Bowers & Wilkins HTM72 S2 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Center Channel speaker by Bowers Wilkins. It was released in 2017. 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-field | Poor |
| Small Room | Average |
| Mid-size Room | Good |
| Large Room | Average |
| Very Large Room | 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.)
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. The 700 Series S2 Anniversary Edition was a run-out upgrade of B&W's mid-range 700 line, adding bypass capacitors and the Carbon Dome tweeter. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.
See all 8 Bowers Wilkins 700 S2 Anniversary Edition models compared »
Bowers Wilkins 700 S2 Anniversary Edition Series Speakers
Frequency Response of the BW HTM72 S2 Speaker
BW HTM72 S2 has a Frequency response range of 70-28k Hz and Power Range of 30-120 watts.
Here we have a comparison of how HTM72 S2's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
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
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. Work out how loud the BW HTM72 S2 plays in your room →
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.
What amplifier does the BW HTM72 S2 need?
At normal listening levels in a medium room, about
15–120 W
per channel into 8 ohms.
Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.
Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $1,500, or every amplifier we cover.
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.
Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →
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.
Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →
WeightThe 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
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $1500
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
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.
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.