Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3 Center Channel Speaker - White

Flagship Technology, Built for Dialogue

A center channel speaker carries more of a movie's soundtrack than any other speaker in the room: most dialogue, and much of the on-screen action, comes straight from it. The Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3 is built to handle that job at a genuinely high level, using the same driver technology found in the company's flagship 800 Series Diamond speakers.

A 1" Decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter sits on top of the cabinet in its own solid housing, away from the bass drivers below, so treble stays clear even during the loudest scenes. It hands off to a 5" Continuum cone FST midrange driver and two 5" Aerofoil profile bass drivers, giving this 3-way design real weight behind dialogue and effects alike.

Sensitivity runs 89dB, with an 8-ohm nominal impedance (3.1-ohm minimum), and recommended amplifier power spans 30 to 200 watts into 8 ohms, so it can be driven by anything from a solid AV receiver to a serious amplifier.

Built From the Flagship Down

The Continuum cone and Aerofoil bass cone technology come directly from B&W's flagship models, chosen for how evenly they behave across frequencies rather than for how they look on a spec sheet. A rear-firing Flowport reduces the port noise that simpler vented cabinets produce at higher volumes, keeping bass cleaner during action scenes.

At 24.7" wide, the HTM71 S3 is built to sit above or below a large TV or projector screen without looking out of place. It comes in Gloss Black, Satin White, or Mocha, matching the rest of B&W's 700 Series lineup for a cohesive home theater system.

What Reviewers Are Saying

The Audio Tailor called the HTM71 S3 "a new benchmark in centre channel performance" and "the pinnacle of what's possible in centre channel design," praising how "dialogue in films comes through with startling clarity" alongside "bass that's not just deep, but dynamically rich and textured."

Who Is This Speaker Best For?

• You're building a home theater around 700 Series speakers — the HTM71 S3 matches the finish and driver technology of B&W's other 700 Series models.
• You want dialogue that stays clear at any volume — the isolated tweeter housing and 3-way design are built specifically for that job.
• You have the space for a wide center channel — at 24.7" wide, it needs a TV stand or shelf that can accommodate it.
• You want flagship-derived technology in a home theater speaker — the Continuum cone and Aerofoil bass cones come straight from the 800 Series Diamond.
• If you need a compact or narrow center channel, this speaker's width may not fit your TV stand — measure before you buy.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

The HTM71 S3 connects to an AV receiver's center channel output through a set of speaker binding posts, using standard speaker cable. There's no power cord and nothing to configure.

Place it directly above or below your screen, as close to ear height as your setup allows, for the most natural blend between on-screen dialogue and the rest of your surround system.

Pairs Well With

Building your system? Here are some great companions for the HTM71 S3:

• Bookshelf or Floorstanding Speakers: Match it with other 700 Series models for a cohesive front soundstage — see our Floorstanding Speakers.
• AV Receiver: Power a full surround system with enough channels and headroom for this speaker — see our AV Receivers.
• Cables: Good speaker cable matters at this level — see our Speaker Cables.
• TV Stand or Audio Rack: Give this wide speaker a stable, properly sized home — see our Audio Racks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How wide is this speaker, and will it fit my TV stand?

It's 24.7" wide, so measure your TV stand or shelf before buying to make sure it fits.

What amplifier power does it need?

Bowers & Wilkins recommends 30 to 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms.

Can I mix this with speakers from a different series?

You can, but matching it with other 700 Series speakers gives the most seamless tonal blend across your front soundstage.

Does it need a subwoofer?

Not necessarily for dialogue, but a subwoofer still helps with deep bass effects in movies, since no center channel is designed to replace one.

What finishes are available?

Gloss Black, Satin White, and Mocha.

What's the warranty?

Bowers & Wilkins covers passive speakers like the HTM71 S3 with a 5-year warranty from the date of purchase.

See It in Action

MagnoliaMo reviews the HTM71 S3 as part of B&W's 700 Series lineup:

Kael Media takes a quick look at its design and build:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about center channel speakers, home theater systems, or building a surround setup? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.