ALERT
Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 vs KEF R3 Meta
Best For
Best Overall Performance
KEF R3 Meta
Advanced Sound Absorption Technology
KEF R3 Meta
Carbon Dome Tweeter Design
Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3
Three-Way Speaker System
KEF R3 Meta
8-Ohm Impedance
Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3
The Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 and KEF R3 Meta are premium bookshelf speakers designed for listeners who want detailed, high-quality sound. The 705 S3 features a Carbon Dome tweeter and a distinctive Tweeter-on-Top design, making it an appealing choice for precise imaging and refined music playback. The KEF R3 Meta takes a different approach with a three-way design, a 12th-generation Uni-Q driver array and Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT). It also offers a wider specified frequency range and greater amplifier power compatibility. Both speakers use wired connections, but their driver configurations, amplifier requirements and sound engineering make them suitable for different listening preferences.
Verdict
The KEF R3 Meta is the stronger all-round choice for listeners seeking a three-way speaker design, deeper specified bass extension and advanced sound absorption technology. Its 38 Hz–50 kHz frequency range and compatibility with amplifiers rated from 15 W to 180 W provide an impressive specification sheet. The Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 is worth considering for buyers who prefer its Carbon Dome tweeter technology, distinctive design and stated 8-ohm impedance. Ultimately, room acoustics, amplifier matching and personal listening preferences should guide the final purchase.
Advertisement
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | 291881.42 |
330000.00 |
| Brand | Bowers & Wilkins |
KEF |
| Model No | 705 S3 |
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 | 50 Hz - 28 kHz, 45 Hz - 33 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 | 9.58 Kg |
12.4 Kg |
| Dimensions | 345 mm X 297 mm X 192 mm |
Speaker : 422 mm X 200 mm X 336 mm |
| Available Colors | Black, White, Brown |
Black, White, Blue, Brown |
| Accessories | Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 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. Technical Features - Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter, Solid Body Tweeter-On-Top, Continuum™ Cone Bass / Midrange, Flowport™. This uncompromising two-way speaker reveals subtle nuances in music others miss. Its high-performance features include a solid body Tweeter-on-Top design borrowed from the 800 Series Diamond. Carbon Dome tweeters are purpose-built for the 700 Series. Delivering a dramatic improvement on the aluminum double dome tweeter, they raise the breakup threshold to 47kHz, for pinpoint imaging accuracy and detail. 705 S3’s Carbon Dome tweeter is housed in a Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top enclosure evolved from the latest generation of 800 Series Diamond. That joins a new and subtly curved baffle endowed with an all-new ‘pod’ housing for its Continuum Cone bass/midrange driver. * Stand(s) not included. |
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. |
Advertisement
Compare Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 with:
Frequently Asked Questions
Which speaker is better, KEF R3 Meta or Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3?
The KEF R3 Meta is the better overall choice on paper, with a three-way design, Uni-Q driver array, MAT technology and a broader specified frequency range. The 705 S3 remains a strong alternative for listeners drawn to its Carbon Dome tweeter and Tweeter-on-Top design.
Which speaker has a wider frequency range?
The KEF R3 Meta specifies a frequency range of 38 Hz–50 kHz at -6 dB, while the Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 lists 50 Hz–28 kHz and 45 Hz–33 kHz. Because the measurement conditions may differ, these figures should not be treated as a direct measurement comparison.
Does the KEF R3 Meta support Dolby Atmos?
The supplied specifications do not list Dolby Atmos support. The R3 Meta is a passive wired speaker, and Dolby Atmos playback depends on compatible source equipment, an AV receiver and an appropriately configured speaker system.
What is the main difference between KEF Uni-Q with MAT and the B&W Carbon Dome tweeter?
KEF combines its Uni-Q driver array with Metamaterial Absorption Technology, which is designed to absorb unwanted sound from the rear of the tweeter. Bowers & Wilkins uses a Carbon Dome tweeter in a solid-body Tweeter-on-Top housing to deliver detailed high frequencies and precise imaging.
Which speaker is easier to pair with an amplifier?
The Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 has an 8-ohm impedance rating, while the KEF R3 Meta is rated at 4 ohms, with a minimum of 3.2 ohms. The 705 S3 may be easier to match with some amplifiers, but the KEF can also work well with a suitable amplifier capable of handling its lower impedance.
Which speaker is better for a home theatre setup?
Both speakers can work in a high-quality home theatre system when paired with suitable amplification. The KEF R3 Meta's three-way design makes it an appealing option for detailed playback, while the 705 S3 can suit a premium stereo or front-channel setup. Neither speaker provides built-in Dolby Atmos processing.
Top Differences
- Sound Output: 30W vs 15W
- Channels: 30 vs 15
- Bluetooth: na vs yes
- Frequency Response: 50 Hz - 28 kHz, 45 Hz - 33 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
Advertisement