Bowers & Wilkins HTM72 S3 mocha

The Bowers & Wilkins 700 Series has welcomed its third generation since 2022, and this HTM72 S3 is the compact center speaker in the range. It incorporates technologies developed for the 800 Diamond Series in a horizontal format 47.7 cm wide, designed to fit under a television or inside a home theater cabinet.

A tweeter designed for high frequencies and dialogue precision

The 25 mm carbon dome is a technology created specifically for the 700 Series. Its benefit lies in its breakup threshold, pushed to 47 kHz (versus 33 kHz for the double aluminum dome in the 600 Series). This margin beyond the audible spectrum helps preserve the harmonics and signal phase in the range actually perceived by the ear.

The tweeter is mechanically decoupled from the cabinet by a synthetic gel gasket. This isolation prevents cabinet vibrations from disturbing the diaphragm, which improves definition on voices and high-frequency instruments. In movie dialogue, this precision helps distinguish sibilants and whispers even at moderate volume.

Two Continuum bass/midrange drivers for voice reproduction

The two 130 mm drivers use a Continuum cone, the same woven and coated composite material that Bowers & Wilkins introduced on its reference speakers. This cone replaces the British brand’s historic yellow Kevlar. Its controlled flexibility allows it to avoid the abrupt behavioral transitions that usually cause midrange coloration.

The result on a center speaker is neutral voice timbre, whether for spoken dialogue or singing. The two drivers work in parallel to handle both the midrange and the lower part of the spectrum, in a two-way configuration.

Flowport and low-frequency management

The bass-reflex port is located at the rear of the cabinet. Its dimpled surface (Flowport technology) reduces air turbulence that can cause chuffing noise at high volume. For installations where the speaker must be placed near a wall, a two-piece foam plug is provided: it helps reduce the bass reinforcement that occurs in this configuration.

The response extends down to 70 Hz at ±3 dB, with useful extension down to 48 Hz. This center speaker benefits from being paired with a subwoofer for reproducing low-frequency effects, but it provides a solid foundation for deep male voices without additional support.

Moderate sensitivity that requires a suitable amplifier

With a sensitivity of 87 dB (2.83 V at 1 m), the HTM72 S3 is not a particularly easy speaker to drive. It works with amplifiers delivering between 30 and 120 W into 8 Ω, but low-power tube units will struggle to drive it properly, especially at high volume. The minimum impedance drops to 4.3 Ω, which requires an amplifier stable into low-impedance loads.

The dual gold-plated binding posts allow bi-wiring or bi-amping for those who want to separate the power supply to the bass and treble.

Technical Specifications

Speakers

• 1 × 25 mm decoupled carbon dome tweeter
• 2 × 130 mm Continuum cone woofers / midrange drivers

Technologies

• Decoupled tweeter to reduce vibrations
• Continuum cone for improved sonic neutrality
• Flowport for reducing air turbulence

Audio Performance

• Frequency response: 70 Hz – 28 kHz (± 3 dB)
• Frequency range: 48 Hz – 33 kHz
• Sensitivity: 87 dB (2.83 V / 1 m)
• Harmonic distortion
  • Less than 1% from 100 Hz to 22 kHz
  • Less than 0.5% from 200 Hz to 22 kHz

Amplification and impedance

• Nominal impedance: 8 Ω (minimum 4.3 Ω)
• Recommended power: 30 W – 120 W
• Maximum recommended cable impedance: 0.1 Ω

Dimensions and weight

• Height: 165 mm
• Width: 477 mm
• Depth
  • 266 mm without grille
  • 302 mm with grille and terminals
• Net weight: approximately 9.7 kg

Finishes

• Cabinet: gloss black, satin white, mocha
• Grille: black, gray (only with satin white finish)

Highlights

• Detailed and precise sound thanks to the carbon tweeter
• Natural midrange with the Continuum cone
• Good bass extension for its size
• Low distortion even at high volume
• Elegant design with several finishes available