Bowers & Wilkins 704 S3 vs Legacy Audio Signature SE
Bowers & Wilkins 704 S3 vs Legacy Audio Signature SE pits two dynamic passive floorstanding speakers with very different design philosophies. The 704 S3 is a slim three-way vented-box tower using a Decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter, Continuum cone FST midrange and twin Aerofoil Profile bass cones, rated at 88dB sensitivity, 8Ω and a 48Hz–28kHz ±3dB response, with reviewers highlighting midrange transparency, refined treble and tightly controlled but modestly extended bass. The Signature SE is a larger, heavier five-driver, four-way sealed tower with a Dual Air Motion Tweeter System and dual 10-inch aluminium woofers, rated at 92dB sensitivity and 4Ω; reviewers measured in-room output near 26Hz and praised its deep, taut bass, big dynamics and forward, revealing AMT presentation with adjustable trims. This comparison helps weigh placement flexibility, bass extension, amplification needs and tonal balance.
Quick Take
Best for Larger Rooms
Legacy Audio Signature SE
Higher 92dB sensitivity, dual 10-inch woofers and reviewer-noted tremendous output and large-scale dynamics make the Signature SE better suited to filling bigger spaces.
Best Full-Range Sound
Legacy Audio Signature SE
A five-driver, four-way sealed design with measured in-room output near 26Hz delivers genuine full-range authority the slimmer 704 S3 does not match.
Best Bass Without Sub
Legacy Audio Signature SE
Reviewers found its deep, taut, pitch-defined bass extension can make a subwoofer optional, versus the 704 S3's tighter but modestly extended low end.
Best Main System Speaker
Legacy Audio Signature SE
Full-range extension, strong dynamics and adjustable trims for placement and tonal flexibility make it a capable standalone main system anchor.
Watt'n Potatoes Analysis
Bowers & Wilkins 704 S3
91/100
Deliciously Crispy
Reviewer Summary
The slim 704 S3 brings midrange transparency, refined treble and tightly controlled bass to a premiu
Read MoreScore Breakdown
Sound Quality
92
Build Quality
96
Features Connectivity
80
Value for Money
74
Pros & Cons
Pros
Continuum midrange, decoupling and Biomimetic Suspension are designed to deliver exceptionally transparent, low-noise vocal and instrumental detail.
Carbon Dome tweeter upgrades and elongated tube loading support a cleaner, lower-distortion high-frequency presentation.
Aerofoil bass cones and enlarged Flowports aim for substantial, expansive output with cleaner bass performance.
Legacy Audio Signature SE
93/100
Deliciously Crispy
Reviewer Summary
The Signature SE brings room-shaking dynamics, taut deep bass and crisp AMT resolution to a full-ran
Read MoreScore Breakdown
Sound Quality
93
Build Quality
95
Value for Money
90
Pros & Cons
Pros
Dual 10-inch woofers deliver exceptionally deep, tight and powerful bass, making a separate subwoofer optional for many systems.
Handles both delicate detail and explosive crescendos with clean, effortless dynamic authority.
Sealed design and onboard bass/treble trims provide useful flexibility for room placement and tonal tailoring.
Cons
The detail-forward upper range can sound bright or analytical without careful toe-in, listening height and use of the treble trim.
The supplied feet and short carpet spikes were reported to offer less stability than ideal on thick carpeting.
Final Verdict
Choose Bowers & Wilkins 704 S3 if you want:
You want a slim floorstander with a small footprint for a dedicated listening room.
Midrange transparency and natural vocal timbre are top priorities, aided by the Continuum cone FST driver.
You prefer tightly controlled, punchy bass over maximum deep extension.
You value top-tier build quality and refined, low-distortion treble from the Decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter.
You have adequate amplification (30-150W) to drive its moderate 88dB sensitivity.
Choose Legacy Audio Signature SE if you want:
You want deep, taut full-range bass that can make a subwoofer unnecessary.
You need high output and large-scale dynamics for bigger rooms.
You want placement flexibility, including close to the back wall, thanks to the sealed enclosure.
You appreciate adjustable bass and treble trims to fine-tune tonal balance.
You favor a revealing, detail-led AMT presentation over maximum midrange warmth.