Will the XPA-2 Gen3 damage the 603 S3?

No. The XPA-2 Gen3 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 XPA-2 Gen3?

None: the 603 S3 is 8 Ω, and the XPA-2 Gen3 needs no change for it.

Is the XPA-2 Gen3 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 XPA-2 Gen3 is rated 300 W per channel. Cinema reference level, 105 dB peaks, takes about 127 W.

Does the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3 work with the Emotiva XPA-2 Gen3?

Verdict

Yes

The 603 S3 is 8 Ω, and the XPA-2 Gen3 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

300 W

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

How to connect them

Connect the XPA-2 Gen3's inputs to the pre-outs of your receiver or processor: a power amplifier has no volume control of its own.
Connect each 603 S3 to one of the XPA-2 Gen3's channels with speaker wire.

Plan the 603 S3 and XPA-2 Gen3 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

Emotiva XPA-2 Gen3

Channels: 2
Lowest impedance: 4 Ω
MSRP: $1,499 each (MSRP, September 2026)

All XPA-2 Gen3 specs and pairings

Questions about the 603 S3 and XPA-2 Gen3

Does the 603 S3 work with the XPA-2 Gen3?: Yes. The 603 S3 is 8 Ω, and the XPA-2 Gen3 is rated for speakers down to 4 Ω, so it drives them as is.
Will the XPA-2 Gen3 damage the 603 S3?: No. The XPA-2 Gen3 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 XPA-2 Gen3?: None: the 603 S3 is 8 Ω, and the XPA-2 Gen3 needs no change for it.
Is the XPA-2 Gen3 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 XPA-2 Gen3 is rated 300 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.