In this review, we will be comparing SuperCenter XL and HTM72 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 HTM72 S2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
GoldenEar SuperCenter XL Key Specs
- " Tweeter
- " Woofer
- 36-35k Hz Frequency Response
- 91 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-250watts
- Weight:9.55kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 147.0" x 29" x 11-1/8"( 147.0 x 737.0 x 283.0mm )
BW HTM72 S2 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5" Continuum Woofer
- 70-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-120watts
- Weight:9.14kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 169.0" x 18-15/16" x 10-15/16"( 169.0 x 482.0 x 278.0mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the GoldenEar SuperCenter XL and BW HTM72 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 SuperCenter XL is a -way design whereas the HTM72 S2 is a 2-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 HTM72 S2 |
|
Driver Setup
|
-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
x -inch
|
2 x 5-inch
|
SuperCenter XL features a " Tweeter and x " Woofer . On the other hand, the HTM72 S2 features a 1" Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5" Continuum Woofer .
Frequency Response
SuperCenter XL has a frequency range of 36-35k Hz whereas HTM72 S2 has a frequency range of 70-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 36Hz, the SuperCenter XL can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the HTM72 S2'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
SuperCenter XL and HTM72 S2 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. SuperCenter XL sensitivity is rated at 91 dB and the HTM72 S2's is at 87 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the GoldenEar SuperCenter XL a more sensitive speaker compared to BW HTM72 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 XL can handle a max power of 250 watts RMS from the amp the whereas HTM72 S2 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 130 watts less than the 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
HTM72 S2 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. 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 HTM72 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 HTM72 S2 has external dimensions of 169.0 x 482.0 x 278.0mm ( 6-5/8 x 18-15/16 x 10-15/16inch) .
BW HTM72 S2 is 255mm narrower and 5mm less deeper than GoldenEar SuperCenter XL but it is also 22mm taller.
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 HTM72 S2 is approximately 1340.0cm2 / 207.7inch2. The SuperCenter XL requires 56% more surface area than the HTM72 S2 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.