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Bowers Wilkins HTM72 S2 Review
Bowers & Wilkins HTM72 S2

Main Features

  • 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:20.10 lbs / 9.14 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 6-5/8"x18-15/16"x10-15/16" / 169.0 x 482.0 x 278.0mm
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BW HTM72 S2 Review
BW HTM72 S2 BW HTM72 S2
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Bowers & Wilkins HTM72 S2 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Center Channel speaker by Bowers Wilkins. 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" Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5" Continuum Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 70-28k Hz and a sensitivity of 87 dB. BW HTM72 S2 has an MSRP of 1199$.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the BW HTM72 S2 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 later replaced HTM72 S2 with HTM72 S3. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these speakers:
Compare BW HTM72 S2 vs B&W HTM72 S3

Bowers Wilkins's 700 S2 Anniversary Edition Series of Loudspeakers

HTM72 S2 is a member of Bowers Wilkins's 700 S2 Anniversary Edition series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Bowers Wilkins 700 S2 Anniversary Edition Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
B&W 706 S2
Compare
50-28k Hz 88 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
B&W 703 S2
Compare
46-28k Hz 89 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
B&W 704 S2
Compare
48-28k Hz 88 dB8Ω 2 x 5"
B&W 707 S2
Compare
50-28k Hz 84 dB8Ω 1 x 5"
B&W 705 S2
Compare
50-28k Hz 88 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
B&W 702 S2
Compare
46-28k Hz 90 dB8Ω 3 x 6.5"
BW HTM71 S2
Compare
50-28k Hz 89 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
BW HTM72 S2
70-28k Hz 87 dB8Ω 2 x 5"


**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.

Frequency Response of the BW HTM72 S2 Speaker

BW HTM72 S2 has a Frequency response range of 70-28k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 30-120 watts. Here we have a comparison of how HTM72 S2's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.

Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
BW HTM72 S2
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
BW HTM72 S2
Min
Average
Max

Impedance and Sensitivity

BW HTM72 S2's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms but can go down to as low as 4.3 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 87 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
BW HTM72 S2
Min
Average
Max

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Bowers & Wilkins HTM72 S2 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 87 dB, Bowers & Wilkins HTM72 S2 is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps.

Minimum Impedance of the BW HTM72 S2

Even though the nominal impedance of the HTM72 S2 is 8 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to Bowers Wilkins is 4.3 ohms Bowers & Wilkins HTM72 S2 so while choosing an amplifier, you should ideally check if the unit you are considering can provide this impedance level.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the BW HTM72 S2:

  • Integrated Amps under 1000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 1500 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 2000 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

HTM72 S2 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.

BW HTM72 S2 External Dimensions and Weight

BW HTM72 S2 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 6-5/8 x 18-15/16 x 10-15/16inch (169.0 x 482.0 x 278.0mm ).

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 BW HTM72 S2 is approximately 1340.0cm2 / 207.7inch2.

Weight

The BW HTM72 S2 weighs 9.14kg / 20.1lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how HTM72 S2's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
BW HTM72 S2
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $1500
BW HTM72 S2
Min
Average
Max

How does the BW HTM72 S2 compare to the Bowers Wilkins HTM72 S3?

One of the natural alternative to the BW HTM72 S2 is the HTM72 S3 which is located one step higher in Bowers Wilkins's Passive Center Channel selection.

Check the Detailed Comparison of BW HTM72 S2 vs HTM72 S3 for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

BW HTM72 S2 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

BW HTM72 S2 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

BW HTM72 S2 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. HTM72 S2 comes with 2 Two-piece foam port plugs 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

BW HTM72 S2 is available in Gloss Black, Satin White and Rosenut.

Does the BW HTM72 S2 come with a Grille?

HTM72 S2 comes with magnetic grilles in Black and Grey color choices. 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 HTM72 S2 is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

BW HTM72 S2  with Grille
BW HTM72 S2 with Grille

What's in the Box of BW HTM72 S2?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of HTM72 S2:
  • 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
  • Recommended Accessories

    Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Bowers & Wilkins HTM72 S2.

    • 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 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 HTM72 S2, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for BW HTM72 S2

    Official Brochure

    Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Bowers & Wilkins HTM72 S2 speaker:
    Official Brochure for BW HTM72 S2

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the Bowers & Wilkins HTM72 S2 speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for BW HTM72 S2

    Warranty

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

    Bowers & Wilkins HTM72 S2 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
    BW HTM6 S2
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 72-28k Hz
    SVS Ultra Center
    Compare
    3-way 87 dB 8 ohms 45-32k Hz
    B&W 702 S2
    Compare
    3-way 90 dB 8 ohms 46-28k Hz
    B&W 706 S2
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 50-28k Hz
    B&W 703 S2
    Compare
    3-way 89 dB 8 ohms 46-28k Hz
    B&W 704 S2
    Compare
    3-way 88 dB 8 ohms 48-28k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about Bowers & Wilkins HTM72 S2
    What is the External Dimensions of Bowers & Wilkins HTM72 S2
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Bowers & Wilkins HTM72 S2
    is the Bowers & Wilkins HTM72 S2 an easy to drive speaker?

    BW HTM72 S2 Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandBowers Wilkins
    Full Model NameBowers & Wilkins HTM72 S2
    Speaker Type2-way Center Channel
    Power Range30-120 watts
    Sensitivity87 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Frequency Response70-28k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size5-inch
    Woofer CompositionContinuum
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypeDecoupled Carbon Dome
    Port Positionrear

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypeBinding post
    Biamp InputsYes
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height169.0mm ( 6-5/8-inch)
    Width482.0mm ( 18-15/16-inch)
    Depth278.0mm ( 10-15/16-inch)
    Height169.0mm ( 6-5/8-inch)
    Weight9.14kg ( 20.10 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    Available ColorsGloss Black, Satin White, Rosenut
    Mounting BracketNo
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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