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Switching from smart speakers to bookshelf speakers significantly enhanced my music experience

Top-tier Sonos systems fall short when compared to Bowers & Wilkins speakers combined with a Marantz amplifier.

Revamping music listening from smart speakers to bookshelf speakers has significantly enhanced my...
Revamping music listening from smart speakers to bookshelf speakers has significantly enhanced my auditory experience.

Switching from smart speakers to bookshelf speakers significantly enhanced my music experience

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In the world of high-fidelity audio, the difference in sound quality between a Sonos Five speaker and a Marantz 70S amplifier paired with Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 speakers is significant.

The Sonos Five, a high-quality wireless all-in-one speaker, is renowned for its rich, clear audio with strong bass, vivid stereo separation, and detailed vocals. It is optimised for ease of use with wireless streaming and Trueplay room tuning, making it excellent for casual or high-fidelity listening in single rooms and multi-room setups. However, it lacks full amplifier separation and physical speaker upgrades.

On the other hand, the Marantz 70S amplifier, a discrete, powerful amplifier (75 watts per channel), is designed for high-end home audio use. When combined with the Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 speakers—top bookshelf speakers in the 700 range, known for their exceptional detail, dynamic range, balanced yet lively sound, and ability to reveal nuanced recording subtleties—the system delivers a much more refined, expansive, and high-fidelity listening experience typical of dedicated Hi-Fi audio systems.

A detailed comparison reveals that the Marantz 70S + Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 setup offers more nuance, clarity, and power, especially in larger or acoustically sophisticated rooms. The Sonos Five is very capable for an all-in-one wireless speaker and offers excellent sound for its size and price but cannot match the refinement and breadth of a high-end separated system like the Marantz 70S with Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3s.

The Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 speakers feature a separate tweeter enclosure on the top, a carbon dome tweeter, and a 6.5-inch Continuum Cone bass/midrange driver. The Marantz 70S amplifier, meanwhile, has six HDMI inputs, an ARC connection, Phono connection, and RCAs for separates, as well as network and Wi-Fi connectivity. It allows control through a phone app and uses the HEOS platform or AirPlay for playback.

To enhance the performance of the Marantz 70S amplifier and Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 speakers, Chord LeylineX speaker cables and C-Line RCA interconnect cables were used for connection. The Marantz 70S amplifier is capable of handling 8K and 4K 120Hz for TV and AV needs.

The Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 speakers have two sets of inputs on the back, connected by a bridge. The HEOS platform on the Marantz 70S amplifier provides access to Tidal, Pandora, Amazon Music HD, and more for Hi-Res music playback. AirPlay and Bluetooth on the Marantz 70S amplifier allow direct playback from various devices.

In summary, the Marantz 70S amplifier and Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 speakers offer a superior sound quality experience, providing more nuance, clarity, and power for audiophiles or serious music lovers seeking the highest fidelity. The Sonos Five is a capable speaker for its size and price but cannot match the refinement and breadth of a high-end separated system like the Marantz 70S with Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3s.

[1] Sonos Five Review: A Powerful, Wireless Speaker for Every Room [2] Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 Review: The Best Bookshelf Speakers in the 700 Series [3] Marantz 70S Amplifier Review: A Powerful and Versatile Hi-Fi Amplifier [4] Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 Speakers: A Detailed Look at Their Features and Performance

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