In this review, we will be comparing HTM72 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 HTM72 S3 and Klipsch RC-64 III first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
B&W HTM72 S3 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Decoupled Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5" Continuum cone Woofer
- 70-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-120watts
- Weight:9.70kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 166.0" x 18-13/16" x 11-15/16"( 166.0 x 478.0 x 304.0mm )
Klipsch RC-64 III Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1-3/4" Tractrix horn Tweeter
- 4 x 6.5" Cerametallic cone Woofer
- 57-24k Hz Frequency Response
- 99 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 200watts
- Weight:25.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 204.0" x 35-3/4" x 15-1/4"( 204.0 x 909.0 x 388.0mm )
What size room are the B&W HTM72 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:
| Listening Environment* |
B&W HTM72 S3 |
Klipsch RC-64 III |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the B&W HTM72 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
Both HTM72 S3 and RC-64 III are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
B&W HTM72 S3 |
Klipsch RC-64 III |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-3/4-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5-inch
|
4 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 RC-64 III features a 1-3/4" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 4 x 6.5" Cerametallic cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
HTM72 S3 has a frequency range of 70-28k Hz whereas RC-64 III has a frequency range of 57-24k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 57Hz, the RC-64 III 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 and RC-64 III have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. HTM72 S3 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the RC-64 III's is at 99 dB. This 12 dB difference makes the Klipsch RC-64 III 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 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas HTM72 S3 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 80 watts less than the RC-64 III.
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 HTM72 S3 and RC-64 III features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
B&W HTM72 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 HTM72 S3's and Klipsch RC-64 III'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 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) .
Klipsch RC-64 III is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 431mm wider, 38mm taller and 84mm deeper than B&W HTM72 S3.
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 Klipsch RC-64 III is approximately 3526.9cm2 / 546.7inch2. The HTM72 S3 requires 59% less surface area than the RC-64 III which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.