In this review, we will be comparing SuperCenter Reference and HTM71 S2, two Center Channel speakers from GoldenEar and Bowers Wilkins. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref and BW HTM71 S2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref and BW HTM71 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 SuperCenter Reference and HTM71 S2 are 3-way speakers.
Driver |
GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref |
BW HTM71 S2 |
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 4-inch |
Woofer
|
4 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
SuperCenter Reference features a " Tweeter and 4 x 5.25" Woofer . On the other hand, the HTM71 S2 features a 1" Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Aerofoil Profile Woofer .
Frequency Response
SuperCenter Reference has a frequency range of 33-35k Hz whereas HTM71 S2 has a frequency range of 50-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 33Hz, the SuperCenter Reference can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the HTM71 S2's min frequency of 50Hz.
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
GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref
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
SuperCenter Reference and HTM71 S2 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. SuperCenter Reference sensitivity is rated at 91 dB and the HTM71 S2's is at 89 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref a more sensitive speaker compared to BW HTM71 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.
SuperCenter Reference can handle a max power of 350 watts RMS from the amp the whereas HTM71 S2 has a max power handling value of 200 watts RMS, 150 watts less than the SuperCenter Reference.
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 S2 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. SuperCenter Reference has a 5-Way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/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 GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref's and BW HTM71 S2's external dimensions. GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref has external dimensions of 150.0 x 889.0 x 281.0mm ( 5-7/8 x 35 x 11-1/16inch) whereas BW HTM71 S2 has external dimensions of 228.0 x 591.0 x 302.0mm ( 8-15/16 x 23-1/4 x 11-7/8inch) .
GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref is 78mm shorter and 21mm less deeper than BW HTM71 S2 but it is also 298mm 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 GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref is approximately 2498.1cm2 / 387.2inch2 and base area of the BW HTM71 S2 is approximately 1784.8cm2 / 276.6inch2. The SuperCenter Reference requires 40% more surface area than the HTM71 S2 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 GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref weighs 14.09kg / 31lbs and the BW HTM71 S2 weighs 18.05kg / 39.7lbs. This makes the HTM71 S2 28% heavier than the SuperCenter Reference.
Here is a comparison of how SuperCenter Reference and HTM71 S2's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref
What's in the Box of GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SuperCenter Reference:
Center-channel loudspeaker4 Leveling feet4 Threaded-insertsOwners Manual
What's in the Box of BW HTM71 S2?
Here are the items that come with the HTM71 S2:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Two-piece foam port plugs4 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)ManualBowers Wilkins brochureWarranty Information
Max Input Power |
350 watts
vs
200 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
91 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
Low Frequency Response |
33 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Passive Radiator |
two 6-3/4-inch x 8-inch + one 7-inchx 10-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
Height |
150mm
vs
228mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Price per pair* |
1899USD
vs
1999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Base Surface Area |
1784cm2 (591x302mm)
vs
2498cm2 (889x281mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
General |
GoldenEar SuperCenter Reference |
Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S2 |
Brand |
GoldenEar |
Bowers Wilkins |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
20-350 watts |
30-200 watts |
Sensitivity |
91 dB |
89 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
n/a |
3.0 ohms |
Frequency Response |
33-35k Hz |
50-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
4 |
2 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
|
Aerofoil Profile |
Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
- |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
n/a |
Decoupled Carbon Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
5-1/4" |
4" |
Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
150.0mm (5.9") |
228.0mm (9") |
Width |
889.0mm (35") |
591.0mm (23.3") |
Depth |
281.0mm (11.1") |
302.0mm (11.9") |
Weight |
14.09kg (31lbs) |
18.05kg (39.7lbs) |
Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
Available Colors |
Black |
Gloss Black, Satin White, Rosenut |
Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |