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Did Bowers & Wilkins Just Unveil the Ultimate Bookshelf Speaker?

The new models borrow numerous elements from the brand’s higher-end loudspeakers.

Glossy wooden speaker cabinet with black and silver speaker drivers and partial "Bowers & Wilkins" logo.Bowers & Wilkins
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By Tucker Bowe

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The Bowers & Wilkins 707 S3 is one of the most high-end passive bookshelf speakers that the company has sold for the last several years. Released in mid-2022, it’s the most entry-level model in the brand’s third-generation 700 series. A pair currently sells for $2,000.

Now, the acclaimed British audio manufacturer has revealed a special-edition version of its 707 S3, named the “Prestige Edition,” which it’s calling its “ultimate bookshelf loudspeaker.”

Two black Marantz audio components and two wooden bookshelf speakers with white cones on a rustic wooden table against a beige wall.
Bowers & Wilkins 707 S3 Prestige Edition are an elevated version of its existing bookshelf speakers.
Bowers & Wilkins

Meet the Prestige Edition

Admittedly, Bowers & Wilkins hasn’t strayed too far away from the standard 707 S3 bookshelf speakers with these Prestige Edition models. The two share the same two-way design with a curved baffle and rear-firing bass port.

And they use the same driver combination, pairing a 1-inch decoupled carbon-dome tweeter with a 5-inch Continuum mid-bass driver.

Wood-finished bookshelf speaker with silver-rimmed woofer and tweeter on a light surface.
B&W is calling the 707 Prestige Edition its “ultimate bookshelf loudspeaker.”
Bowers & Wilkins

The difference between the two models is mostly aesthetic.

The standout upgrade of the Prestige Edition models is a new luxurious Santos Gloss finish, featuring 12 layers of paint and lacquer inspired by the Santos Rosewood finish of its 805 D3 Prestige Edition loudspeakers.

Close-up of a wooden speaker terminal panel labeled "707 Prestige Edition" with four chrome binding posts marked -LF, -HF, +LF, and +HF.
The special-edition speakers borrow design elements from the brand’s higher-end Signature Series loudspeakers.
Bowers & Wilkins

Signature Series accents

Additionally, the 707 S3 Prestige Edition bookshelf speakers borrow two features from the Bowers & Wilkins’ higher-end stand-mounted loudspeakers, the 705 S3 Signature ($5,200/pair).

These include a new tweeter grille with a more advanced design and mesh pattern. As well as upgraded speaker terminals, which the brand claims help deliver superior sound quality.

Wood-finished speaker with a black circular port and a metal plate labeled "707 Prestige Edition" with four adjustment knobs.
The speakers have a two-way design with a curved baffle and rear-firing bass port.
Bowers & Wilkins

In a nutshell, the Prestige Edition versions of the 707 S3 bookshelf speaker promise to look a bit more lavish and sound a bit better than the originals. Bowers & Wilkins claims the result is “an elegant loudspeaker that is inspiring to both look at and listen to.”

And naturally, they promise to be a bit more expensive, too.

Glossy reddish-brown wooden speaker with silver and black drivers mounted on a black stand against a beige wall.
Unfortunately for US-based fans, these special-edition bookshelf speakers don’t appear to be getting a stateside release.
Bowers & Wilkins

Price and availability

The standard versions of the Bowers & Wilkins 707 S3 bookshelf speakers currently sell for $2,000/pair. They come in three different finishes: gloss black, satin white and mocha.

As for the new Prestige Editions, which come in the Santos Gloss finish, you’re going to have to pay a little bit more than that. As for how much, that’s a little bit tricky.

B&W’s 707 S3 Prestige Edition is currently available in England and Europe for £1550 and €1750, respectively. Unfortunately for US-based fans, it doesn’t appear that these special-edition bookshelf speakers will be available stateside.

Pair of bookshelf speakers with red wood finish, one showing silver and black drivers, the other covered with black grille.Bowers & Wilkins

Bowers & Wilkins 707 S3 Prestige Edition

About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

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