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Focal Aria Evo X C vs BW HTM6 S3 Comparison

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Focal Aria Evo X C

Passive Center Channel | 57-30kHz

Focal Aria Evo X Center
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BW HTM6 S3

Passive Center Channel | 72-28k Hz

Bowers & Wilkins HTM6 S3
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Focal Aria Evo X C Focal Aria Evo X C
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BW HTM6 S3 BW HTM6 S3
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Focal Aria Evo X C
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BW HTM6 S3
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Focal Aria Evo X C vs BW HTM6 S3 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Aria Evo X Center and HTM6 S3, 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 S3 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Focal Aria Evo X C Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" inverted dome Tweeter
  • 2 x 6.5" Flax Woofer
  • 57-30kHz Frequency Response
  • 91 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:40-120watts
  • Weight:10.50kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 200.0" x 21" x 10"( 20 x 53.3 x 24.5 cm )

BW HTM6 S3 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Decoupled Double Dome Tweeter
  • 2 x 5" Continuum Woofer
  • 72-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:30-120watts
  • Weight:7.70kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 160.0" x 18.9" x 11.2"( 160.0 x 480.0 x 283.0mm )

What size room are the Focal Aria Evo X C and BW HTM6 S3 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* Focal Aria Evo X C BW HTM6 S3
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 Focal Aria Evo X C and BW HTM6 S3 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

Both Aria Evo X Center and HTM6 S3 are 2-way speakers.

Driver Focal Aria Evo X C BW HTM6 S3
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 S3 features a 1" Titanium 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 S3 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 S3'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

Aria Evo X Center
HTM6 S3
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Center Channel Speakers

Focal Aria Evo X C
BW HTM6 S3
Min
Average
Max

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 S3 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 S3's is at 87 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Focal Aria Evo X C a more sensitive speaker compared to BW HTM6 S3 , hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Center Channel Speakers

Aria Evo X Center
HTM6 S3
Min
Average
Max

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 S3 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.

Focal Aria Evo X C Terminals
Focal Aria Evo X C's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring

BW HTM6 S3 Binding post Terminals
BW HTM6 S3 's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring

Cabinet Type and Port Position

Both Aria Evo X Center and HTM6 S3 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 S3 '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 S3 has external dimensions of 160.0 x 480.0 x 283.0mm ( 6.3 x 18.9 x 11.2inch) .

BW HTM6 S3 is 53mm narrower and 40mm shorter than Focal Aria Evo X C but it is also 38mm 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 S3 is approximately 1358.4cm2 / 210.6inch2. The Aria Evo X Center requires 4% less surface area than the HTM6 S3 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 S3 weighs 7.70kg / 16.9lbs. This makes the Aria Evo X Center 36% heavier than the HTM6 S3.

Here is a comparison of how Aria Evo X Center and HTM6 S3's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Focal Aria Evo X C
BW HTM6 S3
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of BW HTM6 S3 ?

Here are the items that come with the HTM6 S3:
  • Center-channel loudspeaker
  • Grille (pre-installed)
  • Two-piece foam plug
  • 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • 2 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)
  • Manual
  • Warranty Information
  • Bowers Wilkins brochure

  • Reasons to choose Focal Aria Evo X Center over Bowers & Wilkins HTM6 S3
    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 vs 1358cm2 Takes less floor space

    Reasons to choose Bowers & Wilkins HTM6 S3 over Focal Aria Evo X Center

    Height 160mm 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)
    Focal Aria Evo X C vs BW HTM6 S3 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Focal Aria Evo X Center Bowers & Wilkins HTM6 S3
    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") 160.0mm (6.3")
    Width 533.0mm (21") 480.0mm (18.9")
    Depth 245.0mm (9.6") 283.0mm (11.1")
    Weight 10.50kg (23.1lbs) 7.70kg (16.9lbs)
    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

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