In this review, we will be comparing HTM71 S2 and HTM71 S3, two Passive Center Channel speakers by Bowers Wilkins Let's have a brief look at the main features
of BW HTM71 S2 and B&W HTM71 S3 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the BW HTM71 S2 and B&W HTM71 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 BW HTM71 S2 and B&W HTM71 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 HTM71 S2 and HTM71 S3 are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
BW HTM71 S2 |
B&W HTM71 S3 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 4-inch |
1 x 4-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
4 x 5-inch
|
HTM71 S2 features a 1" Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Aerofoil Profile Woofer . On the other hand, the HTM71 S3 features a 1" Decoupled Carbon Solid Body Soft-Dome Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 4 x 5" Aerofoil Profile Woofer .
Frequency Response
HTM71 S2 and HTM71 S3 has exactly the same frequency range of 50-28k Hz.
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
HTM71 S2 and HTM71 S3 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 89 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.
HTM71 S2 and HTM71 S3 has the same power range of 30-200 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 HTM71 S2 and HTM71 S3 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
B&W HTM71 S3's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both HTM71 S2 and HTM71 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 HTM71 S2's and B&W HTM71 S3's external dimensions. BW HTM71 S2 has external dimensions of 228.0 x 591.0 x 302.0mm ( 8-15/16 x 23-1/4 x 11-7/8inch) whereas B&W HTM71 S3 has external dimensions of 235.0 x 629.0 x 356.0mm ( 9-1/4inch x 24-3/4inch x 14inch ) .
B&W HTM71 S3 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 38mm wider, 7mm taller and 54mm deeper than BW HTM71 S2.
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 HTM71 S2 is approximately 1784.8cm2 / 276.6inch2 and base area of the B&W HTM71 S3 is approximately 2239.2cm2 / 347.1inch2. The HTM71 S2 requires 20% less surface area than the HTM71 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 HTM71 S2 weighs 18.05kg / 39.7lbs and the B&W HTM71 S3 weighs 17.50kg / 38.5lbs. This makes the HTM71 S2 3% heavier than the HTM71 S3.
Here is a comparison of how HTM71 S2 and HTM71 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 HTM71 S2?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of HTM71 S2:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Two-piece foam port plugs4 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)ManualBowers Wilkins brochureWarranty Information
What's in the Box of B&W HTM71 S3?
Here are the items that come with the HTM71 S3:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleTwo-piece foam port plug4 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)ManualBowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty InformationOnline Registration Card
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Height |
228mm
vs
235mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1784cm2 (591x302mm)
vs
2239cm2 (629x356mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1999USD
vs
2499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
| General |
Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S2 |
Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3 |
| Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
30-200 watts |
30-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.0 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
50-28k Hz |
50-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aerofoil Profile |
Aerofoil Profile |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Decoupled Carbon Dome |
Solid Body Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
4" |
4" |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
228.0mm (9") |
235.0mm (9.3") |
| Width |
591.0mm (23.3") |
629.0mm (24.8") |
| Depth |
302.0mm (11.9") |
356.0mm (14") |
| Weight |
18.05kg (39.7lbs) |
17.50kg (38.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black, Satin White, Rosenut |
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 |