Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3 Floor Standing Speakers - (Pair)

Overview

The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3 is the largest loudspeaker in the 600 Series, a 3-way floorstanding speaker that B&W describes as ideal for larger rooms and home theatres. It pairs B&W's new Titanium Dome tweeter with the Continuum cone FST midrange driver used in its higher series.

Two 6.5-inch paper-cone bass drivers give the 603 S3 the scale for a bigger space, and a Flowport vent handles the low end. The tweeter sits behind an acoustically transparent grille mesh first developed for B&W's Signature models, and the speaker terminals borrow their improved layout and cleaner signal path from the 700 Series.

B&W rates the 603 S3 at 46Hz to 28kHz (±3dB) with 90dB sensitivity and an 8-ohm nominal load, suited to amplifiers from 30W to 200W. Each speaker sits on an included plinth with spike and rubber feet.

Simcoe Audio Video Insight

At 27.5 kg and just over a metre tall on its plinth, the 603 S3 needs a solid, level floor. B&W notes that moving the speakers closer to a wall adds bass; if they have to sit close, the supplied foam plugs in the ports bring the low end back in check. The terminals support bi-wiring or bi-amping once the links are removed.

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Why the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3 Stands Out

Titanium Dome Tweeter

B&W's new Decoupled Double Dome Titanium tweeter, behind a grille mesh first developed for its Signature models.

Continuum Cone FST Midrange

A 6-inch Continuum cone that avoids the abrupt transitions of conventional cones, for open, neutral voices and instruments.

Two 6.5-Inch Bass Drivers

Paper-cone bass drivers that give the largest 600 Series model its room-filling scale.

Flowport with Foam Plugs

Supplied foam plugs fit the port to reduce bass when the speakers sit near a wall.

700 Series-Derived Terminals

An improved layout and cleaner signal path, with links you can remove for bi-wiring or bi-amping.

Plinth and Feet Included

A plinth with spike feet and rubber feet keeps each tower stable on carpet or hard floors.

Buyer's Guide

Who It's For

  • The Large-Room Listener: Wants floorstanders with the scale for a big living room.
  • The Home Theatre Builder: Wants front speakers that can anchor a 600 Series surround system with the HTM6 S3 centre.
  • The Bi-Wire Enthusiast: Wants terminals ready for bi-wiring or bi-amplification.

How It Compares

The 603 S3 tops the 600 Series. B&W's 703 S3 uses the same 3-way, two-bass-driver layout but swaps in a Decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter and Aerofoil profile bass cones. The 704 S3 is a slimmer 700 Series tower with 5-inch drivers.

Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3 Floor Standing Speakers - (Pair) Specifications

General Information
ModelBowers & Wilkins 603 S3
BrandBowers & Wilkins
Product Type3-way vented-box floorstanding loudspeaker (pair)
Drive Units
High Frequency1 x 25 mm (1 in) Decoupled Double Dome Titanium
Midrange1 x 150 mm (6 in) Continuum cone FST
Bass2 x 165 mm (6.5 in) paper cone
Bass LoadingFlowport
Performance
Frequency Response46Hz - 28kHz (±3dB from reference axis)
Frequency Range29Hz - 33kHz (-6dB)
Sensitivity90dB (2.83Vrms, 1m)
Harmonic Distortion<1% 100Hz - 22kHz; <0.5% 350Hz - 12kHz (90dB, 1m)
Nominal Impedance8 ohms (minimum 3.0 ohms)
Recommended Amplifier Power30W - 200W into 8 ohms, unclipped programme
Max Recommended Cable Impedance0.1 ohms
TerminalsBi-wire / bi-amp capable (remove links)
Dimensions & Weight (Per Speaker)
Height985 mm (38.8 in) cabinet; 1,020 mm (40.2 in) with plinth
Width190 mm (7.5 in) cabinet; 260 mm (10.2 in) with plinth
Depth340 mm (13.4 in) cabinet; 368 mm (14.5 in) with grille and terminals; 402 mm (15.8 in) with plinth
Net Weight27.5 kg (60.6 lb)
In the BoxGrille, foam plug, plinth with fixings, spike feet, rubber feet, Allen key
Colours AvailableBlack, White, Oak (grille: Black (Black cabinet); Grey (White and Oak cabinets))

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Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3 Floor Standing Speakers - (Pair) FAQs

What amplifier power suits the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3?

B&W recommends 30W to 200W into 8 ohms. Nominal impedance is 8 ohms (minimum 3.0 ohms) and sensitivity is 90dB.

Can the 603 S3 be bi-wired or bi-amped?

Yes. Remove the terminal links and connect each pair of terminals to the amplifier or amplifiers separately.

What if the speakers have to sit close to a wall?

Moving them closer to a wall adds bass. Fitting the supplied foam plug in the port reduces it without moving the speakers.

What comes in the box?

A grille, foam plug, plinth with fixings, spike feet, rubber feet, and an Allen key. B&W says the plinth must always be used.

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