In this review, we will be comparing HTM6 S3 and RP-504C II, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Bowers Wilkins and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of BW HTM6 S3 and Klipsch RP-504C II first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the BW HTM6 S3 and Klipsch RP-504C II 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 BW HTM6 S3 and Klipsch RP-504C II 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 RP-504C II are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
BW HTM6 S3 |
Klipsch RP-504C II |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5-inch
|
4 x 5.25-inch
|
HTM6 S3 features a 1" Titanium Decoupled Double Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5" Continuum Woofer . On the other hand, the RP-504C II features a 1" titanium Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 4 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1950 Hz.
Frequency Response
HTM6 S3 has a frequency range of 72-28k Hz whereas RP-504C II has a frequency range of 50-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the RP-504C II can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to 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 RP-504C II have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. HTM6 S3 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the RP-504C II's is at 96 dB. This 9 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-504C II a more sensitive speaker compared to BW HTM6 S3 , hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
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 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas HTM6 S3 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 30 watts less than the RP-504C II.
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
HTM6 S3 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. RP-504C II has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
BW HTM6 S3 's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Klipsch RP-504C II's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both HTM6 S3 and RP-504C II 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 Klipsch RP-504C II'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 Klipsch RP-504C II has external dimensions of 177.0 x 818.0 x 385.0mm ( 6-15/16 x 32-3/16 x 15-1/8inch) .
Klipsch RP-504C II is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 338mm wider, 17mm taller and 102mm deeper than BW HTM6 S3 .
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 Klipsch RP-504C II is approximately 3149.3cm2 / 488.1inch2. The HTM6 S3 requires 57% less surface area than the RP-504C II 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 Klipsch RP-504C II weighs 16.50kg / 36.3lbs. This makes the RP-504C II 114% heavier than the HTM6 S3.
Here is a comparison of how HTM6 S3 and RP-504C II'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 Klipsch RP-504C II?
Here are the items that come with the RP-504C II:
Center channel loudspeakerGrilleUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Height |
160mm
vs
177mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1358cm2 (480x283mm)
vs
3149cm2 (818x385mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
72 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Price per pair* |
799USD
vs
899USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Bowers & Wilkins HTM6 S3 |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-504C II |
| Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
30-120 watts |
up to 150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
4.3 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
72-28k Hz |
50-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Continuum |
Cerametallic cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Decoupled Double Dome |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
1950 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
160.0mm (6.3") |
177.0mm (7") |
| Width |
480.0mm (18.9") |
818.0mm (32.2") |
| Depth |
283.0mm (11.1") |
385.0mm (15.2") |
| Weight |
7.70kg (16.9lbs) |
16.50kg (36.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black, White, Oak |
Walnut, Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |