The speaker elements are the same as in the original version. Not only does it give a different finish, it is also stiffer and has a slightly different sound than the original cabinets. The Signature version is not a completely different speaker, in fact it is practically the same, except for the extremely expensive cabinet in smooth-polished ebony. Still, Bowers & Wilkins have made some small but costly adjustments to make the speakers even better. There is very little to miss here at all. They are lightning fast to respond to any guitar pick and snare drum beat. Voices and instruments emerge in a very believable way, and are surrounded by a large soundscape that spreads out. The strengths of the 705 S2 lie first and foremost in their neutral and honest presentation. But it did not stop there, because the compact speakers 705 S2 sounded so good that we were just as happy to name them the best compact speaker of the year in the premium class in 2018. How was it possible to follow up the good CM10 with the belly splash of a CM8 S2? With the new series, B&W proved why they are among the world’s largest and most renowned speaker manufacturers, and I almost had to pinch my arm over how well the floor-standing speakers 702 S2 sounded.
Because, while the CM series had some good models, it also appeared to be somewhat inconsistent. When Bowers & Wilkins retired their CM series in favor of the 700 S2 series, more people cheered.
