-Way Speaker Design
KEF R3 Meta
Carbon Dome Tweeter Technology
Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 Signature
Compact Cabinet Depth
Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 Signature
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Verdict
The KEF R3 Meta is the stronger all-round choice for listeners seeking a three-way bookshelf speaker with deeper bass extension, advanced driver integration, and detailed sound reproduction. Its 15–180 W recommended amplifier power range also provides flexibility when choosing amplification, although its 4-ohm nominal impedance requires a compatible amplifier. The Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 Signature is worth considering for listeners who appreciate its Carbon Dome tweeter, solid-body tweeter housing, and premium stereo-focused design. Choose based on your amplifier, listening preferences, and system setup.
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| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | 386196.30 |
330000.00 |
| Brand | Bowers & Wilkins |
KEF |
| Model No | 705 S3 Signature |
R3 Meta |
| Wired / Wireless | Home Theatre Speaker Specification |
Home Theatre Speaker Specification |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
Dynamic |
| Driver Diameter | 25/165 mm |
Uni-Q Driver Array MF: 125 mm Aluminum Cone HF: 25 mm Vented Aluminum Dome With MAT Bass Unit: LF : 165 mm Hybrid Aluminum Cone |
| Impedance | 8 ohm |
4 Ohms ( Min. 3.2 Ohms ) |
| Sensitivity | 88dB spl |
87 dB |
| Frequency Response | 45 Hz - 33 kHz, 50 Hz - 28 kHz |
Crossover Frequency : 420 Hz, 2.3 KHz Frequency Range ( -6dB ) : 38 Hz - 50 KHz Frequency Response ( ±3dB ) : 58 Hz - 28 KHz Typical In-Room Bass Response ( -6dB ) : 30 Hz Harmonic Distortion ( 90dB, 1m ) : <1% 73 Hz & Above, <0.5% 90 Hz - 20 KHz |
| Maximum Power Input | AC 100V-240 V / 50 Hz / 60 Hz |
NA |
| Maximum Power Output | 30 W - 120 W ( RMS ) |
15 - 180 W ( RMS ) Three-Way Bass Reflex |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 90 dB |
110 dB |
| Noise Cancelling | NA |
|
| Aux Connectivity | No |
No |
| Weight | 10.35 Kg |
12.4 Kg |
| Dimensions | 413 mm X 297 mm X 192 mm |
Speaker : 422 mm X 200 mm X 336 mm |
| Available Colors | White, Blue, Brown |
Black, White, Blue, Brown |
| Accessories | Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 Signature Speaker |
KEF R3 Meta Home Theatre Speaker Port Bungs Rubber Feet One Pair Of Microfiber Grilles User Manual & Warranty Information |
| Other Features | 2-Way Vented-Box System. 5-Year warranty Valid from the date of purchase for passive loudspeakers. The 705 S3 Signature is expertly engineered to deliver sonic brilliance in a more compact form. Voices and instruments are delivered with purity and precision, thanks to the smooth, accurate Continuum cone mid-bass driver. Technical Features - Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter, Solid Body Tweeter-On-Top, Continuumâ„¢ Cone Bass/ Midrange, Flowportâ„¢. Carbon Dome tweeters are purpose-built for the 700 Series and deliver pinpoint imaging accuracy and detailed insight into your music. The 702 S3 Signature takes our state-of-the-art flagship 700 Series tower loudspeaker and evolves it to deliver unparalleled levels of performance. Milled from a solid block of aluminium, the Solid Body Tweeter housing design creates an acoustically optimised housing that is exceptionally inert and resistant to resonances. |
Meta Material Absortion technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound for the most pure and natural sound. R3 Meta featues KEF's 12th generation Uni-Q driver array with MAT and a powerful 6.5†hybrid aluminium bass driver that pushes performance to new extremes. R3 Meta redefines bookshelf speaker’s performance. Sharing the same drivers as the range-topping R11 Meta, the R3 Meta is a true three-R3 Meta redefines bookshelf speaker’s performance. Sharing the same drivers as the range-topping R11 Meta, the R3 Meta is a true three-way design way design. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which speaker is better, KEF R3 Meta or Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 Signature?
The KEF R3 Meta is the better all-round choice based on its three-way design, Uni-Q driver array, MAT technology, and wider stated frequency range. The Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 Signature is a compelling alternative for listeners who prefer its tweeter technology and stereo-focused design.
Which speaker offers deeper bass?
The KEF R3 Meta has a stated frequency range extending down to 38 Hz at -6 dB, compared with 45 Hz for the Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 Signature. Actual bass performance depends on room acoustics, placement, and measurement conditions.
Does the KEF R3 Meta support Dolby Atmos?
The provided specifications do not list Dolby Atmos support. The KEF R3 Meta is a passive wired speaker that can be incorporated into a compatible home theatre system, but Dolby Atmos functionality depends on the complete system and receiver configuration.
Which speaker needs a more powerful amplifier?
The KEF R3 Meta specifies a recommended amplifier power range of 15–180 W RMS, while the Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 Signature lists 30–120 W RMS. Amplifier selection should also account for speaker impedance: the KEF has a nominal impedance of 4 ohms, while the Bowers & Wilkins is rated at 8 ohms.
Which speaker is better for a home theatre setup?
The KEF R3 Meta is a strong option for a high-quality home theatre system because of its three-way design and detailed driver configuration. The Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 Signature can also work well in a premium home theatre setup. Neither speaker provides Dolby Atmos processing independently; compatible AV equipment and additional speakers are needed for a complete surround system.
Are these speakers wireless or Bluetooth-enabled?
Both speakers are designed primarily for wired audio connections and require suitable amplification. The KEF product data lists Bluetooth connectivity, but this conflicts with its passive wired design and should be verified before publication. The Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 Signature is listed as wired with no Bluetooth connectivity.
Top Differences
- Sound Output: 30W vs 15W
- Channels: 30 vs 15
- Bluetooth: na vs yes
- Frequency Response: 45 Hz - 33 kHz, 50 Hz - 28 kHz vs Crossover Frequency : 420 Hz, 2.3 KHz Frequency Range ( -6dB ) : 38 Hz - 50 KHz Frequency Response ( ±3dB ) : 58 Hz - 28 KHz Typical In-Room Bass Response ( -6dB ) : 30 Hz Harmonic Distortion ( 90dB, 1m ) : <1% 73 Hz & Above, <0.5% 90 Hz - 20 KHz
- Subwoofer Size: 25 mm vs 125 mm
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