Choosing Between Premium Bookshelf Speakers: B&W 707 S2 vs Polk Reserve R200

When shopping for high-end bookshelf speakers, you'll quickly discover that the options can be overwhelming. Today, we're comparing two compelling choices: the $959 B&W 707 S2 and the $749 Polk Reserve R200. Both represent different approaches to premium audio, with distinct strengths that will appeal to different types of listeners.

Understanding Bookshelf Speakers in 2023

Bookshelf speakers remain a popular choice for both music and home theater enthusiasts, offering an excellent balance of performance and practicality. Despite their name, these speakers usually perform best on dedicated stands, positioned away from walls to create an immersive soundstage (the three-dimensional space where music appears to come from).

The technology in bookshelf speakers has evolved significantly in recent years. The B&W 707 S2, released in 2017, introduced several innovations from B&W's flagship 800 Series Diamond line, while the newer Polk R200 from 2021 represents a fresh approach to traditional speaker design with modern materials and engineering.

Sound Character and Performance

Tonal Balance and Detail

The 707 S2 delivers what audiophiles often call a "reference sound" - highly detailed and precise, with a focus on accuracy rather than enhancement. Its Carbon Dome tweeter (the speaker that handles high frequencies) can reach up to 47kHz, well beyond human hearing, which helps create incredibly precise imaging (the ability to pinpoint where sounds are coming from).

The Polk R200 takes a slightly different approach, offering a warmer, more forgiving sound that many listeners find more natural with everyday music. Its Ring Radiator tweeter creates a wider sweet spot, meaning you don't have to sit in exactly the right position to get good sound.

Bass Response

Bass handling shows interesting contrasts between these speakers:

• The 707 S2 focuses on precision over raw power, with bass that extends to 50Hz. While this might seem limited on paper, the bass it produces is incredibly tight and controlled.
• The Polk R200 reaches deeper to 39Hz, offering more impact in the lowest frequencies. This makes it particularly good for movie watching, where deep bass adds excitement to action scenes.

Power Handling and Amplification

Here's where things get interesting for system matching:

• The 707 S2 has an 84dB sensitivity rating, meaning it needs more power to reach the same volume as the Polk. You'll want at least 50 watts per channel of clean power to get the best performance.
• The R200 is more efficient at 86dB sensitivity, making it easier to drive with lower-powered amplifiers. It's also more forgiving of less expensive electronics.

Build Quality and Technology

B&W's Premium Approach

The 707 S2 showcases B&W's flagship technology:

• Continuum cone material for the midrange driver (the speaker handling voices and most instruments)
• Decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter that reduces distortion
• Flowport technology for smoother bass response
• Premium cabinet finishes including Gloss Black, Satin White, and Rosenut

Polk's Modern Engineering

The R200 brings its own innovations:

• Turbine Cone woofer with unique geometry for reduced distortion
• X-Port technology to minimize port noise
• Hi-Res Audio certification
• Durable vinyl finish available in black or white

Real-World Applications

Music Listening

For pure music enjoyment, both speakers excel but in different ways:

The 707 S2 shines with:

• Acoustic music where detail retrieval is critical
• Well-recorded classical and jazz
• Critical listening sessions where you want to hear everything in the recording

The R200 excels with:

• Rock and pop music where energy is important
• Electronic music that benefits from deeper bass
• Casual listening sessions where pure accuracy isn't the primary goal

Home Theater Use

In a home theater context, both speakers can serve as excellent front channels:

The 707 S2:

• Provides excellent dialogue clarity
• Matches perfectly with other B&W speakers
• Offers precise sound placement for movies

The R200:

• Delivers more impactful bass for movie effects
• Offers better efficiency for demanding movie soundtracks
• Provides excellent value in a complete surround system

Value Proposition

The $959 707 S2 represents a significant investment, but brings with it:

• Premium materials and construction
• Cutting-edge driver technology
• Excellent resale value
• Brand prestige

The $749 R200 offers:

• More accessible pricing
• Newer design (2021 vs 2017)
• Comparable performance in many areas
• Better bass extension

How to Decide

Consider choosing the B&W 707 S2 if you:

• Prioritize absolute accuracy and detail
• Have high-quality amplification
• Listen primarily to acoustic music
• Value premium build and finish quality

The Polk Reserve R200 makes more sense if you:

• Want deeper bass extension
• Have a more modest amplifier
• Watch lots of movies
• Prefer a warmer, more forgiving sound

Final Thoughts

Both speakers represent excellent choices in the premium bookshelf speaker category, but they serve different needs. The 707 S2 is the choice for the detail-oriented listener who wants to hear everything in their music, while the R200 offers a more versatile and forgiving presentation that many will find more enjoyable for everyday listening.

Remember that speaker choice is highly personal, and if possible, you should try to audition both models in your own space or at least in a similar environment. Both manufacturers offer solid warranty support and have excellent reputations for customer service.

In the end, either choice will provide years of musical enjoyment - it's just a matter of matching their strengths to your specific needs and preferences.

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

Polk Audio Reserve R200 Bookshelf Speakers - Pair Deals and Prices