In this review, we will be comparing HTM71 S3 and RC-64 III, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Bowers Wilkins and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of B&W HTM71 S3 and Klipsch RC-64 III first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the B&W HTM71 S3 and Klipsch RC-64 III 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 HTM71 S3 and Klipsch RC-64 III 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that HTM71 S3 is a 3-way design whereas the RC-64 III is a 2-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
B&W HTM71 S3 |
Klipsch RC-64 III |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-3/4-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 4-inch |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 5-inch
|
4 x 6.5-inch
|
HTM71 S3 features a 1" Decoupled Carbon Solid Body Soft-Dome Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 4 x 5" Aerofoil Profile Woofer . On the other hand, the RC-64 III features a 1-3/4" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 4 x 6.5" Cerametallic cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
HTM71 S3 has a frequency range of 50-28k Hz whereas RC-64 III has a frequency range of 57-24k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the HTM71 S3 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RC-64 III's min frequency of 57Hz.
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 S3 and RC-64 III have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. HTM71 S3 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the RC-64 III's is at 99 dB. This 10 dB difference makes the Klipsch RC-64 III a more sensitive speaker compared to B&W HTM71 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.
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 S3 and RC-64 III 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
Klipsch RC-64 III's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
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 HTM71 S3's and Klipsch RC-64 III's external dimensions. 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 ) whereas Klipsch RC-64 III has external dimensions of 204.0 x 909.0 x 388.0mm ( 8 x 35-3/4 x 15-1/4inch) .
B&W HTM71 S3 is 280mm narrower and 32mm less deeper than Klipsch RC-64 III but it is also 31mm 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 HTM71 S3 is approximately 2239.2cm2 / 347.1inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RC-64 III is approximately 3526.9cm2 / 546.7inch2. The HTM71 S3 requires 37% less surface area than the RC-64 III 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 B&W HTM71 S3 weighs 17.50kg / 38.5lbs and the Klipsch RC-64 III weighs 25.00kg / 55lbs. This makes the RC-64 III 43% heavier than the HTM71 S3.
Here is a comparison of how HTM71 S3 and RC-64 III'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 B&W HTM71 S3?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of HTM71 S3:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleTwo-piece foam port plug4 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)ManualBowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty InformationOnline Registration Card
What's in the Box of Klipsch RC-64 III?
Here are the items that come with the RC-64 III:
Center channel loudspeakerGrille6 Self-adhesive rubber feet2 Jumpers (pre-installed)Owners Manual
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
57 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
24k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
2239cm2 (629x356mm)
vs
3526cm2 (909x388mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
99 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
| Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Height |
204mm
vs
235mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
1829USD
vs
2499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3 |
Klipsch RC-64 III |
| Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
30-200 watts |
up to 200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
99 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
50-28k Hz |
57-24k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aerofoil Profile |
Cerametallic cone |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1-3/4" |
| Tweeter Type |
Solid Body Soft-Dome |
Tractrix horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
4" |
N/A" |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
235.0mm (9.3") |
204.0mm (8") |
| Width |
629.0mm (24.8") |
909.0mm (35.8") |
| Depth |
356.0mm (14") |
388.0mm (15.3") |
| Weight |
17.50kg (38.5lbs) |
25.00kg (55lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Finish |
n/a |
furniture grade veneer |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black |
Walnut |
| 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 |