Bowers & Wilkins has launched two new Midnight Blue Metallic versions of its 705 Signature stand-mount and 702 Signature floor-standing loudspeakers. The models feature the same combination of drive unit design and crossover components as the existing Datuk Gloss-finished 700 Series Signature models, which remain available to purchase.
The 705 and 702 Signature feature the company’s technologies, including a decoupled Continuum cone midrange drive unit on the 702 Signature, complemented by Aerofoil-profile bass drivers. Both models also feature a Carbon Dome tweeter, housed in Bowers & Wilkins Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top assembly.
Related: Bowers & Wilkins Polishes Up a Real Gem with 4th Generation Diamond Series
As with the existing Signature models, both Midnight Blue Metallic loudspeakers feature specially treated and upgraded bypass capacitors sourced from Mundorf, larger heatsinking and, in the case of the 702, an upgraded LF capacitor on the bass section of the crossover. These upgrades improve audio resolution, openness, and spatial retrieval.
On-board Engineering Inspired by the Nautilus
As with the Datuk Gloss Signature models, the new Midnight Metallic Blue 702 and 705 Signature are finished in seven coats of metallic-finish paint and lacquer. To further accentuate and highlight the quality of finish on each model, both Signature speakers have bright metal trim rings around the mid/bass and midrange cones plus bright, silver-finished tweeter grilles. Finally, both models have a Signature identity plate to their rear panel, turning each speaker into a unique piece of art.
Bowers & Wilkins Carbon Dome Tweeter
Both 700 Series Signature models feature Bowers & Wilkins Carbon Dome tweeter technology. Designed to bridge the performance gap between the Aluminum Double Dome used in the 600 Series and the Diamond Dome used in the 800 Series Diamond, the Carbon Dome is composed of two sections. The
front portion is a 30-micron aluminum dome that has been stiffened by a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating of carbon. The second section is a 300-micron carbon ring that has been profiled to match the form of the main dome. This is then bonded to the inner face of the structure. The outcome is improved stiffness and resistance to distortion without undue mass and a first break-up point of 47kHz.
Bowers & Wilkins Solid Body Tweeters
As with all preceding Bowers & Wilkins Signature products, the 705 Signature and 702 Signature are Tweeter-On-Top designs featuring, in this case, Solid Body Tweeter technology. This design is derived entirely from the approach used in the 800 Series Diamond and has the same performance benefits. As with the 700 Series speakers, instead of using a hollow zinc housing, the new Signature models use the same shape milled from a solid mass of aluminum to provide a stiffer and less resonant structure.
Weighing more than 1kg, it is exceptionally inert, and benefits from the same decoupling mechanism and acoustically transparent grille design as the 800 Series Diamond. This design also allows the use of the mass of the tweeter body as a heatsink for the dome.
Continuum Cone
Continuum cone midrange drivers were first seen in the 800 Series Diamond. The Continuum cone’s design is based on the concept of optimized and controlled flexibility. This helps the cone to avoid the abrupt transition from pistonic to break-up mode behavior that impairs the openness and neutrality of a conventional drive unit. Continuum is a woven composite that gives highly controlled break-up, for a more transparent and detailed midrange.
Midrange Chassis
The Bowers & Wilkins 702 Signature is equipped with a dedicated midrange FST drive unit using a FEA-optimized aluminum chassis with a very stiff form, decoupled from the cabinet and further enhanced with the addition of a tuned mass damper on the front face of the chassis. This dampens any remaining resonance in the structure, resulting in a cleaner midrange presentation.
Midrange Decoupling
The midrange decoupling system simplifies the design used in the Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamond for a significant improvement in midrange spaciousness across the board.
Aerofoil-Profile Bass Cone
A new implementation of the Aerofoil cone used in the 800 Series Diamond is featured on the 702 Signature, using a composite structure of inner and outer skins filled with a lightweight core of EPS. The result is a dramatic uplift in bass performance.
Bowers & Wilkins Pricing/Availability
702 Signature
Available November/December 2021
$7,499 USD per pair
705 Signature
Available November/December 2021
$3,999 USD per pair
