Bowers & Wilkins 704 S3 vs KEF R5 Meta – Full Comparison & Verdict (2026)

Crossover Frequency : 400 Hz, 2.7 KHz Frequency Range ( -6dB ) : 38 Hz - 50 KHz Frequency Response ( Â±3dB ) : 52 Hz - 28 KHz Typical In-Room Bass Response ( -6dB ) : 29 Hz Harmonic Distortion ( 90dB, 1m ) : <1% 75 Hz A Above, <0.5% 110 Hz - 20 KHz

3-Way Vented-Box System. 5-Year warranty Valid from the date of purchase for passive loudspeakers. This elegant tower loudspeaker is slimmer and easier to accommodate than ever. Perfect for superlative sound in smaller spaces. Technical Features - Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter, Continuumâ„¢ Cone FSTâ„¢ Midrange, Decoupled Midrange, Aerofoilâ„¢ Profile Bass Cones, Flowportâ„¢. Developed using advanced computer modelling techniques, the Aerofoilâ„¢ Profile bass cone has variable thickness, providing stiffness and rigidity where itâ€™s needed most. The result: deep and dynamic bass. Carbon Dome tweeters are purpose-built for the 700 Series. Delivering a dramatic improvement on the aluminum double dome tweeter, they raise the breakup threshold to 47kHz, for pinpoint imaging accuracy and detail.

Meta Material Absortion technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound for the most pure and natural sound. R5 Meta boasts the 12th generation Uni-Q driver array with MAT and two 5.25â€ hybrid aluminium bass drivers. The slim and elegant R5 Meta is compact, but it is more than capable of delivering highly detailed sound and deep, clean bass.

Bowers & Wilkins 704 S3 and KEF R5 Meta are feature-rich speaker setups offering a combination of powerful sound, surround experience, and connectivity options. Variations in sound output and surround capabilities affect how immersive the audio experience feels. Both models are designed for movies, music, and gaming, delivering a cinematic experience at home. Audio enhancements and surround technologies improve clarity and spatial sound performance. Connectivity features such as Bluetooth and HDMI ensure compatibility with a wide range of devices.

Verdict: Both systems are competitive, and the right option depends on your room size, usage, and feature requirements.

Top Differences

Sound Output: 30W vs 15W
Channels: 30 vs 15
Bluetooth: na vs no
Frequency Response: 48 Hz - 28 kHz, 43 Hz - 33 kHz vs Crossover Frequency : 400 Hz, 2.7 KHz Frequency Range ( -6dB ) : 38 Hz - 50 KHz Frequency Response ( Â±3dB ) : 52 Hz - 28 KHz Typical In-Room Bass Response ( -6dB ) : 29 Hz Harmonic Distortion ( 90dB, 1m ) : <1% 75 Hz A Above, <0.5% 110 Hz - 20 KHz
Subwoofer Size: 25 mm vs 125 mm

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Top Differences