Audio T Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3 is a serious centre speaker designed to give dialogue, vocals and on-screen effects the same scale and authority as a high-performance 700 Series stereo system.
Its dedicated Continuum FST midrange driver gives voices exceptional clarity, while the separate Carbon Dome tweeter and twin Aerofoil bass drivers provide detail, weight and dynamic impact without asking one pair of drivers to cover the entire frequency range.
It is large, heavy and relatively demanding, so it needs a strong support and capable amplification. When properly positioned and calibrated, it creates a remarkably focused and convincing front soundstage.
Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3 Centre Speaker
The HTM71 S3 is the flagship centre-channel loudspeaker in the Bowers & Wilkins 700 Series S3 range.
Its three-way vented-box design combines a 25mm Decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter, a dedicated 130mm Continuum cone FST midrange driver and two 130mm Aerofoil Profile bass drivers.
This separation of treble, midrange and bass duties helps the HTM71 S3 reproduce dialogue with exceptional clarity while retaining the scale, dynamics and low-frequency weight required by modern film soundtracks.
Supplied Individually
The HTM71 S3 is supplied and priced as one centre-channel speaker.
It is a passive loudspeaker and requires a separate home cinema receiver, multichannel power amplifier or suitable processor and power-amplifier combination.
Uncompromising Vocal Performance
The centre channel commonly carries dialogue, vocals and many of the sounds positioned directly in the middle of the screen.
The HTM71 S3 uses a dedicated midrange driver rather than asking its bass drivers to reproduce the entire vocal range.
This helps speech remain clear, natural and firmly connected to the picture, even during busy scenes containing music, effects and deep bass.
Three-Way Driver Configuration
The HTM71 S3 divides the audio signal between three specialised driver sections.
- The Carbon Dome tweeter handles high frequencies
- The Continuum FST driver reproduces the critical midrange
- The twin Aerofoil Profile drivers handle the bass
This arrangement reduces the compromises associated with a simpler two-way centre speaker and allows each driver to operate across a more focused part of the frequency range.
Solid Body Tweeter-On-Top
The Carbon Dome tweeter is mounted in a separate Solid Body Tweeter-On-Top enclosure above the main cabinet.
The elongated housing is milled from a solid block of aluminium, providing a rigid and well-controlled environment for the high-frequency driver.
Its tube-loading system absorbs unwanted energy from the rear of the tweeter dome, helping create a cleaner, more open and precisely focused treble.
Positioning the tweeter outside the main cabinet also reduces interference from the cabinet edges and helps the speaker integrate with similarly equipped 700 Series S3 models.
The Tweeter Housing Is Mechanically Decoupled
The Tweeter-On-Top assembly is mechanically isolated from the main cabinet and may appear to have a small amount of movement when gently handled.
This is an intentional part of the design rather than a fault. Do not lift or carry the speaker by its tweeter housing.
Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter
The 25mm Carbon Dome tweeter is purpose-built for the Bowers & Wilkins 700 Series.
Its reinforced construction raises the dome’s break-up threshold to 47kHz, well above the audible frequency range.
This helps the HTM71 S3 reproduce fine soundtrack detail, room ambience and vocal texture with clarity while maintaining accurate positioning across the front soundstage.
Dedicated Continuum FST Midrange
A 130mm Continuum cone FST driver is dedicated entirely to the midrange frequencies that contain much of the human voice.
The composite Continuum material is designed to avoid the abrupt changes in behaviour that can affect more conventional cone materials.
This contributes to an open, neutral and transparent presentation, helping dialogue sound like a natural part of the scene rather than an obvious loudspeaker placed beneath the screen.
Biomimetic Suspension
The midrange driver uses Bowers & Wilkins’ Biomimetic Suspension rather than a conventional fabric spider.
Its open structure is designed to reduce unwanted air pressure and noise behind the moving cone.
This allows the dedicated midrange driver to operate more freely and helps reveal low-level detail within dialogue, vocals and instruments.
Decoupled Midrange Assembly
The Continuum FST driver is mechanically decoupled from the main enclosure.
This helps isolate the midrange from vibrations generated by the two bass drivers and the cabinet itself.
Reducing this interference supports cleaner dialogue and more stable imaging, particularly during demanding scenes with substantial low-frequency content.
Twin Aerofoil Profile Bass Drivers
Two 130mm Aerofoil Profile drivers reproduce the bass frequencies.
The cones use a variable-thickness design developed through computer modelling, providing additional stiffness where it is needed most while controlling unnecessary mass.
This allows the HTM71 S3 to produce deep, dynamic and controlled bass without compromising the clarity of its dedicated midrange driver.
Flowport Bass Reflex System
The HTM71 S3 uses a vented enclosure incorporating Bowers & Wilkins Flowport technology.
The dimpled surface of the port is designed to improve airflow and reduce turbulence as air moves through the cabinet opening.
This helps the speaker deliver useful low-frequency extension while reducing unwanted port noise during demanding soundtrack passages.
Foam Port Plug Included
A two-piece foam plug is supplied for situations where room positioning creates excessive bass.
The outer foam ring can be used on its own for moderate bass reduction, while fitting the complete plug provides a greater effect. Positioning and AV receiver calibration should be addressed before relying on the plug.
Matching 700 Series S3 Speakers
The HTM71 S3 is particularly well matched to the Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3, 703 S3 and 705 S3, which also use Solid Body Tweeter-On-Top technology.
Using speakers from the same range helps preserve a consistent tonal character as voices, music and effects move between the front left, centre and right channels.
It can also be integrated with other 700 Series S3 models where room size, budget or system layout requires a different combination.
Positioning Above or Below the Screen
The HTM71 S3 should normally be positioned centrally above or below the television or projection screen.
Keep the tweeter as close to seated ear height as the room and furniture allow. If the speaker must sit significantly above or below the listeners, angle the cabinet towards the principal seating area.
The front of the speaker should ideally sit level with, or slightly forward of, the front edge of its supporting furniture. Placing it far back inside a shelf can introduce reflections and make dialogue sound enclosed.
Acoustically Transparent Screens
When using a projection system with an acoustically transparent screen, the HTM71 S3 can be positioned behind the centre of the image.
Confirm that the screen material, speaker distance and installation structure are suitable before finalising the cinema design.
Allow for the Tweeter-On-Top Housing
The main cabinet is 165mm high, but the complete speaker measures 233mm high once the Tweeter-On-Top enclosure is included.
This additional height must be considered when placing the speaker beneath a television or inside furniture.
Nothing should touch or press against the tweeter housing, and it should remain clear of shelves, screen edges and cables.
Supporting the Speaker
The HTM71 S3 weighs approximately 17.45kg and requires a rigid, level and suitably strong support.
The supporting surface must accommodate its 628mm width and complete 356mm depth while safely carrying the speaker’s weight over time.
Four self-adhesive rubber feet are supplied for use when the speaker is placed on a shelf, rack or furniture unit. These provide a degree of vibration isolation and help protect the supporting surface.
Check Furniture and Shelf Ratings
Do not assume that a television unit or floating shelf can safely support the HTM71 S3.
Confirm the manufacturer’s load rating and consider the effect of the speaker’s depth, weight distribution and vibration before installation.
Cabinet and Cable Clearance
The cabinet measures 318mm deep, increasing to 356mm when the front grille and rear terminals are included.
Further space should be allowed behind the speaker for its cable connections and the bend radius of the speaker cable.
A tightly enclosed cabinet can reinforce bass and restrict the operation of the Flowport, so leave as much breathing space around the speaker as the installation allows.
AV Receiver and Amplifier Matching
Bowers & Wilkins recommends amplifier power between 30 and 200 watts into 8 ohms on unclipped programme material.
The HTM71 S3 has a sensitivity of 89dB, a nominal impedance of 8 ohms and a minimum impedance of 3.1 ohms.
That relatively low minimum impedance means the partnering home cinema receiver or power amplifier should be capable of delivering stable current into demanding loudspeaker loads.
The correct amplifier will depend on the room size, listening distance, playback level, channel count and the other loudspeakers within the system.
Headline Power Is Not the Whole Story
A receiver’s quoted wattage may be measured with only one or two channels operating.
For larger 700 Series systems, a receiver with strong power supplies or a separate multichannel power amplifier may provide better control and consistency when several channels are driven simultaneously.
Conventional and Bi-Wired Connections
The HTM71 S3 has two linked pairs of binding posts for its high-frequency and low-frequency sections.
For a conventional single-cable connection, leave the factory-fitted terminal links in place and connect the amplifier to either terminal pair.
For bi-wiring or bi-amplification, remove the links and connect the two sections independently using suitable amplification and cable arrangements.
All equipment should be switched off before changing connections or removing the terminal links.
Speaker Cable and Polarity
The terminals accept suitable banana plugs, spade connectors or correctly prepared bare speaker cable.
Connect the positive amplifier terminal to the red positive speaker terminal and the negative amplifier terminal to the black negative terminal.
Incorrect polarity can weaken bass and compromise the integration between the front left, centre and right speakers.
Bowers & Wilkins specifies a maximum recommended speaker-cable impedance of 0.1 ohm, making low-resistance cable particularly important over longer runs.
Home Cinema Calibration
After positioning the HTM71 S3, use the AV receiver’s setup system to establish speaker distances, channel levels, crossover settings and room correction.
Automatic calibration provides a useful starting point, but the result should still be checked using familiar dialogue and soundtrack material.
Voices should sound clear and naturally centred without the speaker appearing noticeably louder or brighter than the front left and right channels.
Bass Management and Subwoofers
Despite its substantial bass capability, the HTM71 S3 will normally benefit from bass management within a home cinema system.
Directing the deepest effects to a suitable subwoofer reduces the demands placed on the centre speaker and amplifier while allowing the HTM71 S3 to concentrate on dialogue, music and directional effects.
The ideal crossover frequency will depend on the room, subwoofer, front speakers and AV receiver, so it should be confirmed during system calibration rather than selected solely from the published frequency range.
Running In
The performance of the HTM71 S3 may change subtly during its initial period of use as its suspension and damping materials settle.
Bowers & Wilkins suggests allowing around 15 hours of average use for the mechanical parts to approach their intended characteristics, with additional time where the speaker has been stored in a cold environment.
No special running-in signal is required. Use ordinary music and film material at sensible listening levels.
Using the Grille
The supplied grille protects the front drivers and creates a more discreet appearance beneath or above the screen.
The HTM71 S3 can be used with or without the grille according to preference, although leaving it fitted provides useful protection against accidental contact.
The separate Tweeter-On-Top driver remains exposed and should be handled carefully.
Finish Options
The HTM71 S3 is available in:
- Gloss Black with black grille
- Satin White with grey grille
- Mocha with black grille
Matching 700 Series S3 speakers are available in the same cabinet finishes, helping create a visually coordinated home cinema system.
Key Features
- Flagship 700 Series S3 centre-channel speaker
- Three-way vented-box design
- 25mm Decoupled Carbon Dome tweeter
- Solid Body Tweeter-On-Top enclosure
- Extended tweeter tube-loading system
- 130mm Continuum cone FST midrange driver
- Biomimetic Suspension
- Mechanically decoupled midrange assembly
- Two 130mm Aerofoil Profile bass drivers
- Bowers & Wilkins Flowport technology
- Conventional, bi-wire or bi-amplified connection
- Two linked pairs of binding posts
- 45Hz–33kHz published frequency range
- 50Hz–28kHz frequency response within ±3dB
- 89dB sensitivity
- 8-ohm nominal impedance
- 3.1-ohm minimum impedance
- 30–200-watt recommended amplifier power
- 628mm cabinet width
- 165mm cabinet height
- 233mm height including tweeter
- 318mm cabinet depth
- 356mm depth including grille and terminals
- 17.45kg net weight
- Gloss Black, Satin White and Mocha finishes
- Grille, foam port plug and four rubber feet supplied
- Five-year limited manufacturer’s warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the HTM71 S3 supplied individually?
Yes. The HTM71 S3 is supplied and priced as one passive centre-channel loudspeaker.
Does the HTM71 S3 contain an amplifier?
No. It requires a suitable home cinema receiver, multichannel power amplifier or processor and power-amplifier combination.
Which speakers best match the HTM71 S3?
It is particularly well matched to the Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3, 703 S3 and 705 S3, which also use Solid Body Tweeter-On-Top technology.
Can it be used with other 700 Series S3 speakers?
Yes. It can be integrated with other models in the range, although the Tweeter-On-Top speakers provide the closest technology and tonal match.
How does the HTM71 S3 differ from the HTM72 S3?
The HTM71 S3 is a larger three-way design with a separate Continuum FST midrange, twin Aerofoil bass drivers and Tweeter-On-Top. The HTM72 S3 is a more compact two-way model.
Should it be placed above or below the television?
Either position can work. Keep it centred and as close to seated ear height as practical, angling it towards the main listening area where necessary.
Can it be positioned behind a projection screen?
Yes, provided the screen is acoustically transparent and the installation is designed to accommodate the speaker correctly.
Can it be placed inside furniture?
Yes, provided the furniture safely supports its 17.45kg weight and leaves sufficient clearance for the Tweeter-On-Top housing, rear terminals, speaker cable and Flowport.
Can the HTM71 S3 be wall mounted?
It has no integrated wall-mounting system. Any shelf or bracket must safely support its weight and dimensions while providing suitable clearance and secure attachment to the wall structure.
How high is the complete speaker?
The main cabinet is 165mm high. The complete height including the Tweeter-On-Top housing is 233mm.
How deep is the speaker?
The cabinet is 318mm deep. The complete depth is 356mm including the grille and rear terminals, before allowing additional space for cable.
How much does it weigh?
The HTM71 S3 weighs approximately 17.45kg.
Why does the tweeter housing feel slightly loose?
The Tweeter-On-Top assembly is mechanically decoupled from the main cabinet. A small degree of movement is an intentional part of the design rather than a fault.
What amplifier power is recommended?
Bowers & Wilkins recommends between 30 and 200 watts into 8 ohms on unclipped programme material.
Is the HTM71 S3 difficult to drive?
Its sensitivity is a useful 89dB, but its impedance falls to 3.1 ohms. A stable, good-quality receiver or power amplifier is therefore recommended.
Can it be bi-wired?
Yes. The HTM71 S3 has two linked terminal pairs and supports conventional single wiring, bi-wiring and suitable bi-amplified arrangements.
Should the terminal links remain fitted?
Leave the links fitted for a normal single-cable connection. Remove them only when correctly bi-wiring or bi-amplifying the speaker.
Does it need a subwoofer?
It can reproduce substantial bass independently, but a suitable subwoofer will normally provide greater extension and impact while reducing demands on the centre speaker and amplifier.
Should the HTM71 S3 be configured as a small speaker?
In many home cinema systems, bass-managing it as a small speaker provides the best integration with a subwoofer. The final crossover should be established during calibration.
What is the foam plug for?
The supplied two-piece foam plug can reduce bass output where the speaker must be placed close to a wall or inside furniture.
Can the front grille be removed?
Yes. The speaker can be used with or without its front grille, although the grille provides additional protection for the drive units.
What finishes are available?
The HTM71 S3 is available in Gloss Black, Satin White and Mocha.
Does it need running in?
The drive units may settle during their first hours of use. Bowers & Wilkins suggests around 15 hours of average use for the mechanical components to approach their intended characteristics.
What warranty is included?
Bowers & Wilkins provides a five-year limited warranty for passive loudspeakers, subject to its current terms and conditions.
Related Bowers & Wilkins Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Bowers & Wilkins 700 Series demonstrations
- Centre-speaker positioning and support advice
- AV receiver and power-amplifier matching
- Complete surround-system planning
- Subwoofer and bass-management guidance
- Speaker cable and bi-wiring advice
- Home cinema calibration and setup support
- Part exchange on suitable existing equipment
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss building a Bowers & Wilkins 700 Series S3 home cinema system.