Will the AVR-X1800H damage the 603 S3?

No. The AVR-X1800H is rated for the 603 S3's 8 Ω load as it comes.

What impedance setting should I use for the 603 S3 on the AVR-X1800H?

None: the 603 S3 is 8 Ω, and the AVR-X1800H needs no change for it.

Is the AVR-X1800H powerful enough for the 603 S3?

More than you need. From a seat 2 m away, loud 95 dB movie peaks take about 13 W per speaker, and the AVR-X1800H is rated 80 W per channel. Cinema reference level, 105 dB peaks, takes about 127 W.

Does the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3 work with the Denon AVR-X1800H?

Verdict

Yes

The 603 S3 is 8 Ω, and the AVR-X1800H is rated for speakers down to 4 Ω, so it drives them as is.

Speaker load

8 Ω speaker, rated down to 4 Ω

Power

80 W

More than you need. About 13 W gives 95 dB peaks at 2 m

How to connect them

Connect the 603 S3 speakers to the AVR-X1800H's front terminals with speaker wire.
Run Audyssey MultEQ XT with its microphone at your seat.

Plan the 603 S3 and AVR-X1800H in your own room.

Draw your room in 3D, place both, and see every connection checked and how loud they play at your seat. Designing is free.

Build it in your room

The specs that decide it

Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3

Impedance: 8 Ω
Sensitivity: 90 dB (2.83 V, 1 m)
Recommended amplifier power: 30–200 W
MSRP: $2,700 a pair (MSRP, September 2026)

All 603 S3 specs and pairings

Denon AVR-X1800H

Amplifier channels: 7
Height formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Lowest speaker impedance: 4 Ω
MSRP: $849 each (MSRP, September 2026)

All AVR-X1800H specs and pairings

Questions about the 603 S3 and AVR-X1800H

Does the 603 S3 work with the AVR-X1800H?: Yes. The 603 S3 is 8 Ω, and the AVR-X1800H is rated for speakers down to 4 Ω, so it drives them as is.
Will the AVR-X1800H damage the 603 S3?: No. The AVR-X1800H is rated for the 603 S3's 8 Ω load as it comes.
What impedance setting should I use for the 603 S3 on the AVR-X1800H?: None: the 603 S3 is 8 Ω, and the AVR-X1800H needs no change for it.
Is the AVR-X1800H powerful enough for the 603 S3?: More than you need. From a seat 2 m away, loud 95 dB movie peaks take about 13 W per speaker, and the AVR-X1800H is rated 80 W per channel. Cinema reference level, 105 dB peaks, takes about 127 W.

Swap one of them

References

Specs verified against the manufacturer's published data. Last checked September 15, 2026.

Brand names are trademarks of their owners. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any manufacturer. 3D models are our approximations. Prices are manufacturer list prices (MSRP) as of the month shown. How we earn from buy links: affiliate disclosure.