Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3 Centre Speaker - (Each)

Overview

The Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3 is the centre channel speaker B&W calls its flagship in the 700 Series, and the perfect partner for the 702 S3, 703 S3, and 705 S3. It's a 3-way vented-box design that brings Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top to the centre channel, alongside a dedicated 5-inch Continuum cone FST midrange and twin Aerofoil Profile bass cones.

In most home theatres the centre channel carries the dialogue, and B&W points to the FST midrange as particularly important for that clarity. The decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter is purpose-built for the 700 Series, and B&W says it raises the breakup threshold to 47kHz for pinpoint imaging and detail. Because the HTM71 S3 now uses Tweeter-on-Top, B&W says it integrates perfectly with the similarly equipped 700 Series models around it.

The tweeter housing is milled from a single solid block of aluminium and decoupled from the cabinet to better resist resonance, with a longer tube-loading system for freer, more open highs. Bass comes from two variable-thickness Aerofoil Profile cones loaded by a Flowport, and the terminals support bi-wiring or bi-amplification.

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B&W's manual recommends placing the HTM71 S3 directly below or above the screen, as close to ear height as possible, or behind the centre of an acoustically transparent projection screen. The Tweeter-on-Top housing adds height, taking the speaker from 165 mm to 233 mm tall, so measure the shelf or opening under your TV before you buy. On a shelf or in an AV rack, fit the four self-adhesive rubber feet for a degree of vibration isolation. The decoupled tweeter can feel loose out of the box; B&W notes this is a deliberate part of the design, not a fault.

More Info

Why the Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3 Stands Out

Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top

A decoupled housing milled from solid aluminium, with a longer tube-loading system for open, free highs.

Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter

Purpose-built for the 700 Series, with a breakup threshold B&W puts at 47kHz.

Continuum Cone FST Midrange

A dedicated midrange with Biomimetic Suspension and midrange decoupling, which B&W says is key for dialogue clarity.

Twin Aerofoil Profile Bass Cones

Variable-thickness cones that B&W says deliver deep, dynamic bass.

Matched to the 700 Series

Tweeter-on-Top for integration with the 702 S3, 703 S3, and 705 S3.

Bi-Wire and Bi-Amp Ready

Remove the terminal links to bi-wire or bi-amplify; B&W says bi-wiring can improve low-level detail.

Buyer's Guide

Who It's For

  • The 700 Series Theatre Builder: Wants the matching centre for a 702 S3, 703 S3, or 705 S3 system.
  • The Dialogue-Focused Viewer: Wants a dedicated 3-way centre with its own midrange driver for voices.
  • The Projection Room: Wants a centre that can sit behind an acoustically transparent screen.

How It Compares

The HTM71 S3 is the 3-way centre in the 700 Series. The HTM72 S3 is a 2-way design with a decoupled carbon dome tweeter and two 5-inch Continuum bass/midrange drivers, without Tweeter-on-Top. Stepping up, the HTM71 S3 Signature adds the changes B&W lists for its Signature models: revised bass motor systems, improved capacitors, revised speaker terminals, and a more open tweeter grille mesh.

Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3 Centre Speaker - (Each) Specifications

General Information
ModelBowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3
BrandBowers & Wilkins
Product TypeCentre channel speaker, 3-way vented-box system (each)
Drivers
Tweeter1x 25mm (1 in) Decoupled Carbon Dome, Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top
Midrange1x 130mm (5 in) Continuum cone FST
Bass2x 130mm (5 in) Aerofoil Profile
Bass LoadingFlowport
TerminalsBi-wire / bi-amp capable
Acoustic Performance
Frequency Response50Hz - 28kHz ±3dB
Frequency Range45Hz - 33kHz
Sensitivity89dB spl (2.83Vrms, 1m)
Harmonic Distortion (2nd and 3rd, 90dB, 1m)<1% 90Hz - 22kHz; <0.5% 120Hz - 20kHz
Nominal Impedance8Ω (minimum 3.1Ω)
Power
Recommended Amplifier Power30W - 200W into 8Ω on unclipped programme
Max Recommended Cable Impedance0.1Ω
Dimensions & Weight
Height165 mm (6.5 in) cabinet only; 233 mm (9.2 in) including tweeter
Width628 mm (24.7 in) cabinet only
Depth318 mm (12.5 in) cabinet only; 356 mm (14.0 in) with grille and terminals
Net Weight17.45 kg (38.5 lb)
Colours AvailableGloss Black, Satin White, Mocha (grille: Black; Grey (Satin White only))

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Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3 Centre Speaker - (Each) FAQs

Which speakers does the Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3 match?

B&W calls it the perfect partner for the 705 S3, 703 S3, and 702 S3, which share its Tweeter-on-Top design.

Where should I place the HTM71 S3?

B&W recommends directly below or above the screen, as close to ear height as possible, or behind the centre of an acoustically transparent screen. It stands 233 mm tall including the tweeter.

Can the HTM71 S3 be bi-wired or bi-amped?

Yes. Remove the terminal links and connect each pair of terminals independently, as shown in B&W's 700 S3 manual.

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