In this review, we will be comparing Revel Performa3 C205 and HTM72 S2, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Revel and Bowers Wilkins. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Revel Performa3 C205 and BW HTM72 S2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Revel Performa3 C205 and BW HTM72 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Revel Performa3 C205 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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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both Revel Performa3 C205 and HTM72 S2 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Revel Performa3 C205 |
BW HTM72 S2 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 5-inch
|
Revel Performa3 C205 features a 1" aluminum dome with proprietary acoustic lens and waveguide Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" aluminum cone with cast frames Woofer . On the other hand, the HTM72 S2 features a 1" Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5" Continuum Woofer .
Frequency Response
Revel Performa3 C205 has a frequency range of 80Hz- 20kHz whereas HTM72 S2 has a frequency range of 70-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 70Hz, the HTM72 S2 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Revel Performa3 C205's min frequency of 80Hz.
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
Revel Performa3 C205 and HTM72 S2 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Revel Performa3 C205 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the HTM72 S2's is at 87 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Revel Performa3 C205 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.
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. Revel Performa3 C205 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Revel Performa3 C205's Binding post terminals
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 Revel Performa3 C205's and BW HTM72 S2's external dimensions. Revel Performa3 C205 has external dimensions of 207.0 x 535.0 x 294.0mm ( 8-1/8 x 21-1/16 x 11-9/16inch) 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) .
Revel Performa3 C205 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 53mm wider, 38mm taller and 16mm deeper than BW HTM72 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 Revel Performa3 C205 is approximately 1572.9cm2 / 243.8inch2 and base area of the BW HTM72 S2 is approximately 1340.0cm2 / 207.7inch2. The Revel Performa3 C205 requires 17% more surface area than the HTM72 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 Revel Performa3 C205 weighs 11.86kg / 26.1lbs and the BW HTM72 S2 weighs 9.14kg / 20.1lbs. This makes the Revel Performa3 C205 30% heavier than the HTM72 S2.
Here is a comparison of how Revel Performa3 C205 and HTM72 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 Revel Performa3 C205?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Revel Performa3 C205:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Short feet2 Long feetOwners Manual
What's in the Box of BW HTM72 S2?
Here are the items that come with the HTM72 S2:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleTwo-piece foam port plug4 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)ManualBowers Wilkins brochureWarranty Information
 Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Price per pair* |
1100USD
vs
1199USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| Low Frequency Response |
70 Hz
vs
80 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
169mm
vs
207mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1340cm2 (482x278mm)
vs
1572cm2 (535x294mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Revel Performa3 C205 |
Bowers & Wilkins HTM72 S2 |
| Brand |
Revel |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
50-120 watts |
30-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
4.3 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
80Hz- 20kHz |
70-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5" |
| Woofer Composition |
aluminum cone with cast frames |
Continuum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
dome with proprietary acoustic lens and waveguide |
Decoupled Carbon Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
207.0mm (8.1") |
169.0mm (6.7") |
| Width |
535.0mm (21.1") |
482.0mm (19") |
| Depth |
294.0mm (11.6") |
278.0mm (10.9") |
| Weight |
11.86kg (26.1lbs) |
9.14kg (20.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black |
Gloss Black, Satin White, Rosenut |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |