In this review, we will be comparing Aria Evo X Center and HTM6 S2, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Focal and Bowers Wilkins. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Focal Aria Evo X C and BW HTM6 S2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Focal Aria Evo X C and BW HTM6 S2 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 Focal Aria Evo X C and BW HTM6 S2 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 Aria Evo X Center and HTM6 S2 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Focal Aria Evo X C |
BW HTM6 S2 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
2 x 5-inch
|
Aria Evo X Center features a 1" Al/Mg inverted dome Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" Flax Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2800 Hz. On the other hand, the HTM6 S2 features a 1" Decoupled Double Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5" Continuum Woofer .
Frequency Response
Aria Evo X Center has a frequency range of 57-30kHz whereas HTM6 S2 has a frequency range of 72-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 57Hz, the Aria Evo X Center can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the HTM6 S2's min frequency of 72Hz.
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
Aria Evo X Center and HTM6 S2 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Aria Evo X Center sensitivity is rated at 91 dB and the HTM6 S2's is at 87 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Focal Aria Evo X C a more sensitive speaker compared to BW HTM6 S2 , 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 Aria Evo X Center and HTM6 S2 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Focal Aria Evo X C's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
BW HTM6 S2 's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Aria Evo X Center and HTM6 S2 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 Focal Aria Evo X C's and BW HTM6 S2 's external dimensions. Focal Aria Evo X C has external dimensions of 20 x 53.3 x 24.5 cm ( 7-7/8 x 21 x 9-5/8) whereas BW HTM6 S2 has external dimensions of 162.0 x 482.0 x 281.0mm ( 6-3/8 x 18-15/16 x 11-1/16inch) .
BW HTM6 S2 is 51mm narrower and 38mm shorter than Focal Aria Evo X C but it is also 36mm 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 Focal Aria Evo X C is approximately 1305.9cm2 / 202.4inch2 and base area of the BW HTM6 S2 is approximately 1354.4cm2 / 209.9inch2. The Aria Evo X Center requires 4% less surface area than the HTM6 S2 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 Focal Aria Evo X C weighs 10.50kg / 23.1lbs and the BW HTM6 S2 weighs 7.82kg / 17.2lbs. This makes the Aria Evo X Center 34% heavier than the HTM6 S2.
Here is a comparison of how Aria Evo X Center and HTM6 S2'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 BW HTM6 S2 ?
Here are the items that come with the HTM6 S2:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille (pre-installed)Two-piece foam plug4 Self-adhesive rubber feet2 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)ManualWarranty InformationBowers Wilkins brochure
 Sensitivity |
91 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 |
57 Hz
vs
72 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
1305cm2 (533x245mm)
vs
1354cm2 (482x281mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Height |
162mm
vs
200mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
899USD
vs
999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Focal Aria Evo X Center |
Bowers & Wilkins HTM6 S2 Anniversary Edition |
| Brand |
Focal |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
40-120 watts |
30-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
91 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
4.3 ohms |
4.3 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
57-30kHz |
72-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Flax |
Continuum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
TMD |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
inverted dome |
Decoupled Double Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2800 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
200.0mm (7.9") |
162.0mm (6.4") |
| Width |
533.0mm (21") |
482.0mm (19") |
| Depth |
245.0mm (9.6") |
281.0mm (11.1") |
| Weight |
10.50kg (23.1lbs) |
7.82kg (17.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Black High Gloss, Prime Walnut, Moss Green High Gloss |
Black, White, Oak |
| 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 |