In this review, we will be comparing HTM72 S3 and Opticon VOKAL MK2, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Bowers Wilkins and DALI. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of B&W HTM72 S3 and Dali Opticon VOKAL II first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the B&W HTM72 S3 and Dali Opticon VOKAL 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 B&W HTM72 S3 and Dali Opticon VOKAL 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that HTM72 S3 is a 2-way design whereas the Opticon VOKAL MK2 is a 3-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 HTM72 S3 |
Dali Opticon VOKAL II |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
17 x 45 mm ribbon + 1.125-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
2 x 5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
HTM72 S3 features a 1" Decoupled Carbon Decoupled Soft-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5" Continuum cone Woofer . On the other hand, the Opticon VOKAL MK2 features a 17 x 45 mm ribbon + 1.125" Soft-dome + ribbon Hybrid Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Wood Fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2400Hz and 14.000Hz.
Frequency Response
HTM72 S3 has a frequency range of 70-28k Hz whereas Opticon VOKAL MK2 has a frequency range of 47-30k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 47Hz, the Opticon VOKAL MK2 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the HTM72 S3's min frequency of 70Hz.
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
HTM72 S3 is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the Opticon VOKAL MK2 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 Opticon VOKAL MK2 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. HTM72 S3 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the Opticon VOKAL MK2's is rated at 88 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Dali Opticon VOKAL II a more sensitive speaker compared to B&W HTM72 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.
HTM72 S3 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas HTM72 S3 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 30 watts less than the Opticon VOKAL MK2.
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
HTM72 S3 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Opticon VOKAL MK2 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
HTM72 S3 has a rear firing port whereas Opticon VOKAL MK2 has a front firing ports. Dali Opticon VOKAL II's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to B&W HTM72 S3 with its rear-firing port.
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 HTM72 S3's and Dali Opticon VOKAL II's external dimensions. B&W HTM72 S3 has external dimensions of 166.0 x 478.0 x 304.0mm ( 6-1/2inch x 18-13/16inch x 11-15/16inch ) whereas Dali Opticon VOKAL II has external dimensions of 202.0 x 435.0 x 313.0mm ( 7-15/16 x 17-1/8 x 12-5/16inch) .
B&W HTM72 S3 is 36mm shorter and 9mm less deeper than Dali Opticon VOKAL II but it is also 43mm wider.
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 HTM72 S3 is approximately 1453.1cm2 / 225.2inch2 and base area of the Dali Opticon VOKAL II is approximately 1361.6cm2 / 211.0inch2. The HTM72 S3 requires 7% more surface area than the Opticon VOKAL MK2 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 B&W HTM72 S3 weighs 9.70kg / 21.3lbs and the Dali Opticon VOKAL II weighs 9.23kg / 20.3lbs. This makes the HTM72 S3 5% heavier than the Opticon VOKAL MK2.
Here is a comparison of how HTM72 S3 and Opticon VOKAL MK2'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 HTM72 S3?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of HTM72 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 Dali Opticon VOKAL II?
Here are the items that come with the Opticon VOKAL MK2:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille6 Rubber bumpersQuick Start GuideCongratulations Card
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Height |
166mm
vs
202mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
47 Hz
vs
70 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
Base Surface Area |
1361cm2 (435x313mm)
vs
1453cm2 (478x304mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
1199USD
vs
1499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Bowers & Wilkins HTM72 S3 |
Dali Opticon VOKAL MK2 |
Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
DALI |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
30-120 watts |
30-150 watts |
Sensitivity |
87 dB |
88 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
4 ohms |
Impedance |
3 ohms |
n/a |
Frequency Response |
70-28k Hz |
47-30k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Continuum cone |
Wood Fiber |
Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
17 x 45 mm ribbon + 1.125" |
Tweeter Type |
Decoupled Soft-Dome |
Soft-dome + ribbon Hybrid |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2400Hz and 14.000Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
166.0mm (6.5") |
202.0mm (8") |
Width |
478.0mm (18.8") |
435.0mm (17.1") |
Depth |
304.0mm (12") |
313.0mm (12.3") |
Weight |
9.70kg (21.3lbs) |
9.23kg (20.3lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Available Colors |
Gloss Black |
Satin Black, Tobacco Oak, Satin White |
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 |