Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3

The 706 S3 is the entry point to the 700 Series S3 stand-mount range — a two-way loudspeaker that carries the carbon dome tweeter and Continuum FST driver technology of the larger 700 Series S3 models into a more compact and more accessibly priced package. The 706 S3 makes no meaningful concession in driver quality relative to the 705 S3 above it — both use the same carbon dome tweeter and Continuum FST bass/midrange driver — and the differences between the two models are principally those of cabinet size, bass extension, and the Tweeter-on-Top arrangement that distinguishes the 705 S3. For those whose budget or room points towards the 706 S3, it represents outstanding value and a genuine entry point into 700 Series S3 performance. Martins Hi-Fi is the second oldest Bowers & Wilkins dealer in the world, and the 706 S3 is a loudspeaker we are pleased to recommend without reservation.

Carbon Dome Tweeter

The 706 S3 uses Bowers & Wilkins' carbon dome tweeter — the same diaphragm material as the 705 S3 and the larger 700 Series S3 floorstanders. Carbon fibre's stiffness-to-mass ratio delivers high-frequency resolution and low distortion that a conventional aluminium or fabric dome cannot approach, and its presence in the 706 S3 ensures that the loudspeaker's treble performance is wholly consistent with the rest of the 700 Series S3 range. In the 706 S3 the tweeter is integrated into the top of the main cabinet rather than mounted in the Tweeter-on-Top configuration — a distinction that reflects the 706 S3's position in the range without compromising the quality of the high-frequency transducer itself.

Continuum FST Bass/Midrange Driver

The 706 S3's bass/midrange driver employs Bowers & Wilkins' Continuum cone in a Fixed Suspension Transducer mounting — the same driver technology as the 705 S3, eliminating the conventional foam surround and the resonance colouration it introduces across the midrange frequencies. The Continuum cone suppresses the characteristic break-up modes of synthetic cone materials precisely where the human ear is most sensitive, and Biomimetic Suspension refines the driver's behaviour at low signal levels — recovering the micro-dynamic detail and low-level resolution that define the 700 Series S3 character. The result is a bass/midrange performance that is transparent, uncoloured, and entirely consistent with the quality of the carbon dome tweeter it partners.

Cabinet and Bass Loading

The 706 S3's enclosure is a reflex-loaded design tuned for its specific driver and internal volume — delivering the bass extension that a compact stand-mount of its size can reasonably achieve, with the control and articulation that the Continuum FST driver demands. The cabinet is available in a range of gloss and satin finishes, and its compact proportions make it a practical choice for a wide range of rooms and stand configurations.

Technical Specifications

Who Is It For?

The 706 S3 is for those entering the 700 Series S3 range — whether as a first serious stand-mount loudspeaker, as part of a budget-conscious high-quality stereo system, or as a surround or rear channel speaker in a larger 700 Series S3 home cinema installation. It pairs naturally with the Bowers & Wilkins ASW608 subwoofer for those who want greater bass extension, and those wishing to compare it directly with the 705 S3 are welcome to hear both at our Norwich showroom.

Buying from Martins Hi-Fi

Martins Hi-Fi has been in Norwich since 1968. Elizabeth Gould runs the business today, and we stock only brands we have heard properly and stand behind. As the second oldest Bowers & Wilkins dealer in the world, we have a depth of experience with the 700 Series S3 range that very few retailers can match. The 706 S3 is available to hear in our Norwich showroom, and Dave and Chris can demonstrate it alongside the rest of the 700 Series S3 range to help you identify the right loudspeaker for your system and budget.

Contact us at [email protected], call 01603 627010, or WhatsApp on 07554 687137. You can read more about how we work on our Why Martins Hi-Fi page. We are at 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY.