Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3-BLACK vs KLH Audio MODEL FIVE-WEST-AFRICAN-MAHOGANY
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Choosing between the Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3-BLACK and KLH Audio MODEL FIVE-WEST-AFRICAN-MAHOGANY? Both compete in the Speaker (L/R) segment. Here’s how they compare across the specs that matter most for your home theater.
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Looking at overall performance dimensions: The Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3-BLACK scores higher in value, form factor, room fit. The KLH Audio MODEL FIVE-WEST-AFRICAN-MAHOGANY leads in audio quality, volume/SPL.
For speaker performance, the Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3-BLACK is more sensitive at 88 dB vs 87.5 dB, and impedances of 8Ω vs 6Ω. Higher sensitivity means your receiver works less hard, leaving more headroom for dynamic peaks in movie soundtracks. A speaker rated 3 dB higher in sensitivity needs half the amplifier power to reach the same volume. Lower impedance draws more current from your receiver. A 4-ohm speaker needs a receiver rated for that load, or you risk thermal shutdown during loud passages.
These two Speaker (L/R) options trade wins across different dimensions. The right choice depends on which specs matter most for your room and listening preferences — review the detailed table below to decide.
For most home theaters, the Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3-BLACK is the stronger choice — it leads in 3 of 5 scored dimensions. The KLH Audio MODEL FIVE-WEST-AFRICAN-MAHOGANY makes more sense if you prioritize the 2 dimensions where it leads.
Performance Overview
Scores based on specs and category benchmarks (0–100 scale)
Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3-BLACK
KLH Audio MODEL FIVE-WEST-AFRICAN-MAHOGANY
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | N/A | N/A |
| Driver Config | 2-way | 3-way |
| Sensitivity | 88dB | 87.5dB |
| Impedance | 8Ω | 6Ω |
| Freq Response Low | 50Hz | 42Hz |
| Freq Response High | 28000Hz | 20000Hz |
| Crossover | — | 380Hz |
| Bi-Amp Capable | No | No |
| Rec. Power Min | 30W | 20W |
| Rec. Power Max | 120W | 200W |
| Mounting Type | bookshelf | bookshelf |
| Mounting Depth | — | — |
| Cutout Diameter | — | — |
| Cutout Width | — | — |
| Cutout Height | — | — |
| Wall Thickness Min | — | — |
| Wall Thickness Max | — | — |
| Back Box Included | No | No |
| Back Box Required | No | No |
| Mounting Mechanism | — | — |
| Installation Type | — | — |
| Stud Spacing | — | — |
| Paintable Grille | No | No |
| Magnetic Grille | No | No |
| Grille Shape | — | — |
| Connector Type | — | — |
| Wire Gauge Max | — | — |
| Angle Adjustable | No | No |
| Pivot Angle | — | — |
| Treble Attenuation Switch | No | No |
| LCR Capable | No | No |
| Coaxial | No | No |
| IP Rating | — | — |
| Moisture Resistant | No | No |
| UV Resistant | No | No |
| Salt Spray Rated | No | No |
| Enclosure Material | — | — |
| Grille Material | — | — |
| Bracket Type | — | — |
| Bracket Included | No | No |
| Dual Voice Coil (SDI) | No | No |
Key Differences
- Rec. Power Max: Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3-BLACK at 120W vs KLH Audio MODEL FIVE-WEST-AFRICAN-MAHOGANY at 200W
- Driver Config: Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3-BLACK at 2-way vs KLH Audio MODEL FIVE-WEST-AFRICAN-MAHOGANY at 3-way. 3-way speakers use dedicated drivers for bass, midrange, and treble, reducing crossover interference. Coaxial designs (KEF Uni-Q) mount the tweeter inside the woofer for better time-alignment.
- Rec. Power Min: Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3-BLACK at 30W vs KLH Audio MODEL FIVE-WEST-AFRICAN-MAHOGANY at 20W
- Freq Response High: Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3-BLACK at 28000Hz vs KLH Audio MODEL FIVE-WEST-AFRICAN-MAHOGANY at 20000Hz
- Impedance: Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3-BLACK at 8Ω vs KLH Audio MODEL FIVE-WEST-AFRICAN-MAHOGANY at 6Ω. Lower impedance draws more current from your receiver. A 4-ohm speaker needs a receiver rated for that load, or you risk thermal shutdown during loud passages.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3-BLACK if you want:
- + better sensitivity — higher sensitivity means your receiver works less hard, leaving more headroom for dynamic peaks in movie soundtracks
Choose KLH Audio MODEL FIVE-WEST-AFRICAN-MAHOGANY if you want:
- + better freq response low — determines how much bass a speaker handles on its own versus relying on a subwoofer for low-end support
See Where These Rank
Check our editorial rankings to see how Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3-BLACK and KLH Audio MODEL FIVE-WEST-AFRICAN-MAHOGANY compare to the rest of the field.
Best Speaker (L/R) RankingsRelated Calculators
Specifications sourced from manufacturer datasheets and verified against retailer listings. Prices updated hourly from authorized retailers. Scoring uses our open methodology — products are never ranked, promoted, or suppressed based on affiliate commission rates.
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