High-End Bookshelf Speakers Compared: Making Sense of Modern Audio Excellence

Introduction

When stepping into the world of high-end audio, few choices are as crucial as selecting the right bookshelf speakers. Today, we're comparing two standout options: the Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 at $959 and the KEF Q3 Meta at $799. Both represent different approaches to achieving exceptional sound quality, though they take distinctly different paths to get there.

The Evolution of Bookshelf Speakers

The audio landscape has changed dramatically since the B&W 707 S2 was released in 2017. Back then, the 707 S2's Carbon Dome tweeter technology was groundbreaking, pushing frequency response up to 33kHz. Fast forward to 2023, and KEF's newer Meta material technology in the Q3 Meta represents the latest innovation in controlling unwanted sound reflections.

Physical and Design Considerations

Size matters more than you might think with bookshelf speakers. The KEF Q3 Meta is notably larger, which helps explain its deeper bass response but also means you'll need more shelf space. The B&W 707 S2's more compact size might better suit smaller rooms, though it doesn't compromise much on performance.

Both speakers feature premium finishes, but they take different approaches to driver design. B&W uses separate drivers with their Continuum cone technology (which replaced their famous yellow Kevlar cones), while KEF employs their signature Uni-Q driver array that places the tweeter in the center of the midrange driver.

Deep Dive into Performance

Bass Response and Room Integration

The KEF Q3 Meta reaches down to 39Hz (-6dB), providing surprisingly full bass for a bookshelf speaker. This deeper extension means you might not need a subwoofer for music listening. The B&W, reaching 45Hz, offers tighter, more precise bass but won't fill a room quite as effortlessly.

What's particularly interesting is how each speaker handles bass in different rooms. KEF's Uni-Q driver design helps maintain consistent bass response even in less-than-ideal placements. The B&W requires more careful positioning but rewards the effort with exceptional precision.

Midrange Performance and Imaging

Here's where things get fascinating. B&W's Continuum cone technology produces incredibly detailed midrange, making vocals and acoustic instruments sound startlingly realistic. The 707 S2 excels at revealing subtle details in complex recordings.

KEF's Uni-Q driver takes a different approach. By placing the tweeter at the acoustic center of the midrange driver, it creates a more coherent soundstage - meaning instruments and vocals seem to come from precisely defined points in space. This design also widens the sweet spot, so you don't need to sit in exactly the right position to get great sound.

High-Frequency Performance and Fatigue

B&W's Carbon Dome tweeter extends to 33kHz, well beyond human hearing, but this capability helps create an airy, detailed top end. The KEF's new Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) takes a different approach, absorbing 99% of unwanted sound behind the tweeter, resulting in cleaner, less fatiguing high frequencies.

In practical terms, the B&W might be preferred for critical listening sessions where catching every detail matters, while the KEF could be better for longer listening sessions where fatigue becomes a factor.

Home Theater Applications

Both speakers excel in home theater applications, but for different reasons. The B&W 707 S2 stands out for its precise dialogue reproduction and ability to handle dynamic movie soundtracks without compression. Its smaller size also makes it easier to integrate into a surround setup.

The KEF Q3 Meta's wider dispersion pattern creates a more enveloping soundfield, potentially requiring less precise positioning of surround speakers. Its deeper bass extension also means you might be able to set a higher crossover point to your subwoofer, potentially reducing localization issues.

Value and Real-World Considerations

At $799, the KEF Q3 Meta represents exceptional value, offering newer technology at a lower price point. The B&W 707 S2, while more expensive at $959, justifies its price through its precision and detail retrieval capabilities.

Power requirements differ as well. The KEF's 87dB sensitivity means it needs less power to reach satisfying volume levels, while the B&W's 84dB sensitivity suggests it benefits from more powerful amplification.

How to Decide

Choose the B&W 707 S2 if:

• You prioritize absolute detail and precision in your music
• Your room allows for optimal speaker placement
• You have a high-quality amplifier capable of driving more demanding speakers
• You primarily listen to acoustic, classical, or jazz music where micro-detail matters
• You're building a home theater system where dialogue clarity is paramount

Choose the KEF Q3 Meta if:

• You want more placement flexibility in your room
• Bass extension is important, and you might not add a subwoofer
• You listen to a wide variety of music genres
• You prefer a smoother, less fatiguing sound for longer listening sessions
• Value is a primary consideration
• You're looking for speakers that are easier to drive with moderate-powered amplifiers

Conclusion

Both the B&W 707 S2 and KEF Q3 Meta represent excellent choices in the high-end bookshelf speaker category, each with its own strengths. The B&W edges ahead in absolute detail and precision, while the KEF offers newer technology, better value, and more placement flexibility. Your choice should ultimately depend on your room, system, and listening preferences rather than specs alone.

Remember that speaker choice is deeply personal, and if possible, trying to audition both models in your space would be ideal. Both manufacturers have strong reputations for quality and customer support, so you can be confident in either choice for long-term satisfaction.

Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 Bookshelf Speaker - Pair Deals and Prices

KEF Q3 Meta Bookshelf Speakers - Pair Deals and Prices