ALERT
KEF R11 Meta vs Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3
Best For
Best for Deep Bass
KEF R11 Meta
Best for Stereo Music Listening
Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3
Best for Home Theatre
KEF R11 Meta
Best for Detailed High Frequencies
Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3
Best for Advanced Acoustic Technology
KEF R11 Meta
The Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 and KEF R11 Meta are premium floorstanding speakers designed for listeners who want detailed sound, powerful bass, and an immersive home audio experience. Both deliver 90 dB sensitivity and a frequency response extending to 28 kHz, but their driver designs and amplifier requirements differ. The 702 S3 features a decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter, Continuum midrange, and Aerofoil bass cones, while the R11 Meta combines KEF's Uni-Q driver array with MAT technology and four 165 mm bass drivers. The KEF also reaches lower bass frequencies in its specifications, making it particularly appealing for larger listening rooms and home theatre setups.
Verdict
The KEF R11 Meta is the stronger choice for listeners who prioritize deep bass, powerful home theatre performance, and advanced acoustic technology. Its four dedicated bass drivers and MAT technology offer an impressive foundation for detailed, room-filling sound. The Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 remains an excellent alternative for high-end stereo listening, with its Carbon Dome tweeter and decoupled midrange designed for precise imaging and musical detail. Choose the KEF for bass capability and cinematic impact, or the Bowers & Wilkins for a premium stereo-focused listening experience.
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| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | 612514.50 |
601049.27 |
| Brand | KEF |
Bowers & Wilkins |
| Model No | R11 Meta |
702 S3 |
| Wired / Wireless | Home Theatre Speaker Specification |
Home Theatre Speaker Specification |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
Dynamic |
| Driver Diameter | Uni-Q Driver Array MF: 125 mm Aluminum Cone HF: 25 mm Vented Aluminum Dome With MAT Bass Unit: LF : 4 X 165 mm Hybrid Aluminum Cone |
25/645 mm |
| Impedance | 4 Ohms ( Min. 3.2 Ohms ) |
8 ohm |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB |
90dB spl |
| Frequency Response | Crossover Frequency : 330 Hz, 2.5 KHz Frequency Range ( -6dB ) : 30 Hz - 50 KHz Frequency Response ( ±3dB ) : 46 Hz - 28 KHz Typical In-Room Bass Response ( -6dB ) : 26 Hz Harmonic Distortion ( 90dB, 1m ) : <1% 33 Hz & Above, <0.5% 80 Hz - 20 KHz |
46 Hz - 28 kHz, 28 Hz - 33 kHz |
| Maximum Power Input | NA |
AC 100V-240 V / 50 Hz / 60 Hz |
| Maximum Power Output | 15 - 300 W ( RMS ) Three-Way Bass Reflex |
30 W - 300 W ( RMS ) |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 113 dB |
90 dB |
| Noise Cancelling | NA |
|
| Aux Connectivity | No |
No |
| Weight | 36.5 Kg |
33.46 Kg |
| Dimensions | Speaker : 1249 mm X 200 mm X 384 mm Terminal With Plinth : 1296 mm X 311 mm X 384 mm |
1010 mm X 354 mm X 192 mm |
| Available Colors | Black, White, Brown |
Black, White, Brown |
| Accessories | KEF R11 Meta Home Theatre Speaker Port Bungs Microfiber Grille Plinth & Spike Accessories User Manual & Warranty Information |
Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Speaker |
| Other Features | The R11 Meta is the largest floorstanding model of the R Series. Meta Material Absortion technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound for the most pure and natural sound. For a breathtaking listening experience, the R11's combination of 12th generation Uni-Q driver array with MAT and four 6.5†hybrid aluminum bass drivers allow it to pick out the subtle details of a recording, while also delivering raw power and agility. |
3-Way Vented-Box System. A house for high frequencies. 5-Year warranty Valid from the date of purchase for passive loudspeakers. Our flagship, the 702 S3, is a state-of-the-art tower speaker that defines new standards for performance in its class. If you want the best, this is it. Technical Features - Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter, Solid Body Tweeter-On-Top, Continuum™ Cone FST™ Midrange, Decoupled Midrange, Aerofoil™ Profile Bass Cones, Flowport™. Developed using advanced computer modelling techniques, the Aerofoil™ Profile bass cone has variable thickness, providing stiffness and rigidity where it’s needed most. The result: deep and dynamic bass. 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. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, KEF R11 Meta or Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3?
The KEF R11 Meta is the better overall choice for listeners prioritizing deep bass, powerful home theatre sound, and advanced acoustic technology. The Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 is a strong alternative for premium stereo listening and detailed sound reproduction.
Which speaker delivers deeper bass?
The KEF R11 Meta has the advantage on paper, with a specified frequency range extending to 30 Hz at -6 dB and a typical in-room bass response reaching 26 Hz at -6 dB. Its four 165 mm bass drivers support powerful low-frequency performance.
Which speaker is better for music listening?
Both are designed for high-quality music reproduction. The Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 features a Carbon Dome tweeter and Continuum midrange for detailed, precise stereo listening, while the KEF R11 Meta uses its Uni-Q array and MAT technology to reduce unwanted sound and reproduce recordings naturally.
Does the KEF R11 Meta support Bluetooth?
The supplied specifications list Bluetooth connectivity as available, but also identify the speaker as wired and Bluetooth version as NA. The R11 Meta is a passive loudspeaker intended for connection to an amplifier or receiver, so Bluetooth playback requires a compatible external source or amplifier.
Which speaker is easier to drive?
Both speakers have 90 dB sensitivity, but the Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 has an 8-ohm nominal impedance, while the KEF R11 Meta has a 4-ohm nominal impedance and a minimum of 3.2 ohms. The B&W may be easier for some amplifiers to drive; the KEF benefits from an amplifier capable of handling lower impedances.
Are the KEF R11 Meta and Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 suitable for home theatre?
Yes. Both can serve as front speakers in a premium home theatre system when paired with a suitable amplifier or AV receiver. The KEF R11 Meta is particularly attractive for listeners seeking strong bass output, while the 702 S3 suits systems focused on detailed, balanced music and film reproduction.
Top Differences
- Sound Output: 30W vs 15W
- Channels: 30 vs 15
- Bluetooth: na vs yes
- Frequency Response: 46 Hz - 28 kHz, 28 Hz - 33 kHz vs Crossover Frequency : 330 Hz, 2.5 KHz Frequency Range ( -6dB ) : 30 Hz - 50 KHz Frequency Response ( ±3dB ) : 46 Hz - 28 KHz Typical In-Room Bass Response ( -6dB ) : 26 Hz Harmonic Distortion ( 90dB, 1m ) : <1% 33 Hz & Above, <0.5% 80 Hz - 20 KHz
- Subwoofer Size: 25 mm vs 125 mm
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