In this review, we will be comparing HTM71 S2 and Silver C250 7G, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Bowers Wilkins and Monitor Audio . Let's have a brief look at the main features
of BW HTM71 S2 and Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the BW HTM71 S2 and Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G 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 Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G 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 Silver C250 7G are 3-way speakers. 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 Silver C250 7G features a 1" gold dome C-CAM Tweeter , a 3" Midrange and 2 x 5.25" C-CAM with Rigid Surface Technology (RST) Woofer .
Frequency Response
HTM71 S2 has a frequency range of 50-28k Hz whereas Silver C250 7G has a frequency range of 65-35k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the HTM71 S2 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Silver C250 7G's min frequency of 65Hz.
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
Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G
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 Silver C250 7G have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. HTM71 S2 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the Silver C250 7G's is at 88.5 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.
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
HTM71 S2 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Silver C250 7G has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G's Binding post terminals
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 Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G'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 Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G has external dimensions of 205.0 x 482.0 x 274.0mm ( 8-1/16 x 18-15/16 x 10-3/4inch) .
BW HTM71 S2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 109mm wider, 23mm taller and 28mm deeper than Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G.
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 Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G is approximately 1320.7cm2 / 204.7inch2. The HTM71 S2 requires 35% more surface area than the Silver C250 7G which gives it a small disadvantage 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 Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G weighs 10.63kg / 23.4lbs. This makes the HTM71 S2 70% heavier than the Silver C250 7G.
Here is a comparison of how HTM71 S2 and Silver C250 7G's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G
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 Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G?
Here are the items that come with the Silver C250 7G:
Center-channel loudspeakersGrille2 Jumpers (pre-installed)4 Rubber feetHex-keyOwners ManualImportant Safety Instructions
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
65 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
205mm
vs
228mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1320cm2 (482x274mm)
vs
1784cm2 (591x302mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1100USD
vs
1999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S2 |
Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G |
| Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
Monitor Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
30-200 watts |
80-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
88.5 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.0 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
50-28k Hz |
65-35k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aerofoil Profile |
C-CAM with Rigid Surface Technology (RST) |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Decoupled Carbon Dome |
gold dome C-CAM |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
4" |
3" |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
228.0mm (9") |
205.0mm (8.1") |
| Width |
591.0mm (23.3") |
482.0mm (19") |
| Depth |
302.0mm (11.9") |
274.0mm (10.8") |
| Weight |
18.05kg (39.7lbs) |
10.63kg (23.4lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black, Satin White, Rosenut |
White |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |