When it comes to high-quality audio reproduction, bookshelf speakers remain a cornerstone of both dedicated music systems and home theaters. The Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 ($2,000/pair) and Polk Signature Elite ES10 ($350/pair) represent two distinct approaches to bookshelf speaker design, each targeting different users with varying priorities and budgets.
Bookshelf speakers need to accomplish a challenging task - reproducing accurate, full-range sound from relatively compact enclosures. Modern designs use advanced materials and innovative technologies to push the boundaries of what's possible from smaller cabinets.
The B&W 707 S2 showcases what's possible when cost is less of a constraint. Released in 2018, it features B&W's innovative Carbon Dome tweeter technology that pushes the breakup frequency (where the driver starts to distort) to 47kHz - well beyond human hearing. This results in incredibly pure and detailed high frequencies. The Continuum cone material used in the midrange driver, first developed for their flagship 800 Series Diamond line, provides exceptional clarity and natural tonality for vocals and instruments.
In contrast, the Polk ES10 uses a Terylene dome tweeter paired with a mica-reinforced polypropylene woofer. While these are quality materials, they don't reach the same level of refinement as the B&W's drivers. However, Polk's Dynamic Balance technology helps optimize driver behavior, delivering impressive performance for the price point.
The B&W's superior imaging creates a more precise soundstage - you can more easily pinpoint where instruments and vocals are positioned in space. The Polk speakers provide good imaging for their price but can't match the B&W's ability to disappear into the soundstage.
Both speakers require careful placement for optimal bass response, but they handle low frequencies quite differently. The B&W 707 S2 extends down to 50Hz with remarkable control and definition. Its Flowport technology reduces port noise and distortion, allowing for clean bass even at higher volumes.
The Polk ES10's bass response starts rolling off around 75Hz, but it's tuned to integrate well with subwoofers in home theater applications. While the bass isn't as tight or defined as the B&W, it's more than adequate for surround duties or casual listening.
Here we see some interesting contrasts in design philosophy. The B&W 707 S2's 84dB sensitivity rating means it needs more power to reach the same volume levels as the Polk's 87dB sensitivity. The B&W's highly engineered drivers and crossover network really shine when paired with quality amplification - think separates or higher-end integrated amps in the $1000+ range.
The Polk ES10 is more forgiving of amplification quality and works well with mainstream AV receivers. Its higher sensitivity and less demanding electrical characteristics make it an easier load to drive.
The B&W 707 S2 showcases premium materials throughout - from the rigid cabinet construction to the proprietary driver technologies. The attention to detail extends to the magnetic grilles and high-quality binding posts. These speakers are built to last decades with proper care.
The Polk ES10 makes intelligent compromises to hit a more accessible price point while maintaining good performance. The cabinet construction is solid, and the drivers use proven materials rather than cutting-edge tech. The result is a speaker that delivers reliable performance without breaking the bank.
For dedicated music listening, especially with well-recorded acoustic, classical, or jazz material, the B&W 707 S2 shows its class. The superior detail retrieval, precise imaging, and natural tonality create a more engaging and realistic presentation. They excel at reproducing the subtle nuances that make live music feel real.
The Polk ES10 handles music playback competently but doesn't reveal the same level of detail or create as convincing a soundstage. However, for background music or casual listening, many users might not notice these differences.
Both speakers can work well in home theater applications, but in different roles. The B&W 707 S2's excellent imaging and detail make them outstanding front left/right speakers, capable of handling both music and movie soundtracks with authority.
The Polk ES10 really shines as a surround speaker, where its good dispersion characteristics and voice-matched design work to their strengths. They're particularly well-suited for Dolby Atmos setups as height speakers, where their mounting options and price point make them practical choices.
The B&W 707 S2 needs more careful placement and room treatment to perform their best. They benefit from quality speaker stands and some space from walls to develop their full soundstage potential.
The Polk ES10's more forgiving nature makes them easier to position, and their included keyhole mounting slots provide flexible installation options for surround applications.
The decision largely comes down to your priorities and budget. The B&W 707 S2 represents a significant investment but delivers reference-level performance that will satisfy for years to come. The Polk ES10 offers impressive value, especially for home theater applications, where multiple speakers are needed.
Remember that both speakers require proper setup and placement to perform their best. Take time to position them correctly and match them with appropriate electronics for optimal results.
| Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 | Polk Signature Elite ES10 |
|---|---|
| Price - Key factor in value assessment | |
| $2,000/pair (premium audiophile pricing) | $350/pair (excellent value proposition) |
| Frequency Response - Indicates bass depth and overall range | |
| 50Hz - 28kHz (±3dB) - deeper, more controlled bass | 75Hz - 40kHz - requires subwoofer integration |
| Sensitivity - Determines how much power is needed | |
| 84dB (needs more powerful amplification) | 87dB (easier to drive, works with most receivers) |
| Driver Configuration - Affects sound quality and imaging | |
| 1" Carbon Dome tweeter, 5" Continuum cone (premium materials) | 1" Terylene dome tweeter, 4" mica-polypropylene woofer (good value materials) |
| Power Handling - Shows amplifier compatibility | |
| 30-100W (demands quality amplification) | 20-100W (more flexible with amplifier matching) |
| Impedance - Impacts amplifier compatibility | |
| 8Ω nominal (4Ω minimum) - more demanding load | Compatible with 4Ω and 8Ω outputs - easier load |
| Size (HxWxD) - Consider space requirements | |
| 11" x 6.5" x 10.2" (larger cabinet volume) | 8.4" x 5.4" x 6.1" (more compact design) |
| Weight - Affects mounting options | |
| 13.2 lbs each (substantial build) | 6 lbs each (easier mounting/placement) |
| Primary Use Case - Helps determine best application | |
| Audiophile stereo, premium home theater fronts | Surrounds, height channels, budget stereo |
| Key Technology - Indicates engineering focus | |
| Carbon Dome tweeter, Continuum cone, Flowport (reference-grade) | Dynamic Balance, Power Port (performance-focused value) |
| Mounting Options - Installation flexibility | |
| Stand mount only (requires quality stands) | Keyhole slot and threaded insert (versatile mounting) |
The B&W 707 S2 is significantly better for music, offering superior detail, imaging, and tonal accuracy. While the Polk ES10 performs adequately for casual listening, it can't match the B&W's audiophile-grade sound quality.
The B&W 707 S2 costs $2,000 per pair, while the Polk ES10 is $350 per pair. This substantial price difference reflects their different market positions and performance levels.
Both serve different roles well. The B&W 707 S2 excels as front speakers, while the Polk ES10 is ideal for surrounds or height channels. For a complete theater, the Polk offers better value when buying multiple pairs.
The B&W 707 S2 needs quality amplification (recommended $1000+) to perform its best. The Polk ES10 works well with most standard AV receivers and doesn't require expensive amplification.
The Polk ES10 is more flexible with placement and includes wall-mounting options. The B&W 707 S2 requires careful positioning and quality stands for optimal performance.
The B&W 707 S2 can work without a subwoofer for music, extending to 50Hz. The Polk ES10 really needs a subwoofer, with bass rolling off at 75Hz.
Both work in small rooms, but the Polk ES10 is more compact and easier to position. The B&W 707 S2 needs more space from walls for optimal performance.
Both handle streaming well, but the B&W 707 S2 will reveal more detail in high-quality streams. The Polk ES10 is perfectly adequate for casual streaming services.
The B&W 707 S2 features premium materials and construction throughout. While the Polk ES10 is well-built for its price, it doesn't match the B&W's premium build quality.
The Polk ES10 includes wall-mounting hardware and is designed for flexible placement. The B&W 707 S2 is designed for stand mounting only.
The B&W 707 S2 represents a longer-term investment with its higher performance ceiling. The Polk ES10 is more suitable as a current-generation solution that may be upgraded later.
The Polk ES10 offers excellent performance for its price point. While the B&W 707 S2 delivers superior performance, the value proposition depends on your priorities and budget.
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 - easyhometheater.net - polkaudio.com - digitalcinema.com.au - bestbuy.com - worldwidestereo.com - selby.com.au - crutchfield.com - bombayaudio.com - audiolab.com - crutchfield.com - audiosciencereview.com
