Floorstanding speaker systems Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3 are the highest model in their series. They have a three-way configuration and, due to their significant sound pressure, are suitable for use in large rooms. The speakers are made in a cabinet made of selected MDF with natural wood trim, and the well-chosen geometry (the width of the speaker is significantly less than its depth) makes the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3 not as bulky as other speakers of comparable volume. The speaker is equipped with a modified proprietary tweeter with a double damped aluminum dome Decoupled Double Dome, which reproduces high frequencies up to 33 kHz. The series name is printed on the metal ring framing the tweeter protective mesh, which emphasizes the special status of this model. The tweeter also received a new mounting plate for improved dispersion and a more open tweeter grille design taken from B&W’s recently introduced 800 Signature Series.
Midrange frequencies in the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3 are reproduced by a speaker with a Continuun cone – its design was first developed for use in speakers of the top 800 series. The diffuser of this emitter does not have a traditional suspension, which eliminates the occurrence of unwanted resonances, and the material from which it is made is a B&W secret. A separate midrange driver provides natural and articulate reproduction of vocals and acoustic instruments. The two woofers in the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3 are equipped with paper cones with a diameter of 6.5 inches and are loaded with a proprietary Flow Port bass reflex, the output of which is located on the rear panel.
Another big change to the S3 600 series line is a revised cabinet design that places the tweeter and main speakers closer together using “crossing overlay rings” designed to improve imaging and driver integration. The internal bracing of each hull has also been improved by updating the wood used.
The speaker terminals on the rear of each speaker are from the Bowers & Wilkins 700 S3 series, and the rear-mounted bass ports are also 700 series specification. Another major change made to the acoustics is the crossover filter. Its circuit has been completely redesigned, and audiophile-grade components were used in its manufacturing. This made it possible to make the sound of the speakers as transparent and balanced as possible.
Characteristics of Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3
Number of bands 3
Number of speakers 4
Housing type bass reflex, Flowport port located in the rear
Tweeter type 25 mm tweeter with a dome membrane Decoupled Double Dome made of aluminum, corner frequency (first resonance): 38 kHz
Diameter and type of midrange – driver 150 mm Midrange driver with Continuum diffuser made of woven composite material with a special coating, suspension with FST technology, rigid aluminum chassis, mechanically decoupled from the body
Diameter and type of bass driver 2 x 165 mm Bass drivers, diffuser material: paper, powerful magnetic system
Frequency range 29 Hz – 33 kHz (- 6 dB)
Frequency range 48 Hz – 28 kHz (± 3 dB)
Sensitivity 88.5 dB (2.83 V/1 m)
Harmonic distortion (2nd and 3rd harmonics, 90 dB, 1 m) less than 1% (100 Hz – 22 kHz), less than 0.5% (300 Hz – 20 kHz)
Impedance 8 ohms, minimum: 3.0 ohms
Recommended amplifier power 30 – 200 W
Input connectors 2 pairs of screw terminals
Magnetic grill mount
Dimensions (WxHxD) 190 x 985 x 340 mm (body only), 320 x 1055 x 370 mm (with support)
Weight 24.1 kg
