When diving into the world of high-fidelity audio, bookshelf speakers often serve as an excellent entry point into serious sound reproduction. The Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 ($959) and Martin Logan Motion B10 ($484) represent two distinct approaches to bookshelf speaker design, each with their own strengths and compromises.
Both speakers were released around 2018-2019, incorporating technologies that represented significant advances in their respective companies' engineering capabilities. B&W's 707 S2 brought their flagship Continuum cone technology to a more accessible price point, while Martin Logan's Motion B10 adapted their renowned folded motion tweeter technology for a broader market.
Before comparing these specific models, let's discuss what matters most in bookshelf speakers. The primary considerations are:
These two speakers take notably different approaches to these factors. The B&W 707 S2 demands more from your amplifier with its 84dB sensitivity rating, while the Motion B10 is considerably easier to drive at 92dB sensitivity. This 8dB difference means the B&W requires roughly six times more power to achieve the same volume level.
The B&W 707 S2's Carbon Dome tweeter extends to an impressive 33kHz, well beyond human hearing, but this contributes to excellent detail and air in the audible range. The Continuum cone material, developed over 8 years by B&W's engineers, provides exceptional midrange clarity and natural vocal reproduction.
Martin Logan's Gen2 Obsidian Folded Motion tweeter takes a different approach, using a pleated diaphragm that moves like an accordion. This design provides excellent dispersion characteristics and low distortion, though it doesn't extend quite as high as the B&W's tweeter.
In practice, these differences manifest as:
B&W 707 S2:
Martin Logan Motion B10:
The B&W 707 S2's 5-inch Continuum cone operates in a frequency range from 45Hz to 33kHz, while the Martin Logan's 5.5-inch woven fiberglass cone covers 56Hz to 25kHz. Despite the B&W's lower bass extension on paper, both speakers benefit from a subwoofer for full-range music reproduction.
The most significant technical difference lies in their sensitivity ratings:
This difference cannot be overstated - it means the Martin Logan will play much louder with the same amplifier power, making it a better choice for modest amplifiers or receivers.
Both speakers showcase excellent build quality, though with different priorities:
B&W 707 S2:
Martin Logan Motion B10:
At nearly twice the price, the B&W 707 S2 needs to justify its premium over the Motion B10. The primary justifications come from:
However, the Martin Logan offers exceptional value, delivering:
For pure music listening, the B&W 707 S2's imaging precision and detail retrieval give it an edge for critical listening, particularly with acoustic and classical music. However, the Motion B10's smoother presentation and wider dispersion might be preferable for casual listening and rock/pop genres.
In home theater applications, both speakers excel but for different reasons:
B&W 707 S2:
Martin Logan Motion B10:
Room size and speaker placement significantly impact performance:
Small Rooms (under 200 sq ft):
Medium Rooms (200-400 sq ft):
Choose the B&W 707 S2 if:
Choose the Martin Logan Motion B10 if:
Both the B&W 707 S2 and Martin Logan Motion B10 represent excellent choices in their respective price brackets. The B&W offers a more precise, detailed presentation for those with the supporting equipment and budget, while the Martin Logan delivers exceptional performance and value with more flexible placement and amplifier matching options.
For most users, especially those new to high-end audio or building a home theater system, the Martin Logan Motion B10 represents the more practical choice. However, for those seeking the ultimate in precision and detail, and who have the associated equipment to match, the B&W 707 S2 rewards the additional investment with superior performance in these areas.
| Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 | Martin Logan Motion B10 |
|---|---|
| Price - Initial investment consideration | |
| $959/pair | $484/pair |
| Sensitivity - Determines how much amplifier power is needed | |
| 84dB (requires powerful amp) | 92dB (easier to drive) |
| Frequency Response - Range of sound reproduction | |
| 45Hz - 33kHz | 56Hz - 25kHz |
| High Frequency Driver - Impacts detail and clarity | |
| 1" Carbon Dome tweeter (higher extension, more precise) | 1" x 1.4" Folded Motion tweeter (wider dispersion) |
| Mid/Bass Driver - Affects midrange clarity and bass response | |
| 5" Continuum cone (proprietary material, highly detailed) | 5.5" Woven fiberglass cone (good balance) |
| Impedance - Affects amplifier compatibility | |
| 8Ω nominal (4Ω minimum) | 5Ω nominal |
| Power Handling - Safe operating range | |
| 30-100W recommended | 20-200W recommended |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | |
| 11" x 6.5" x 10.2" | 12.5" x 7" x 9.75" |
| Weight - Installation consideration | |
| 13.2 lbs each | 14.5 lbs each |
| Cabinet Design - Affects sound quality and aesthetics | |
| Flowport rear vent, premium finishes | Bass reflex design, glossy finish |
| Primary Strength - Key differentiator | |
| Superior imaging and detail retrieval | Easier to drive, wider sweet spot |
| Best Use Case - Optimal application | |
| Critical listening, high-end systems | Versatile use, typical home audio |
The Martin Logan Motion B10 at $484/pair offers better value for most users. While the B&W 707 S2 at $959/pair offers superior detail and imaging, the Motion B10 delivers excellent performance at half the price.
The Martin Logan Motion B10 is significantly easier to power, with 92dB sensitivity compared to the B&W 707 S2's 84dB. This means the Motion B10 requires much less power to reach the same volume levels.
The B&W 707 S2 edges out for pure music listening with better detail retrieval and more precise imaging. However, the Motion B10 offers a smoother, more forgiving sound that many listeners prefer for casual listening.
Yes, both speakers benefit from a subwoofer for full-range sound. The B&W 707 S2 extends to 45Hz and the Motion B10 to 56Hz, but both perform best when paired with a quality subwoofer.
Both speakers work well in small rooms, but the Martin Logan Motion B10's higher sensitivity makes it easier to achieve good volume levels without pushing your amplifier too hard.
The Motion B10's higher sensitivity and wider dispersion make it more practical for home theater use with typical AV receivers. The B&W 707 S2 offers more precise dialogue positioning but requires more powerful amplification.
For users with high-end amplification and critical listening needs, yes. For most users, the Motion B10 offers better value and easier integration into typical systems.
Both speakers feature excellent build quality. The B&W 707 S2 offers more premium finish options, while the Motion B10 provides comparable construction quality at a lower price point.
The B&W 707 S2 requires more careful placement to achieve optimal imaging. The Motion B10's wider dispersion makes it more forgiving of placement positions.
Yes, both can handle medium-sized rooms, but the Motion B10's higher sensitivity makes it easier to achieve room-filling volume with standard amplification.
The Martin Logan Motion B10's wider dispersion pattern makes it better suited for multiple listening positions, while the B&W 707 S2 has a more focused sweet spot.
The B&W 707 S2 requires a more powerful, higher-quality amplifier for optimal performance. The Motion B10 works well with a wider range of amplifiers, including mid-range receivers.
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 - audiosciencereview.com - crutchfield.com - audiojunction.com.au - bestbuy.com - audioadvice.com - safeandsoundhq.com - dreamediaav.com - crutchfield.com - nfm.com - audioadvisor.com
