Loudspeakers £700-£1,000 [ Ultimate Group Test ]

£900 per pair 01903 221500 q www.bwspeakers.com

B&W 705

Classy standmount with external tweeter and advanced enclosure

The most obvious similarity between B&W’s earlier CDM-1NT (of the CDM-NT-series which the 700-series

replaced) and the 705 is the external tube-loaded tweeter. But whereas the former’s chunky lines were starting to look a little dated, the new 705 has a sleeker, more streamlined look. It has classy real-wood veneer, and neat front-to-back tapering to help avoid the parallel surfaces that ‘focus’ internal standing waves. The curved single-piece front and top ensures great stiffness alongside good acoustics. There’s also a significant price rise – up to £900 from its predecessor’s £750.

The external tweeter provides wide distribution for the high frequencies, while also creating appropriate time alignment between the two drivers. Below the 25mm alloy dome tweeter is a 165mm cast-frame bass/mid driver with 120mm diameter yellow woven Kevlar cone. It features what B&W calls a ‘balanced drive’ motor, with improved

that might well leave the bass end a little light and dry. However, as usual it’s worth experimenting with positioning, as rooms vary dramatically, and some wall reinforcement might well be preferred in some cases here.

Given the ingredients, it’s hardly surprising that this is no deep-bass excavator, and indeed some may find it a little too bass-shy for their taste. For movie replay, additional subwoofery will certainly be required, but for much musical material the little B&W’s bass has an attractive clarity and lightness of touch

one might describe it as a Kylie bottom end

small, but beautifully formed.

The midband has a little extra emphasis, as has the lower treble, while the presence – typically of B&W’s models – is slightly restrained. While the net result is not strictly neutral, it’s a clever compromise that avoids aggressiveness but preserves good detail, alongside a notably wide dynamic range and good expression. A crucial contributing factor

LAB REPORT

B&W’s claim for 89dB sensitivity seems well founded, and is accompanied by a relatively benign impedance characteristic that stays mostly above 6 ohms and never falls below 5 ohms, with just the merest hint of perturbation at 1kHz. The port here is tuned to around 41Hz, and its output seems well damped.

The overall tonal balance looks well enough ordered, though it could have been smoother and is not without certain obvious characteristics. The midband is a shade prominent, 250-800Hz, while the presence zone output, 1.5-3.5kHz, is a trifle shy. A modest 4.5kHz peak will add some top end ‘zing’. The bass below 200Hz is a little weak overall, though decent extension is maintained down to 30Hz under in-room conditions.

The 705’s crossover point is at 2kHz electrically speaking, though the actual acoustic transition is close to 3.5kHz. The pair-match here was impressively close.

HOW IT COMPARES

magnetic field symmetry and reduced variations in inductance. A front ‘Flowport’ reflex-loads the main driver, and a foam bung is supplied to block this if preferred – possibly useful if the speaker has to be close to a wall.

With an all-up weight of 9.5kg, it’s the lightest in our test group, but still feels solidly built. Our samples came finished in an attractive cherrywood real-wood veneer, but maple, American walnut, ‘rosenut’ and black ash are other options. Twin terminal pairs

is that the top end has a sweetness and delicacy normally associated with more costly models, and this all adds up to a speaker that’s both informative and easy to listen to at the same time.

That, above all, distinguishes this speaker. It’s always inviting and very easy to enjoy, does very little wrong and most things rather well. Ultimately it’s a very fine compromise, which, after all, is what the art of speaker design is all about. HFC

>>>Better

3

1

2

4 5

>>>Worse

provide bi-wire/amp capabilities.

SOUND QUALITY

1] Sensitivity >>10%

2] Bass extension >>-10%

3] Ease of drive >>15%

The first thing one notices with this 705 is the sort of freedom from ‘boxy’ colorations that’s uncommon at any

price, and which could probably give B&W’s more costly Nautilus 805 quite a run for its money. It’s solid evidence that standmounts

offer their own advantages.

The 705 is really best kept clear of walls, in order to take advantage of its

fine midband clarity, superior stereo imaging and wide dispersion, even though

4] Overall frequency balance >>20%

5] Response smoothness >>10%

SPECIFICATIONS

 

 

Measurement

Rated

Actual

Sensitivity @ 1m/2.83V

89dB

89dB

Impedance (nominal/mean)

8ohm

9ohm

Est. bass extension (-6dB, Hz)

38Hz

35Hz

 

 

 

 

VERDICT

 

SOUND >> 86%

This pretty little standmount is

 

 

 

 

 

always inviting and very easy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

to enjoy. It lacks some bass

PRACTICALITY >>84%

weight and welly, but is

 

 

 

 

 

otherwise a very good

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

compromise, with a fine

BUILD >> 90%

freedom from boxiness and a

 

 

 

 

 

sweet and open top end.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VALUE >> 84%

OVERALL SCORE >> 86%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

may 2004

HI-FI CHOICE 61

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Bowers & Wilkins 705 specifications Loudspeakers £700-£1,000 Ultimate Group Test, LAB Report, HOW IT Compares, Verdict

705 specifications

The Bowers & Wilkins 705 stands as a remarkable entry in the world of high-fidelity audio, blending sophistication with exceptional sound quality. This standmount speaker is part of the company's 700 Series, renowned for its precise engineering and signature Bowers & Wilkins sound.

A standout feature of the 705 is its innovative double dome tweeter. This technology enhances the listening experience by providing a more open and natural sound with extended high frequencies. The tweeter is housed in a stylish housing that minimizes resonance, ensuring that clarity is maintained even at high volumes. This sophisticated design allows the listener to appreciate the subtle nuances in music, from the delicate shimmer of cymbals to the breathy textures of vocals.

The 705 also utilizes a custom-designed midrange driver, which is crafted to deliver rich, detailed audio reproduction. The midrange is crucial in music performance, as it encompasses a wide range of frequencies and facilitates well-structured soundstage imaging. The driver is engineered with advanced materials to ensure that it remains lightweight yet incredibly rigid, effectively reducing distortion and enhancing transient response.

Moreover, Bowers & Wilkins employs a museum-grade cabinet construction that not only accentuates its aesthetic appeal but also serves an important acoustic function. The cabinet's internal bracing and custom damping materials help to minimize unwanted resonance, resulting in a purer sound. The matte finish and elegant profile of the 705 make it a visually striking addition to any home audio setup.

The speaker’s performance is further elevated by its compatibility with the company's proprietary Continuum cone technology. This innovation helps to deliver a transparent and consistent sound across all frequencies, ensuring that audio reproduction feels seamless and coherent.

In terms of connectivity, the 705 is designed with flexibility in mind. It can be paired with a range of amplifiers, making it suitable for various audio setups. Whether used in a stereo configuration or as part of a home theater system, the 705 promises an immersive audio experience.

Bowers & Wilkins has meticulously crafted the 705 to appeal to audiophiles who seek both form and function. With its combination of innovative technologies, elegant design, and outstanding sound quality, the 705 stands as a testament to the brand's legacy in high-fidelity audio. This speaker not only captures the heart of music but also enhances the overall enjoyment, making it a worthy addition for any serious music listener.