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  1. Home
  2. Bowers Wilkins Speakers
  3. Passive Center Channel Speakers
  4. Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3
Bowers Wilkins HTM71 S3 Review
B&W HTM71 S3 - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 1" Solid Body Soft-Dome Tweeter
  • 4" Continuum cone Midrange
  • 4 x 5" Aerofoil Profile Woofer
  • 50-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 89 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 30-200 watts
  • Weight: 38.50 lbs / 17.50 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 9-1/4"x24-3/4"x14" / 235.0 x 629.0 x 356.0mm
MSRP: $2,499 (list price)
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B&W HTM71 S3 Review
B&W HTM71 S3 B&W HTM71 S3
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Bowers Wilkins · United Kingdom · since 1966 · sold through dealers

Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3 is a 3-way Passive Bass Reflex Center Channel speaker by Bowers Wilkins. It was released in September 2022. Center channel speaker is an important component of a home theater system set-up as it delivers the listener significant part of the on-screen dialogue from your television. It features a 1" Solid Body Soft-Dome Tweeter, 1 x 4" Midrange and 4 x 5" Aerofoil Profile Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 50-28k Hz and a sensitivity of 89 dB. B&W HTM71 S3 has an MSRP of 2499$.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the B&W HTM71 S3 is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
Very Large RoomPoor

(* 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.)

Bowers Wilkins replaced the older HTM71 S2 with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
Compare B&W HTM71 S3 vs BW HTM71 S2
B&W HTM71 S3  Lifestyle
B&W HTM71 S3 Lifestyle

Bowers Wilkins's 700 S3 Series of Loudspeakers

HTM71 S3 is a member of Bowers Wilkins's 700 S3 series of Passive speakers. The 700 S3 is B&W's current mid-range line, with a solid-body tweeter-on-top design and technology derived from the flagship 800 Series Diamond. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 8 Bowers Wilkins 700 S3 models compared »

Bowers Wilkins 700 S3 Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
B&W 702 S3
Compare
46-28k Hz 90 dB8Ω 3 x 6.5"
B&W 704 S3
Compare
46-28k Hz 88 dB8Ω 2 x 5"
B&W 706 S3
Compare
50-28k Hz 88 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
B&W 703 S3
Compare
46-28k Hz 90 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
B&W 707 S3
Compare
50-28k Hz 84 dB8Ω 1 x 5"
B&W 705 S3
Compare
50-28k Hz 88 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
B&W HTM71 S3
50-28k Hz 89 dB8Ω 4 x 5"
B&W HTM72 S3
Compare
70-28k Hz 87 dB8Ω 2 x 5"

Frequency Response of the B&W HTM71 S3 Speaker

B&W HTM71 S3 has a Frequency response range of 50-28k Hz and Power Range of 30-200 watts.

Here we have a comparison of how HTM71 S3's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
B&W HTM71 S3
Min
Average
Median

Impedance and Sensitivity

B&W HTM71 S3's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 89 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
B&W HTM71 S3
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

89dB of the Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3 is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise. Work out how loud the B&W HTM71 S3 plays in your room →

What amplifier does the B&W HTM71 S3 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 9.5–150 W per channel into 8 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $3,000, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

HTM71 S3 has Binding post type connectors and lets bi-amping/bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can enhance the overall transparency of your loudspeakers by using separate speaker wires for the low and high-frequency drivers from a single amplifier. Bi-amping, on the other hand, involves using separate amplifiers for the high and low-frequency drivers, potentially resulting in a greater dynamic range and reduced distortion.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

B&W HTM71 S3 Back View
B&W HTM71 S3 Back View

B&W HTM71 S3 External Dimensions and Weight

B&W HTM71 S3 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 9-1/4inch x 24-3/4inch x 14inch (235.0 x 629.0 x 356.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of B&W HTM71 S3 is approximately 2239.2cm2 / 347.1inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Weight

The B&W HTM71 S3 weighs 17.50kg / 38.5lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how HTM71 S3's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
B&W HTM71 S3
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $3000
B&W HTM71 S3
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

B&W HTM71 S3 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Speaker Feet

B&W HTM71 S3 comes with 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on.

It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.

Port Position

B&W HTM71 S3 is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe. HTM71 S3 comes with Two-piece foam port plug so if you don't have any choice but place the speakers too close to the walls or other surfaces, you can use these plugs in order to avoid boomy or too much bass.

Available colors

B&W HTM71 S3 is available in Gloss Black.

Does the B&W HTM71 S3 come with a Grille?

HTM71 S3 comes with magnetic grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible. Since the included grille of the HTM71 S3 is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

B&W HTM71 S3  with Grille
B&W HTM71 S3 with Grille

What's in the Box of B&W HTM71 S3?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of HTM71 S3:
  • Center-channel loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • Two-piece foam port plug
  • 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • 4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)
  • Manual
  • Bowers & Wilkins brochure
  • Warranty Information
  • Online Registration Card

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.

User's Manual

For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for B&W HTM71 S3

Official Brochure

Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3 speaker:
Official Brochure for B&W HTM71 S3

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for B&W HTM71 S3

Warranty

5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3 Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
BW HTM71 S2
Compare
3-way 89 dB 8 ohms 50-28k Hz
B&W HTM72 S3
Compare
2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 70-28k Hz
KEF R6 Meta
Compare
3-way 88 dB 4 ohms 65-28k Hz
B&W 702 S3
Compare
3-way 90 dB 8 ohms 46-28k Hz
B&W 703 S3
Compare
3-way 90 dB 8 ohms 46-28k Hz
B&W 706 S3
Compare
2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 50-28k Hz
B&W 704 S3
Compare
3-way 88 dB 8 ohms 46-28k Hz
B&W 707 S3
Compare
2-way 84 dB 8 ohms 50-28k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3

What amplifier do you need for the B&W HTM71 S3?

Bowers Wilkins rates the B&W HTM71 S3 for 30-200 watts of amplifier power. It is an 8-ohm speaker, the usual nominal load, so almost any amplifier or receiver can drive it.

Is the B&W HTM71 S3 easy to drive?

The B&W HTM71 S3 has a sensitivity of 89 dB. That is about average for a home speaker, so it is neither hard nor especially easy to drive.

Does the B&W HTM71 S3 need a subwoofer?

The B&W HTM71 S3 reaches down to 50Hz (full range 50-28k Hz). That covers most music, though a subwoofer still adds the bottom octave for home theatre.

What drivers does the B&W HTM71 S3 use?

The B&W HTM71 S3 is a 3-way design using a 1" Solid Body Soft-Dome tweeter, a 4" midrange and 4 x 5" Aerofoil Profile woofers.

Is the B&W HTM71 S3 sealed or ported?

The B&W HTM71 S3 uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

Can the B&W HTM71 S3 be bi-wired or bi-amped?

Yes. The B&W HTM71 S3 has two sets of terminals, so it can be bi-wired or bi-amped: bi-wiring runs separate cable to the treble and bass sections, bi-amping gives each its own amplifier channel. It uses Binding post terminals.

Can the B&W HTM71 S3 be wall mounted?

The B&W HTM71 S3 does not include a wall-mount bracket or keyhole, so it is designed to sit on a stand, shelf or the floor.

Does the B&W HTM71 S3 come with grilles?

Yes. The B&W HTM71 S3 comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the B&W HTM71 S3?

The B&W HTM71 S3 weighs 17.50kg / 38.5lbs each and measures 9-1/4inch x 24-3/4inch x 14inch (HxWxD).

How much does the B&W HTM71 S3 cost?

The B&W HTM71 S3 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $2,499 per pair.


B&W HTM71 S3 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandBowers Wilkins
Full Model NameBowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3
Speaker Type3-way Center Channel
Power Range30-200 watts
Sensitivity89 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response50-28k Hz
Release DateSeptember 2022
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5-inch
Woofer CompositionAerofoil Profile
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeSolid Body Soft-Dome
Midrange Size4-inch
Port Positionrear

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding post
Biamp InputsYes
Port Positionrear
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height235.0mm ( 9-1/4-inch)
Width629.0mm ( 24-3/4-inch)
Depth356.0mm ( 14-inch)
Height235.0mm ( 9-1/4-inch)
Weight17.5 kg (38.5 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
Available ColorsGloss Black
Mounting BracketNo
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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