In this review, we will be comparing HTM6 S3 and HTM72 S3, two Passive Center Channel speakers by Bowers Wilkins
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of BW HTM6 S3 and B&W HTM72 S3 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
BW HTM6 S3 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Decoupled Double Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5" Continuum Woofer
- 72-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-120watts
- Weight:7.70kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 160.0" x 18.9" x 11.2"( 160.0 x 480.0 x 283.0mm )
B&W HTM72 S3 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Decoupled Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5" Continuum cone Woofer
- 70-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-120watts
- Weight:9.70kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 166.0" x 18-13/16" x 11-15/16"( 166.0 x 478.0 x 304.0mm )
What size room are the BW HTM6 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:
| Listening Environment* |
BW HTM6 S3 |
B&W HTM72 S3 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the BW HTM6 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.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both HTM6 S3 and HTM72 S3 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
BW HTM6 S3 |
B&W HTM72 S3 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5-inch
|
2 x 5-inch
|
HTM6 S3 features a 1" Titanium Decoupled Double Dome Tweeter and 2 x 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
HTM6 S3 has a frequency range of 72-28k Hz whereas HTM72 S3 has a frequency range of 70-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 70Hz, the HTM72 S3 can go slightly deeper then the HTM6 S3's min frequency of 72Hz.
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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel 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
HTM6 S3 and HTM72 S3 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 87 dB.
Sensitivity
Center Channel 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.
HTM6 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 HTM6 S3 and HTM72 S3 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
BW HTM6 S3 's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
B&W HTM72 S3's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both HTM6 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 BW HTM6 S3 's and B&W HTM72 S3's external dimensions. BW HTM6 S3 has external dimensions of 160.0 x 480.0 x 283.0mm ( 6.3 x 18.9 x 11.2inch) 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 ) .
BW HTM6 S3 is 6mm shorter and 21mm less deeper than B&W HTM72 S3 but it is also 2mm wider.
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 BW HTM6 S3 is approximately 1358.4cm2 / 210.6inch2 and base area of the B&W HTM72 S3 is approximately 1453.1cm2 / 225.2inch2. The HTM6 S3 requires 7% less surface area than the HTM72 S3 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The BW HTM6 S3 weighs 7.70kg / 16.9lbs and the B&W HTM72 S3 weighs 9.70kg / 21.3lbs. This makes the HTM72 S3 26% heavier than the HTM6 S3.
Here is a comparison of how HTM6 S3 and HTM72 S3's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of BW HTM6 S3 ?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of HTM6 S3:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille (pre-installed)Two-piece foam plug4 Self-adhesive rubber feet2 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)ManualWarranty InformationBowers Wilkins brochure
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
 Minimum Impedance |
4.3 ohms
vs
3 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
 Height |
160mm
vs
166mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1358cm2
vs
1453cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
899USD
vs
1499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Low Frequency Response |
70 Hz
vs
72 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
Bowers & Wilkins HTM6 S3 |
Bowers & Wilkins HTM72 S3 |
| Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
30-120 watts |
30-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
4.3 ohms |
3 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
72-28k Hz |
70-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Continuum |
Continuum cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Decoupled Double Dome |
Decoupled Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
160.0mm (6.3") |
166.0mm (6.5") |
| Width |
480.0mm (18.9") |
478.0mm (18.8") |
| Depth |
283.0mm (11.1") |
304.0mm (12") |
| Weight |
7.70kg (16.9lbs) |
9.70kg (21.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Black, White, Oak |
Gloss Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |