In this review, we will be comparing HTM71 S3 and L400, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Bowers Wilkins and Polk Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of B&W HTM71 S3 and Polk L400 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the B&W HTM71 S3 and Polk L400 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 Polk L400 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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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both HTM71 S3 and L400 are 3-way speakers.
Driver |
B&W HTM71 S3 |
Polk L400 |
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
1 x 4-inch |
1 x 4-inch |
Woofer
|
4 x 5-inch
|
2 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 L400 features a 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Woofer .
Frequency Response
HTM71 S3 has a frequency range of 50-28k Hz whereas L400 has a frequency range of 55-38k 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 L400's min frequency of 55Hz.
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 is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the L400 which has a nominal impedance of 4 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the L400 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. HTM71 S3 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the L400's is rated at 87.5 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the B&W HTM71 S3 a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk L400, 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.
HTM71 S3 can handle a max power of 300 watts RMS from the amp the whereas HTM71 S3 has a max power handling value of 200 watts RMS , 100 watts less than the L400.
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 S3 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. L400 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both HTM71 S3 and L400 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 B&W HTM71 S3's and Polk L400'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 Polk L400 has external dimensions of 245.0 x 662.0 x 343.0mm ( 9-5/8 x 26-1/16 x 13-1/2inch) .
B&W HTM71 S3 is 33mm narrower and 10mm shorter than Polk L400 but it is also 13mm deeper.
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 Polk L400 is approximately 2270.7cm2 / 352.0inch2. The HTM71 S3 requires 1% less surface area than the L400 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 Polk L400 weighs 18.55kg / 40.8lbs. This makes the L400 6% heavier than the HTM71 S3.
Here is a comparison of how HTM71 S3 and L400'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 Polk L400?
Here are the items that come with the L400:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Jumper-wiresCleaning clothOwners ManualOnline Registration
Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Height |
235mm
vs
245mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
2239cm2 (629x356mm)
vs
2270cm2 (662x343mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Max Input Power |
300 watts
vs
200 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
High Frequency Response |
38k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Price per pair* |
1799USD
vs
2499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3 |
Polk Audio Legend L400 |
Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
Polk Audio |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
30-200 watts |
25-300 watts |
Sensitivity |
89 dB |
87.5 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
4 ohms |
Frequency Response |
50-28k Hz |
55-38k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
4 |
2 |
Woofer Size |
5" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Aerofoil Profile |
|
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Solid Body Soft-Dome |
Pinnacle Ring Radiator |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
4" |
4" |
Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
235.0mm (9.3") |
245.0mm (9.6") |
Width |
629.0mm (24.8") |
662.0mm (26.1") |
Depth |
356.0mm (14") |
343.0mm (13.5") |
Weight |
17.50kg (38.5lbs) |
18.55kg (40.8lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Available Colors |
Gloss Black |
Black, Walnut |
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 |