B&W Series 500

Bowers & Wilkins Series 500 Loudspeakers

Precision Craftsmanship • British Engineering • Natural Sound

The B&W Series 500 was conceived to bring true high-fidelity performance into the homes of discerning music lovers during the golden age of stereo. Drawing upon B&W’s experience in studio monitoring, these speakers combine advanced acoustic design with a level of cabinet craftsmanship that made them stand out in the crowded market of the 1970s.

Design & Build

The Series 500 enclosures reflect B&W’s dedication to rigidity and resonance control. Each cabinet was constructed from heavy-gauge wood panels, carefully braced internally to minimize coloration. Finished in real wood veneers, they carried the understated elegance typical of British hi-fi design of the era—solid, timeless, and built to last.

Drivers & Acoustic Performance

At the heart of the Series 500 was a well-engineered driver complement, optimized for smooth integration and natural response:

• Woofer: A robust, treated-paper cone driver delivering deep, tuneful bass, designed to maintain speed and accuracy even at higher volumes.

• Midrange: B&W’s specialty—an articulate, transparent mid-band unit that captured vocals and instruments with lifelike clarity.

• Tweeter: A high-frequency dome tweeter extending response well beyond the limits of hearing, providing crisp detail and airy openness without harshness.

The crossover networks employed precision components, carefully matched for phase integrity, ensuring the drivers worked in unison to present a coherent soundstage.

Sound Character

The Series 500 speakers were known for their neutral tonal balance, with a presentation that was both musical and revealing. They excelled in reproducing acoustic instruments and voice with a natural timbre, while still offering punch and authority for rock and jazz enthusiasts. Their wide dispersion allowed the listener to enjoy a spacious stereo image across the room, not just in the “sweet spot.”

A System for the Serious Listener

Marketed as part of B&W’s effort to bring studio-quality sound into the home, the Series 500 occupied a respected position in the company’s lineup—affordable enough for the committed enthusiast, yet built to standards that rivaled professional monitors. They represented the era’s ideal of accurate, musical reproduction, a philosophy that continues to define B&W to this day.