KEF Q650c vs BW HTM6 S2 Comparison

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KEF Q650c

Passive Center Channel | 64-28k Hz

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BW HTM6 S2

Passive Center Channel | 72-28k Hz

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KEF Q650c

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BW HTM6 S2

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KEF Q650c

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BW HTM6 S2

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KEF Q650c vs BW HTM6 S2 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Q650c and HTM6 S2, two Passive Center Channel speakers from KEF and Bowers Wilkins.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of KEF Q650c and BW HTM6 S2 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

KEF Q650c Key Specs

2-way Design

11th Generation Uni-Q Driver

1" Dome Tweeter

2 x 6.5" aluminum Woofer

64-28k Hz Frequency Response

87 dB Sensitivity

Impedance: 8ohms

Power Range:15-150watts

Weight:13.64kg

Dimensions (H x W x D): 212.0" x 24-13/16" x 11-15/16"( 212.0 x 631.0 x 304.0mm )

BW HTM6 S2 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:7.82kg

Dimensions (H x W x D): 162.0" x 18-15/16" x 11-1/16"( 162.0 x 482.0 x 281.0mm )

What size room are the KEF Q650c 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:

Listening Environment*	KEF Q650c	BW HTM6 S2
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 KEF Q650c 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.

**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 Q650c and HTM6 S2 are 2-way speakers.

Driver	KEF Q650c	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

Q650c features a 1" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz. On the other hand, the HTM6 S2 features a 1" Decoupled Double Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5" Continuum Woofer .

Frequency Response

Q650c has a frequency range of 64-28k Hz whereas HTM6 S2 has a frequency range of 72-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 64Hz, the Q650c 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

Q650c

HTM6 S2

Min

Average

Max

High Frequency

Center Channel Speakers

KEF Q650c

BW HTM6 S2

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

Q650c and HTM6 S2 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 87 dB.

Sensitivity

Center Channel Speakers

Q650c

HTM6 S2

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.

Q650c can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas HTM6 S2 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 30 watts less than the Q650c.

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

HTM6 S2 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Q650c has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

KEF Q650c's Binding post terminals

BW HTM6 S2 's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or 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 KEF Q650c's and BW HTM6 S2 's external dimensions. KEF Q650c has external dimensions of 212.0 x 631.0 x 304.0mm ( 8-5/16 x 24-13/16 x 11-15/16inch) 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) .

KEF Q650c is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 149mm wider, 50mm taller and 23mm deeper than BW HTM6 S2 .

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 KEF Q650c is approximately 1918.2cm² / 297.3inch² and base area of the BW HTM6 S2 is approximately 1354.4cm² / 209.9inch². The Q650c requires 42% more surface area than the HTM6 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 KEF Q650c weighs 13.64kg / 30lbs and the BW HTM6 S2 weighs 7.82kg / 17.2lbs. This makes the Q650c 74% heavier than the HTM6 S2.

Here is a comparison of how Q650c and HTM6 S2's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers

KEF Q650c

BW HTM6 S2

Min

Average

Max

What's in the Box of KEF Q650c?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Q650c:

Center-channel loudspeaker

4 Self-adhesive rubber feet

Owners Manual

Warranty Information

What's in the Box of BW HTM6 S2 ?

Here are the items that come with the HTM6 S2:

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 KEF Q650c over Bowers & Wilkins HTM6 S2 Anniversary Edition

Max Input Power	150 watts vs 120 watts	Handle more power from your amplifier
Woofer Size	6.5 inches vs 5 inches	Larger woofer
Low Frequency Response	64 Hz vs 72 Hz	Generates deeper bass
Passive Radiator	one 6.5-inch vs None	Increases the bass performance
Price per pair*	750USD vs 899USD	costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

Reasons to choose Bowers & Wilkins HTM6 S2 Anniversary Edition over KEF Q650c

Minimum Impedance	4.3 ohms vs 4.2 ohms	Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier
Height	162mm vs 212mm	Easier to fit in smaller spaces
Base Surface Area	1354cm² vs 1918cm²	Takes less floor space

KEF Q650c vs BW HTM6 S2 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	KEF Q650c	Bowers & Wilkins HTM6 S2 Anniversary Edition
Brand	KEF	Bowers Wilkins
Speaker Type	Center channel speaker	Center channel speaker
Power Range	15-150 watts	30-120 watts
Sensitivity	87 dB	87 dB
Impedance	8 ohms	8 ohms
Impedance	4.2 ohms	4.3 ohms
Frequency Response	64-28k Hz	72-28k Hz
Drivers
Woofer Quantity	2	2
Woofer Size	6.5"	5"
Woofer Composition	aluminum	Continuum
Woofer Surround Material	Rubber	Rubber
Tweeter Size	1"	1"
Tweeter Type	Dome	Decoupled Double Dome
Aimable Tweeter	No	No
Midrange Driver	No	No
Crossover Frequency	2500Hz	n/a
Firing Direction	n/a	rear
Physical Specs
Height	212.0mm (8.3")	162.0mm (6.4")
Width	631.0mm (24.8")	482.0mm (19")
Depth	304.0mm (12")	281.0mm (11.1")
Weight	13.64kg (30lbs)	7.82kg (17.2lbs)
Enclosure	Passive Radiator	Bass Reflex
Available Colors	Satin White, Satin Black, Walnut	Black, White, Oak
Grille	optional	Yes
Moisture Resistancy	No	No
Connections
Biamp Inputs	n/a	Yes
Other
Parts Warranty	5 Years	5 Years
Labor Warranty	5 Years	5 Years