When stepping into the world of high-end bookshelf speakers, the Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 at $959 and SVS Ultra Evolution at $599 represent two compelling but different approaches to premium sound. Let's explore how these speakers stack up and help you make an informed decision.
Bookshelf speakers have come a long way from their humble origins. Today's models pack sophisticated technology into compact cabinets that can fill most rooms with impressive sound. The B&W 707 S2, released in 2018, builds on decades of British audio heritage, while the SVS Ultra Evolution, launched in early 2024, represents the latest in American speaker innovation.
The B&W 707 S2 delivers what audiophiles often call an "analytical" sound signature. Its Carbon Dome tweeter (which handles high frequencies) pushes detail to the forefront, making it excellent for listeners who want to hear every nuance in their music. Imagine being able to pick out individual instruments in a complex orchestral piece with remarkable clarity.
In contrast, the SVS Ultra Evolution takes a more neutral approach. Its diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeter and time-aligned cabinet (where all sound waves reach your ears simultaneously) create a more natural, balanced presentation. The sound is less about microscopic detail and more about creating a cohesive, musical experience.
Speaker placement can make or break sound quality, and these models handle room interaction differently:
Amplification needs differ significantly between these speakers:
The B&W 707 S2's 84dB sensitivity rating means it needs more power to reach the same volume levels as more efficient speakers. You'll want at least 50 watts per channel of high-quality amplification to get the best performance.
The SVS Ultra Evolution, with its 88dB sensitivity, is notably easier to drive. This 4dB difference means it needs less than half the power to achieve the same volume levels. It's more forgiving with modestly powered amplifiers, though it still scales up well with better equipment.
Bass response often determines whether you'll need a subwoofer:
The B&W 707 S2 reaches down to 45Hz, which covers most music adequately but might leave you wanting more for movies. The bass is tight and controlled but doesn't have the same impact as larger speakers.
The SVS Ultra Evolution extends deeper to 24Hz, providing more foundation to the sound. This makes it potentially more suitable for home theater use without a subwoofer, though adding one would still improve the overall experience.
Both speakers showcase interesting technologies:
Price-to-performance ratio is crucial in this category:
The B&W 707 S2's higher price brings brand prestige and proven performance. It's a safe choice with strong resale value and a well-established reputation.
The SVS Ultra Evolution offers more advanced technology at a lower price point. It's the value leader, providing features usually found in more expensive speakers.
For home theater use, both speakers can work well but have different strengths:
The B&W 707 S2 excels at dialogue clarity and precise sound placement, making it great for movie watching where understanding speech is crucial.
The SVS Ultra Evolution's deeper bass extension and more forgiving nature make it easier to integrate into a surround system. It's also timbre-matched with other SVS speakers if you're building a complete system.
Choose the B&W 707 S2 if you:
Choose the SVS Ultra Evolution if you:
Both speakers represent excellent choices in their category, but they serve different preferences and needs. The B&W 707 S2 is the detail champion, while the SVS Ultra Evolution offers more versatility and value.
Remember that personal listening is always the best way to make a final decision, as speaker preference is ultimately subjective. If possible, try to audition both models in conditions similar to your listening room.
| Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 | SVS Ultra Evolution |
|---|---|
| Price - Investment Required | |
| $959/pair (premium pricing) | $599/pair (better value proposition) |
| Sensitivity - Determines how much amplifier power you need | |
| 84dB (requires more powerful amp) | 88dB (easier to drive, more flexible) |
| Frequency Response - Range of sound reproduction | |
| 50Hz - 28kHz (±3dB) | 24Hz - 40kHz (±3dB) |
| Bass Extension - How deep the speakers can play | |
| 45Hz (-6dB), may need subwoofer | 24Hz (-3dB), fuller standalone bass |
| Recommended Amplifier Power - Power handling range | |
| 30W - 100W | 20W - 300W |
| Impedance - Electrical resistance affecting amp compatibility | |
| 8Ω nominal (4Ω minimum) | 6Ω nominal |
| Driver Configuration - Speaker components | |
| 1" Carbon Dome tweeter, 5" Continuum cone mid/bass | 1" Diamond-coated aluminum tweeter, 6.5" glass fiber mid/bass |
| Cabinet Size - Physical footprint | |
| 11" x 6.5" x 10.2" (compact) | 13.2" x 8.3" x 12.4" (larger) |
| Weight - Affects stability and placement options | |
| 6.0kg (13.2 lb) per speaker | 9.1kg (20 lb) per speaker |
| Special Features - Unique technologies | |
| Flowport, Decoupled tweeter, Continuum cone | Time-aligned cabinet, Diamond-coated tweeter, Wide-flared port |
The SVS Ultra Evolution at $599 offers better value with newer technology and comparable performance to the B&W 707 S2 at $959. You get similar quality for significantly less money.
The B&W 707 S2 requires more powerful amplification due to its 84dB sensitivity. The SVS Ultra Evolution is easier to drive with its 88dB sensitivity, working well with more modest amplifiers.
The B&W 707 S2 is more compact and optimized for smaller spaces, while the SVS Ultra Evolution works better in medium-sized rooms but can adapt to smaller spaces.
The SVS Ultra Evolution reaches deeper bass (24Hz) and can work well without a subwoofer. The B&W 707 S2's 45Hz lower limit means you might want a subwoofer, especially for home theater use.
The B&W 707 S2 offers more detailed, analytical sound perfect for critical music listening. The SVS Ultra Evolution provides a warmer, more natural sound that many find more enjoyable for long-term listening.
The SVS Ultra Evolution is better suited for home theater due to deeper bass extension and easier integration with other speakers. The B&W 707 S2 excels at dialogue clarity but may need a subwoofer.
The SVS Ultra Evolution is more forgiving with placement due to its time-aligned design. The B&W 707 S2 requires more careful positioning and space from walls.
Both speakers are well-built, but B&W has a longer track record for durability. The SVS Ultra Evolution uses newer materials and comes with a 5-year warranty.
The SVS Ultra Evolution works better with budget receivers due to higher sensitivity. The B&W 707 S2 needs higher quality amplification to perform its best.
The B&W 707 S2 typically holds value better due to brand recognition. The SVS Ultra Evolution is too new to judge long-term value retention.
Both work excellently with streaming, though the SVS Ultra Evolution's warmer sound may be more forgiving with compressed audio sources.
The B&W 707 S2 excels with classical and jazz due to its detail retrieval. The SVS Ultra Evolution handles all genres well, with particular strength in rock and electronic music due to better bass response.
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 - futureaudiophile.com - svsound.com - youtube.com - avgadgets.com - dreamediaav.com - dreamediaav.com - outlawaudio.com - svsound.com - audiolab.com - crutchfield.com - audioadvice.com - audioadvice.com - skybygramophone.com
