Introduction: Bowers & Wilkins, British sound in Morocco
For over 50 years, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) has embodied British audio excellence. The brand offers two ranges that particularly interest Moroccan audiophiles: the 600 Series, accessible and performant, and the 700 S3 Series, which inherits technologies from the legendary 800 Series used in Abbey Road studios.
With prices from 7,800 MAD for the 607 S3 to over 68,000 MAD for the 702 S3, the gap is significant. This guide helps you determine which range truly matches your ears, room and budget.
The 600 S3 Series: entry into the B&W world
Philosophy and technologies
The 600 Series is B&W's gateway to "serious" Hi-Fi. Don't be fooled by "entry-level": these speakers outperform most competitors in their price segment. They feature technologies inherited from higher series:
- Continuum cone: same membrane material as the 700 Series, offering natural and detailed midrange
- Decoupled dome tweeter: optimised suspension for precise highs without distortion
- Bass reflex: rear port for extended and controlled bass
- Optimised crossovers: passive filters for perfect coherence between drivers
600 Series models
- 607 S3 (from 7,800 MAD/pair): compact bookshelf, 2-way. Ideal for office, bedroom or small living room. The B&W entry point.
- 606 S3: larger bookshelf with 16.5 cm woofer. More bass and dynamics than the 607. The sweet spot for many audiophiles.
- 603 S3: 3-way floorstander with dual woofer. Remarkable bass extension, suited to 20–40 m² living rooms. B&W's accessible floorstander.
The 700 S3 Series: reference 800 technologies
What changes vs the 600
The 700 S3 is not simply an "improved" 600. It introduces fundamentally different technologies that raise sound quality a significant notch:
- Carbon Dome tweeter: B&W's signature. A rigid, lightweight carbon dome extending frequency response beyond 30 kHz with near-zero distortion. The difference from the 600 tweeter is audible on cymbals, strings and female vocals.
- Tube-loaded tweeter: tweeter decoupled in a separate enclosure on floorstanders, reducing cabinet resonances. Technology from the 800 Series.
- Reinforced cabinets: stiffer internal structure with optimised bracing, reducing cabinet colouration
- Superior crossovers: audiophile-grade components for increased transparency
- Premium finishes: real wood veneer or gloss lacquer (model dependent)
700 S3 Series models
- 705 S3 (from 38,500 MAD/pair): reference bookshelf. Carbon Dome tweeter, surgical stereo image. One of the best bookshelves in its category.
- 704 S3: compact 3-way floorstander. Ideal compromise between the 705 bookshelf and large floorstanders.
- 703 S3: 3-way floorstander with dedicated woofer. Impressive bass extension and dynamics.
- 702 S3: flagship of the range. Dual woofer, Carbon Dome tweeter on tube, performance close to the 800 Series at lower cost.
Sound comparison: 600 vs 700 in listening
Midrange and vocals
Both series use the Continuum cone for midrange, giving them a similar vocal signature. The 700 adds superior resolution: more micro-details, singers' breaths, subtle instrument resonances. This ability to "see deeper into the music" justifies the premium for demanding audiophiles.
Highs
This is where the difference is most marked. The 700's Carbon Dome tweeter produces airier, more extended and natural highs. Cymbals shimmer without aggression, violin strings vibrate with striking realism. The 600 tweeter, though very good, lacks that last ounce of transparency and extension.
Bass and dynamics
At equal size (bookshelf vs bookshelf), the 700 offers slightly more controlled and articulate bass thanks to its stiffer cabinet. The 600 has generous but less defined bass. On floorstanders, the 702 S3 and 703 S3 go clearly lower than the 603 S3 with authority that recalls a different category.
Expert tip: Before choosing between 600 and 700, honestly assess your audio chain. The 700's Carbon Dome tweeter is so revealing it will expose weaknesses in a mediocre amplifier or compressed streaming. Ensure your source and amplification are up to the task.
Amplification: a key factor
For the 600 Series
The 600 Series is relatively easy to drive. An integrated amplifier of 50–100W per channel suffices:
- Tight budget: Denon PMA-600NE (~4,000 MAD) — on order
- Best value: Marantz PM6007 (6,990 MAD) — in stock
- With streaming: Denon PMA-900HNE (9,990 MAD) — HEOS, AirPlay 2
For the 700 Series
The 700 deserves amplification worthy of its capabilities. Count 80–150W per channel minimum for bookshelf models and 100–200W for floorstanders:
- Premium entry: Marantz Model 40n
- Reference: Rotel A14 MKII or Cambridge Audio CXA81
- Audiophile: Naim Nait XS 3 or higher
Golden rule: Budget about 50–100% of your speaker price for amplification. Speakers at 38,500 MAD deserve an amp at 20,000–40,000 MAD to be fully exploited.
Acoustic treatment: the forgotten factor
Moroccan interiors pose a specific acoustic challenge: tiling, marble, large open spaces, high ceilings. These reflective surfaces create reverberations that harm stereo imaging and artificially boost bass.
Practical solutions
- Thick rug: a large rug between speakers and listening position reduces first reflections on the floor
- Heavy curtains: in front of bay windows, they absorb lateral reflections
- Filled bookshelves: excellent natural diffuser behind the listening position
- Absorption panels: at first reflection points (side walls midway between speaker and listener)
These treatments benefit both series but are almost essential for the 700, whose high resolution makes acoustic issues more audible.
Bi-wiring and bi-amplification
All 600 and 700 models have bi-wiring compatible terminals (dual connector pairs). Bi-wiring uses two separate cables from one amp: one for bass/midrange, one for highs. On the 700 Series, this can bring a perceptible gain in separation and clarity.
Bi-amplification (two separate amplifiers) goes further and can reveal the full potential of the 702 or 703 S3. It is however a significant investment for enthusiasts.
Our final recommendation
Choose the 600 Series if…
- Your total budget (speakers + amp) is under 20,000 MAD
- You're new to Hi-Fi or want excellent sound without hassle
- Your room has no acoustic treatment
- You mainly listen to streaming (Spotify, Apple Music)
- You want the best value in Hi-Fi in Morocco
Choose the 700 Series if…
- You're a demanding audiophile who perceives micro-details
- Your audio chain (source + amp) is up to the task
- You're ready to invest in acoustic treatment
- You listen to high-resolution files (FLAC, DSD)
- You see this as a 15–20 year investment
- Premium aesthetics and finishes matter to you
At Smart Living we are an authorised Bowers & Wilkins dealer in Morocco. All speakers come with the official B&W 5-year warranty. Our team can advise on amp + speaker pairing and organise comparative listening. Contact us via WhatsApp to discuss.
