In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Bowers Wilkins. Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the HTM72 S3 is a Center Channel speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of B&W 705 S3 and B&W HTM72 S3 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
705 S3 and HTM72 S3 are members of Bowers Wilkins's 700 S3 series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
What size room are the B&W 705 S3 and B&W HTM72 S3 speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the B&W 705 S3 and B&W HTM72 S3 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both 705 S3 and HTM72 S3 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
B&W 705 S3 |
B&W HTM72 S3 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
2 x 5-inch
|
705 S3 features a 1" Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Continuum Woofer . On the other hand, the HTM72 S3 features a 1" Decoupled Carbon Decoupled Soft-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5" Continuum cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
705 S3 has a frequency range of 50-28k Hz whereas HTM72 S3 has a frequency range of 70-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the 705 S3 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the HTM72 S3's min frequency of 70Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
705 S3 and HTM72 S3 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. 705 S3 sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the HTM72 S3's is at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the B&W 705 S3 a more sensitive speaker compared to B&W HTM72 S3, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
705 S3 and HTM72 S3 has the same power range of 30-120 watts.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Both 705 S3 and HTM72 S3 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both 705 S3 and HTM72 S3 have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare B&W 705 S3's and B&W HTM72 S3's external dimensions. B&W 705 S3 has external dimensions of 413.0 x 192.0 x 297.0mm ( 16.3-inch x 7.6-inch x 13.3-inch) whereas B&W HTM72 S3 has external dimensions of 166.0 x 478.0 x 304.0mm ( 6-1/2inch x 18-13/16inch x 11-15/16inch ) .
B&W 705 S3 is 286mm narrower and 7mm less deeper than B&W HTM72 S3 but it is also 247mm taller.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the B&W 705 S3 is approximately 570.2cm2 / 88.4inch2 and base area of the B&W HTM72 S3 is approximately 1453.1cm2 / 225.2inch2. The 705 S3 requires 61% less surface area than the HTM72 S3 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of B&W 705 S3?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of 705 S3:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles2 Two-piece foam port plugs8 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Jumper-straps Manual Bowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty Information
What's in the Box of B&W HTM72 S3?
Here are the items that come with the HTM72 S3:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleTwo-piece foam port plug4 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)ManualBowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty InformationOnline Registration Card