Choosing Between Premium Bookshelf Speakers: A Detailed Comparison

When it comes to high-quality bookshelf speakers, the Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 ($959) and Polk Reserve R100 ($649) represent two different approaches to achieving excellent sound in a compact format. Let's dive deep into what makes these speakers special and help you decide which might be right for your setup.

Understanding Bookshelf Speakers in 2024

Bookshelf speakers remain a popular choice for both music and home theater enthusiasts, offering an excellent balance of performance and space efficiency. Unlike tower speakers, these compact units can be placed on stands, shelves, or mounting brackets, making them incredibly versatile for various room configurations.

The key to a great bookshelf speaker lies in its ability to reproduce accurate sound while managing the physical limitations of a smaller cabinet. Both speakers we're comparing today tackle this challenge differently, with fascinating results.

Sound Quality Deep Dive

High Frequency Performance

The B&W 707 S2 showcases its premium positioning with its Carbon Dome tweeter, which handles frequencies up to 47kHz. This isn't just a numbers game - the higher breakup threshold means cleaner, more detailed treble performance in the audible range. In practical terms, you'll hear more detail in cymbal strikes, string harmonics, and vocal sibilance without harshness.

The Polk R100 takes a different approach with its Ring Radiator tweeter design. While it doesn't reach quite the same ultrasonic frequencies, many listeners find its presentation more forgiving and natural, especially with less-than-perfect recordings. The difference is most noticeable when listening to complex orchestral pieces or dense rock recordings.

Midrange Clarity

B&W's Continuum cone technology, which first appeared in their flagship 800 Series Diamond line, delivers exceptional midrange clarity. Voices and instruments occupy distinct spaces in the soundstage with almost holographic precision. The Polk's Turbine cone design offers impressive detail as well, though with slightly less separation between instruments.

Bass Response

Despite their compact size, both speakers handle bass admirably. The B&W reaches down to 45Hz while the Polk extends to 58Hz. In real-world listening, the B&W offers tighter, more controlled bass, while the Polk provides a slightly warmer, more rounded low end. Neither will replace a subwoofer for home theater use, but both integrate well with one.

Technical Innovation and Development

When B&W introduced the 707 S2, they brought several technologies down from their higher-end lines. The Carbon Dome tweeter and Continuum cone represented significant improvements over previous models. Similarly, Polk's Reserve series introduced their latest Turbine cone technology and improved crossover designs.

Both companies have focused on reducing cabinet resonance, though they take different approaches:

• B&W uses a curved front baffle and extensive internal bracing
• Polk employs their X-Port technology to manage unwanted resonances

Real-World Performance Scenarios

Music Listening

The B&W 707 S2 excels with well-recorded acoustic music, jazz, and classical. Its precise imaging and detail retrieval make it a standout for critical listening sessions. The Polk R100 proves more forgiving with compressed streaming content and rock music, making it perhaps more suitable for casual listening.

Home Theater Integration

Both speakers work well as front left/right channels in a home theater setup. The B&W's precise imaging helps with movie dialogue and sound effects placement, while the Polk's slightly higher sensitivity (86dB vs 84dB) means it's a bit easier to drive with typical AV receivers.

For surround duties, the Polk's more forgiving nature and lower price point might make it the better choice when buying multiple pairs.

Value Consideration

The roughly $300 price difference between these speakers represents a significant consideration. The B&W 707 S2 delivers about 10-15% better performance in terms of detail retrieval and imaging precision, but at a 48% higher price point. For many listeners, the Polk R100 hits a sweet spot of performance versus value.

Setup and Room Considerations

Both speakers benefit from proper placement, but the B&W proves more demanding:

• Requires high-quality amplification (recommended 30-100W)
• More sensitive to placement and toe-in angle
• Benefits from dedicated stands

The Polk shows more flexibility:

• Works well with mid-range amplifiers (30-150W)
• More forgiving of room placement
• Still benefits from stands but less critically so

How to Decide

Choose the B&W 707 S2 if:

• You prioritize ultimate detail and precision
• Have high-quality amplification
• Listen primarily to well-recorded acoustic music
• Budget allows for premium investment

Choose the Polk Reserve R100 if:

• Value is a key consideration
• Using mid-range amplification
• Listen to a variety of music sources
• Need multiple pairs for surround sound

Final Thoughts

Both speakers represent excellent choices in their respective price brackets. The B&W 707 S2 delivers reference-level performance in a compact package, while the Polk R100 offers tremendous value with only minor compromises in absolute performance.

For most listeners, the Polk R100 will provide an extremely satisfying experience at a more accessible price point. However, if you're building a high-end system and can afford the premium, the B&W 707 S2's superior resolution and imaging capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for the discerning audiophile.

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

Polk Reserve R100 Bookshelf Speakers - Pair Deals and Prices