When it comes to bookshelf speakers, few choices better illustrate the range of options than comparing the premium Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 ($959) with the budget-friendly Sony Core Series 5" ($150). Let's explore what that 6x price difference really gets you, and who should consider each option.
Bookshelf speakers remain a popular choice for both music and home theater, offering a sweet spot between performance and practicality. These compact speakers can deliver impressive sound while fitting into spaces where floor-standing towers might overwhelm the room.
The key attributes that separate great bookshelf speakers from merely good ones are:
The 707 S2 represents B&W's latest thinking in compact speaker design. Released in 2017, it introduced several significant technologies from their flagship 800 Series Diamond line, including:
The Sony Core Series takes a different approach, focusing on proven technologies implemented cost-effectively:
The B&W 707 S2 demonstrates its premium heritage immediately. Instruments occupy precise locations in space, vocals have remarkable presence, and the overall presentation is remarkably close to what you'd hear in a recording studio. Bass, while not reaching subwoofer depths, is tight and articulate.
The Sony Core Series delivers enjoyable music playback that exceeds expectations for its price point. While it can't match the B&W's precision or refinement, it produces a pleasing, room-filling sound that works well for casual listening. Bass response is similar in extension to the B&W but less controlled.
For home theater use, both speakers present interesting options:
The 707 S2 excels at dialog clarity and effect placement, making it an excellent choice for a high-end home theater. Its precise imaging helps create convincing surround effects, though you'll want to add a quality subwoofer for full-range performance.
The Sony Core Series performs admirably in home theater applications, especially given its price. Dialog remains clear, and the 3-way design helps with special effects. While it won't deliver the same precise imaging as the B&W, it's more than capable for most home theater setups.
At $959, the 707 S2 represents a significant investment. However, its performance, build quality, and longevity make it a reasonable value for serious listeners. These speakers will likely remain satisfying for many years, especially when paired with quality electronics.
The Sony Core Series, at $150, offers remarkable value. While it can't match the B&W's performance, it delivers perhaps 60-70% of the sound quality for just 15% of the price. For many listeners, this represents an ideal entry point into quality audio.
Consider these key factors when choosing between these speakers:
The Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 and Sony Core Series represent opposite ends of the bookshelf speaker spectrum. The B&W delivers reference-level performance that will satisfy discerning listeners for years to come, while the Sony offers surprisingly good performance at a fraction of the price.
For serious music lovers and home theater enthusiasts with the budget, the 707 S2's premium performance justifies its cost. However, the Sony Core Series proves that good sound doesn't have to break the bank, making it an excellent choice for those starting their audio journey or seeking good sound on a budget.
Remember: The best speakers are the ones that fit your space, budget, and listening habits while bringing you joy when playing your favorite music or movies. Either of these options could be the perfect choice, depending on your specific situation and needs.
| Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 | Sony Core Series 5" |
|---|---|
| Price - Primary consideration for value assessment | |
| $959/pair (premium pricing tier) | $149.99/pair (budget pricing tier) |
| Design Configuration - Affects sound staging and frequency handling | |
| 2-way with advanced drivers | 3-way with conventional drivers |
| Frequency Response - Determines sound reproduction range | |
| 50Hz - 28kHz (±3dB), exceptionally flat response | 53Hz - 50kHz (less controlled roll-off) |
| Sensitivity - Impacts volume with given amplifier power | |
| 84dB (2.83V, 1m) - needs more power | 87dB (2.83V, 1m) - easier to drive |
| Recommended Amplifier Power - Crucial for system matching | |
| 30W - 100W (needs quality amplification) | 20W - 100W (works with most receivers) |
| Impedance - Affects amplifier compatibility | |
| 8Ω nominal (4Ω minimum) - stable load | 6Ω nominal - typical load |
| Tweeter Technology - Critical for high-frequency detail | |
| 1" Decoupled Carbon Dome™ (47kHz breakup) | 25mm conventional soft dome |
| Mid/Bass Driver - Impacts clarity and bass response | |
| 5" Continuum™ cone (proprietary tech) | 5" conventional cone |
| Cabinet Size - Affects placement flexibility | |
| 11" x 6.5" x 10.2" (compact but deep) | 7" x 13.2" x 8.6" (larger front face) |
| Special Features - Adds functionality and performance | |
| Flowport™, bi-wire capable, foam port plug | Basic rear port, single-wire only |
| Build Quality - Impacts longevity and sound | |
| Premium materials, audiophile-grade | Basic materials, good for price point |
The Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 ($959) offers superior dialogue clarity and precise sound placement, making it ideal for high-end home theater setups. However, the Sony Core Series ($150) provides good performance for basic home theater needs at a much lower price point.
If you're building a premium home theater or critical listening setup, the 707 S2's superior imaging and detail justifies the cost. For casual listening or budget home theaters, the Sony Core Series offers better value.
Yes, both speakers benefit from a subwoofer for home theater use. While both handle bass down to about 50Hz, a subwoofer is recommended for full-range movie soundtracks with either the 707 S2 or Sony Core Series.
The Sony Core Series works well in small spaces and is more forgiving of placement. The 707 S2 needs more room to perform optimally and requires careful positioning to justify its premium price.
The B&W 707 S2 needs quality amplification (30-100W) to perform its best. The Sony Core Series is less demanding and works well with most standard AV receivers.
Both can serve as surrounds, but the Sony Core Series is more cost-effective for this purpose. Using the premium 707 S2 as surrounds might be overkill unless building a high-end system.
The 707 S2 offers better detail and more precise sound placement for movies. However, the Sony Core Series still provides enjoyable movie performance at a fraction of the cost.
The B&W 707 S2 delivers superior musical detail and accuracy. The Sony Core Series provides good musical performance for casual listening but lacks the refinement of the B&W.
The Sony Core Series is more forgiving of placement and setup. The 707 S2 requires more careful positioning and room treatment to achieve optimal performance.
The Sony Core Series works well with most receivers. The B&W 707 S2 needs higher-quality amplification to perform its best and may not reach full potential with budget receivers.
The 707 S2 features premium build quality and materials for longer lifespan. While the Sony Core Series is well-built for its price, it doesn't match the B&W's construction quality.
Both work well for gaming, but the 707 S2 offers better positional audio for competitive gaming. The Sony Core Series provides good gaming performance at a more accessible price point.
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 - higherhz.com - merlinstv.com - youtube.com - erinsaudiocorner.com - bestbuy.com - sony-asia.com - bestbuy.com - sony.com - audiosciencereview.com - sony-asia.com - sony-asia.com - walmart.com
