When it comes to bookshelf speakers, the gap between Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 at $959 and Klipsch Reference R-41M at $169 is substantial. Let's explore what that price difference means for real-world performance and value.
Bookshelf speakers remain a popular choice for both dedicated music rooms and home theaters, offering an excellent balance of performance and space efficiency. These compact speakers can deliver impressive sound while fitting into smaller spaces where floor-standing towers might be impractical.
The B&W 707 S2, released in 2017, represents the premium segment with its advanced materials and engineering. Meanwhile, the Klipsch R-41M showcases how modern manufacturing can deliver impressive performance at a budget-friendly price point. Both speakers use different technical approaches to achieve their goals.
The B&W 707 S2 delivers what audiophiles often seek: a neutral, highly detailed presentation that reveals every nuance in the recording. Its Continuum cone (a proprietary material that replaced B&W's famous yellow Kevlar) provides exceptional clarity in the midrange frequencies where vocals and most instruments live. The decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter, which can reproduce frequencies up to 47kHz (well beyond human hearing), ensures pristine high frequencies without harshness.
In contrast, the Klipsch R-41M takes a more energetic approach. Its signature Tractrix horn-loaded tweeter (a specially shaped waveguide that helps direct sound) creates an immediate, engaging sound that many find exciting. The copper-spun IMG (Injection Molded Graphite) woofer delivers punchy bass that works especially well for movie soundtracks and more dynamic music genres.
The 707 S2's more refined bass response needs careful placement to perform its best. These speakers benefit from proper stands and some space from walls to avoid bass bloat (when bass frequencies become too prominent and muddy). Their superior imaging capabilities create a precise soundstage - imagine being able to point to exactly where each instrument appears to be playing in the space between the speakers.
The R-41M is more forgiving with placement thanks to its rear-firing port and horn-loaded tweeter design. While they still benefit from proper positioning, they're less demanding overall. The horn design helps control sound dispersion, which can be beneficial in rooms with less-than-ideal acoustics.
B&W's Continuum cone material represents years of research into reducing unwanted resonances. Unlike traditional driver materials that can add their own character to the sound, Continuum aims to move more like a perfect piston, reducing distortion and coloration. This technology, which trickled down from their flagship 800 Series Diamond line, helps explain part of the price premium.
Klipsch's Tractrix horn technology, while not new, has been refined over decades. The 90°x90° horn design helps control sound dispersion while increasing efficiency - these speakers can play louder with less power compared to the B&W's. The aluminum LTS (Linear Travel Suspension) tweeter design reduces distortion at high volumes.
For home theater applications, the R-41M's high sensitivity (90dB) means they can play louder with less power - particularly useful for explosive movie scenes. Their forward sound signature helps with dialog clarity, and the horn design can create an engaging, cinema-like experience.
The 707 S2's superior detail retrieval and more refined performance might be preferred for those who want to hear every subtle sound effect and soundtrack detail. However, they require more powerful amplification to reach the same volume levels.
For critical music listening, the 707 S2 pulls ahead with its ability to reveal subtle details and maintain composure with complex passages. The speaker disappears into the music, creating a more immersive experience. Bass, while not as deep as larger speakers, is extremely well-controlled and natural.
The R-41M presents music in a more forward, exciting way. While it might not reveal every last detail, it creates an engaging experience that many listeners find enjoyable, especially with rock, pop, and other modern genres.
The 707 S2 represents a significant investment but offers technology and build quality that should remain satisfying for many years. Their neutral sound signature is less likely to become fatiguing over time, and B&W's strong reputation helps maintain resale value.
The R-41M offers extraordinary value for its price point. While they might not last as long as the B&W's premium construction, they deliver performance that punches well above their weight class. They're an excellent choice for starting a quality audio system or for secondary rooms.
Consider these key factors when choosing between these speakers:
The B&W 707 S2 and Klipsch R-41M both excel in their respective price categories. The B&W offers superior refinement and detail, while the Klipsch delivers engaging performance at a fraction of the cost. Your choice should align with your specific needs, budget, and long-term audio goals.
| Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 | Klipsch Reference R-41M |
|---|---|
| Price - Primary consideration for most buyers | |
| $959/pair (premium segment) | $169/pair (budget-friendly) |
| Sensitivity - Determines how much amplifier power is needed | |
| 84dB (requires more powerful amp) | 90dB (works well with modest amps) |
| Frequency Response - Indicates bass depth and treble extension | |
| 50Hz - 28kHz (±3dB) (deeper bass, extended highs) | 68Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (less bass extension) |
| Power Handling - Shows compatibility with different amplifiers | |
| 30W - 100W recommended | 50W nominal, 200W peak |
| Drivers - Key components that produce the sound | |
| 1" Carbon Dome tweeter, 5" Continuum cone woofer (premium materials) | 1" Aluminum LTS tweeter, 4" Copper-spun IMG woofer (quality budget components) |
| Impedance - Affects amplifier compatibility | |
| 8Ω nominal (4Ω minimum) | 8Ω nominal |
| Dimensions - Important for placement planning | |
| 11" H x 6.5" W x 10.9" D | 11.3" H x 5.75" W x 7.9" D |
| Weight - Indicates build quality and materials | |
| 13.2 lbs each (substantial build) | 7.8 lbs each (lighter construction) |
| Key Technologies - Premium features that affect sound | |
| Decoupled tweeter, Continuum cone, Flowport (cutting-edge tech) | Tractrix Horn, LTS tweeter (proven design) |
| Recommended Room Size - Where they perform best | |
| Medium rooms (12x15 to 15x20 ft) | Small to medium rooms (10x12 to 15x15 ft) |
| Primary Use Case - Best application scenarios | |
| Critical music listening, high-end stereo systems | Home theater, casual listening, budget systems |
| Build Quality - Affects longevity and performance | |
| Premium materials, audiophile construction | Good quality budget construction |
| Warranty - Manufacturer confidence in product | |
| 5 years | 5 years |
The Klipsch R-41M at $169 is generally better suited for home theater due to its high sensitivity (90dB) and dynamic sound presentation. However, if budget allows, the B&W 707 S2 at $959 offers superior detail and clarity for those seeking premium home theater performance.
The biggest difference is price and target market. The B&W 707 S2 is a premium audiophile speaker with advanced materials and refined sound, while the Klipsch R-41M is a budget-friendly speaker offering good performance at a much lower price point.
The Klipsch R-41M is easier to drive, working well with modest amplifiers due to its 90dB sensitivity. The B&W 707 S2 requires more power (30-100W recommended) and benefits from higher quality amplification.
The B&W 707 S2 extends deeper (down to 50Hz vs 68Hz) and offers more controlled, refined bass. The Klipsch R-41M provides punchy bass that's more than adequate for its size and price point.
Both are capable music speakers, but serve different purposes. The B&W 707 S2 excels at critical listening with superior detail and accuracy, while the Klipsch R-41M offers an engaging, energetic presentation ideal for casual listening.
Both speakers work well in small rooms, but the Klipsch R-41M is more forgiving of placement and room acoustics. The B&W 707 S2 requires more careful positioning to perform its best.
The value proposition depends on your priorities. The B&W 707 S2 offers superior sound quality and build, but the Klipsch R-41M delivers exceptional performance for its price point. For many users, the Klipsch represents better value.
The Klipsch R-41M includes keyhole mounting for wall placement. The B&W 707 S2 is designed primarily for stand mounting and performs best when properly positioned on stands.
The B&W 707 S2 features premium materials and construction, typically offering better longevity. However, both speakers are well-built and include 5-year warranties.
For full-range music or home theater, both speakers benefit from a subwoofer. The B&W 707 S2 has better bass extension but still lacks deep bass below 50Hz. The Klipsch R-41M will benefit more from subwoofer integration.
The Klipsch R-41M with its horn-loaded tweeter excels at dialogue clarity. The B&W 707 S2 offers excellent clarity too but with a more neutral presentation.
The Klipsch R-41M can play quite loud with minimal power due to its high sensitivity. The B&W 707 S2 can also handle high volumes but requires more amplifier power to reach the same volume levels.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: whathifi.com - safeandsoundhq.com - bestbuy.com - hifichoice.com - crutchfield.com - listenup.com - digitalcinema.com.au - worldradiohistory.com - youtube.com - frankstonhifi.com.au - higherhz.com - crutchfield.com - easyhometheater.net - audiosciencereview.com - klipsch.com - klipsch.com - sonology.shop - klipsch.com - audioadvisor.com - worldradiohistory.com - snapav.com-klp-r-41m-a)
