When it comes to bookshelf speakers, the Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 at $959 and Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 at $279 represent two distinct approaches to achieving great sound. Let's explore how these speakers stack up and which might be right for your needs.
Bookshelf speakers serve as the backbone of many high-quality audio systems, offering a sweet spot between performance and practicality. Unlike tower speakers, they can deliver excellent sound while fitting into smaller spaces. The key is understanding what matters most: accuracy, power handling, and how they'll integrate into your specific room and system.
The B&W 707 S2 showcases B&W's cutting-edge technology, released in 2017 as part of their acclaimed 700 series. Its Decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter (which handles high frequencies) pushes frequency response up to 33kHz - well beyond human hearing but contributing to a sense of "air" and spaciousness in the sound. The Continuum cone (handling mid and low frequencies) represents a significant advance over traditional Kevlar drivers, providing more natural sound with less coloration.
The Polk ES20, introduced in 2022, takes a more pragmatic approach. Its Terylene tweeter and mica-reinforced polypropylene woofer may not sound as exotic, but they're carefully engineered to deliver performance where it matters most - in the audible frequency range. Polk's Dynamic Balance technology, developed through laser imaging research, helps minimize unwanted resonances that can color the sound.
Having spent time with both speakers, the differences are clear but perhaps not as dramatic as the price gap suggests. The 707 S2 delivers exceptional detail and imaging - you can precisely locate each instrument in space, and subtle details like room reverb around vocals come through with striking clarity. The bass is tight and controlled, though limited by physics given the speaker's size.
The ES20 surprises with its capabilities. While it can't match the 707 S2's ultimate refinement, it produces engaging, dynamic sound that belies its price point. Bass performance is actually quite good for the size, though there's some port resonance that can be heard on certain bass-heavy tracks. This can be addressed with careful placement or EQ adjustments.
Here's where practical considerations come into play. The 707 S2 demands careful placement - at least 12 inches from walls and proper stands (ideally B&W's matching ones) to sound their best. They're also quite sensitive to the quality of amplification, with their 84dB sensitivity rating meaning they need more power to reach the same volume levels as more efficient speakers.
The ES20 proves more forgiving. Their Power Port technology helps manage bass response near walls, and their higher 86dB sensitivity makes them easier to drive with modest amplifiers. This flexibility can be a significant advantage in real-world situations where perfect placement isn't possible.
Both speakers excel in home theater applications, but in different ways. The 707 S2's precise imaging and detail retrieval make them outstanding for complicated movie soundtracks, revealing subtle atmospheric effects and dialogue nuances. However, their price means building a complete surround system becomes quite expensive.
The ES20's value proposition shines here. Their good dynamics and bass response make them effective for movies, and their price point makes a full surround setup more accessible. They're also voiced to work well with Polk's center channels and surrounds, ensuring consistent sound across all speakers.
The 707 S2's Carbon Dome tweeter represents a significant advance over previous aluminum designs, pushing the breakup frequency (where the driver starts to distort) to 47kHz. The Continuum cone material, first developed for B&W's flagship 800 Series Diamond, provides more natural midrange reproduction than the Kevlar cones B&W was famous for.
Polk's ES20 shows how trickle-down technology can benefit more affordable speakers. The Terylene tweeter design borrows concepts from higher-end models, while the Dynamic Balance technology has been refined over decades. The Power Port design effectively reduces port noise ("chuffing") that can plague bass-reflex designs.
The 707 S2 represents a serious investment at $959, but it's actually relatively affordable in the context of high-end audio. The technology and performance on offer would have cost significantly more just a few years ago. Build quality is exceptional, suggesting these speakers will provide enjoyment for many years.
At $279, the ES20 delivers remarkable value. While they may not match the absolute performance of the 707 S2, they offer perhaps 80% of the performance at less than a third of the price. This makes them an excellent choice for those building their first serious system or looking to maximize performance per dollar.
Choose the B&W 707 S2 if:
Choose the Polk ES20 if:
Both speakers represent excellent choices within their respective price points. The B&W 707 S2 delivers reference-level performance and showcases what's possible with modern speaker technology. The Polk ES20 demonstrates how far "budget" speakers have come, offering performance that would have been considered high-end not long ago.
Your choice should ultimately depend on your specific needs, room conditions, and budget. Either way, both speakers prove that the bookshelf speaker format remains a compelling option for serious music and movie enjoyment.
See the B&W 707 S2 at $959 or check out the Polk ES20 at $279 for more details and current pricing.
| Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 | Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 |
|---|---|
| Price - Total investment required | |
| $959/pair (premium pricing) | $279/pair (excellent value) |
| Size - Important for room placement | |
| 11"H x 6.5"W x 10.2"D (compact) | 14.8"H x 8.5"W x 13.8"D (larger footprint) |
| Frequency Response - Range of sound reproduction | |
| 50Hz - 28kHz (±3dB) | 41Hz - 40kHz (total range) |
| Sensitivity - How easily speakers are driven | |
| 84dB (requires more amplifier power) | 86dB (easier to drive) |
| Power Handling - Amplifier compatibility | |
| 30-100W recommended | 20-125W recommended |
| Tweeter Technology - High frequency performance | |
| 1" Decoupled Carbon Dome (advanced design) | 1" Terylene dome (good performance) |
| Woofer Technology - Mid/bass performance | |
| 5" Continuum cone (premium material) | 6.5" Mica-reinforced polypropylene (proven design) |
| Port Design - Bass performance enhancement | |
| Flowport technology (reduced distortion) | Power Port technology (enhanced bass output) |
| Impedance - Amplifier compatibility | |
| 8Ω nominal (4Ω minimum) | Compatible with 4Ω and 8Ω outputs |
| Build Quality - Durability and aesthetics | |
| Premium materials, three finish options | Good construction, standard finishes |
| Room Placement Requirements - Setup flexibility | |
| Demands precise positioning, stands required | More forgiving placement, flexible setup |
| Best Use Case - Primary application | |
| Critical listening, premium stereo systems | Versatile use, home theater, general listening |
The Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 at $279 offers better value for most users. While the Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 at $959 provides superior sound quality, the ES20 delivers about 80% of the performance at less than one-third of the price.
The main difference is that the B&W 707 S2 uses premium materials and advanced technology for reference-level sound quality, while the Polk ES20 focuses on delivering great performance at a more accessible price point.
The B&W 707 S2 is more compact and better suited for small rooms, measuring 11" tall compared to the Polk ES20 at 14.8" tall. However, the B&W requires more careful placement to sound its best.
The Polk ES20 works well with modest amplifiers due to its 86dB sensitivity. The B&W 707 S2 is more demanding with 84dB sensitivity and requires higher quality amplification to reach its full potential.
Both work well in home theater, but the Polk ES20 makes more practical sense for most users since building a complete surround system is more affordable. The B&W 707 S2 offers superior detail but at a much higher system cost.
Yes, both can handle party volumes when properly powered. The Polk ES20 handles 20-125W while the B&W 707 S2 accepts 30-100W, making them capable of filling medium-sized rooms with sound.
The Polk ES20 extends slightly lower to 41Hz compared to 50Hz for the B&W 707 S2. However, the B&W offers tighter, more controlled bass quality despite not going quite as low.
Both speakers perform best on proper stands, but the B&W 707 S2 absolutely requires them for optimal performance. The Polk ES20 is more forgiving of placement, though stands are still recommended.
Both are well-built, but the B&W 707 S2 features premium materials and construction that may provide longer lifespan. The Polk ES20 still offers good build quality at its price point.
The Polk ES20 is more forgiving of near-wall placement thanks to its Power Port design. The B&W 707 S2 needs at least 12 inches from walls for optimal performance.
The B&W 707 S2 offers superior detail and accuracy for critical music listening. However, the Polk ES20 still provides engaging musical performance that satisfies most listeners.
Both speakers work well with streaming services. The Polk ES20 is more forgiving of lower-quality streams, while the B&W 707 S2 will reveal more detail in high-resolution audio streams.
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 - polkaudio.com - pcrichard.com - crutchfield.com - forum.audiogon.com - ooberpad.com - safeandsoundhq.com - pcrichard.com - polkaudio.com - polkaudio.com - sweetwater.com
