In this review, we will be comparing GoldenEar SuperCenter XL 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 XL 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 XL 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that GoldenEar SuperCenter XL is a -way design whereas the HTM71 S2 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 |
GoldenEar SuperCenter XL |
BW HTM71 S2 |
Driver Setup
|
-way
|
3-way
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 4-inch |
Woofer
|
x -inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
GoldenEar SuperCenter XL features a " Tweeter and x " 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
GoldenEar SuperCenter XL has a frequency range of 36-35k Hz whereas HTM71 S2 has a frequency range of 50-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 36Hz, the GoldenEar SuperCenter XL 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
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
GoldenEar SuperCenter XL and HTM71 S2 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. GoldenEar SuperCenter XL sensitivity is rated at 91 dB and the HTM71 S2's is at 89 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the GoldenEar SuperCenter XL 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.
GoldenEar SuperCenter XL can handle a max power of 250 watts RMS from the amp the whereas HTM71 S2 has a max power handling value of 200 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the GoldenEar SuperCenter XL.
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. GoldenEar SuperCenter XL 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 XL's and BW HTM71 S2's external dimensions. GoldenEar SuperCenter XL has external dimensions of 147.0 x 737.0 x 283.0mm ( 5-3/4 x 29 x 11-1/8inch) 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 XL is 81mm shorter and 19mm less deeper than BW HTM71 S2 but it is also 146mm 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 XL is approximately 2085.7cm2 / 323.3inch2 and base area of the BW HTM71 S2 is approximately 1784.8cm2 / 276.6inch2. The GoldenEar SuperCenter XL requires 17% 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 XL weighs 9.55kg / 21lbs and the BW HTM71 S2 weighs 18.05kg / 39.7lbs. This makes the HTM71 S2 89% heavier than the GoldenEar SuperCenter XL.
Here is a comparison of how GoldenEar SuperCenter XL and HTM71 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 GoldenEar SuperCenter XL?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of GoldenEar SuperCenter XL:
Center-channel loudspeaker3 Leveling feet3 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 |
250 watts
vs
200 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
91 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Low Frequency Response |
36 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
147mm
vs
228mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Price per pair* |
1099USD
vs
1999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
inches
|
Larger woofer |
Base Surface Area |
1784cm2 (591x302mm)
vs
2085cm2 (737x283mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
General |
GoldenEar SuperCenter XL |
Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S2 |
Brand |
GoldenEar |
Bowers Wilkins |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
20-250 watts |
30-200 watts |
Sensitivity |
91 dB |
89 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
n/a |
3.0 ohms |
Frequency Response |
36-35k Hz |
50-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
|
2 |
Woofer Size |
" |
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 |
No |
4" |
Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
147.0mm (5.8") |
228.0mm (9") |
Width |
737.0mm (29") |
591.0mm (23.3") |
Depth |
283.0mm (11.1") |
302.0mm (11.9") |
Weight |
9.55kg (21lbs) |
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 |