Our flagship centre-channel loudspeaker, the HTM71 S3 features a Carbon Dome drive unit housed in a Tweeter-On-Top enclosure, making it the perfect match for its 705 S3, 703 S3 and 702 S3 stablemates. This approach allows for outstanding integration and an even-more-immersive listening experience across our premium 700 Series-based surround sound systems. The HTM71 S3 also features a 5” Continuum Cone FST midrange driver complete with our Biomimetic Suspension– particularly important for clarity with dialogue. Twin aerofoil profile bass drivers provide create a rock-solid foundation for dynamic performance.
A: Hi Victoria, We increased the midrange driver from 4" to 5" and reduced the bass drivers to 5". This allowed us to place the tweeter on top in milled aluminum enclosure, which improved the sense of height and clarity you hear when listening to voices. The increased size of the midrange driver offset the smaller bass drivers. We believe that the net improvement over the HTM71S2 is quite noticeable and encourage you to have a listen.
Q: Will this center channel work with B&W in-wall and ceiling speakers or will it over power them?
A: The 700 series center channel speaker blends well with our in-wall and in-ceiling speakers. Upgrading the center channel is always a good idea and will significantly enhance most surround sound systems.
Q: Is the HTM71 S3 voice matched with the 705 S2 bookshelves?
A: Hello, They are different series and the S3 will be upgraded slightly from the S2 version of the center channel but these speakers will mesh together very well and you will have a good experience with them together.
Q: Can I use this as a center speaker for my karaoke system? Will it break down?
A: Yes, this product can/could be used as a center speaker in a Karaoke system. Note that it does lack low end bass. Build quality is good, so I would expect it to be reliable up to 100 watts.
A: It will be arriving on Thursday. I am unsure if I should just automatically return it without opening it up, but to be honest, I am pretty let down by the fact that it does not have 6 1/2 bass drivers. I only ever start feeling impressed with that bass size and typically find the 5 inch bass drivers to be underwhelming and also only ever commonly found in the smaller variations of a speakers' lineup. May I ask, why did you all opt for 5s in your "premier" 700 series this time around? Should I "definitely" consider opening it and possibly even keeping it?

Our flagship centre-channel loudspeaker, the HTM71 S3 features a Carbon Dome drive unit housed in a Tweeter-On-Top enclosure, making it the perfect match for its 705 S3, 703 S3 and 702 S3 stablemates. This approach allows for outstanding integration and an even-more-immersive listening experience across our premium 700 Series-based surround sound systems. The HTM71 S3 also features a 5” Continuum Cone FST midrange driver complete with our Biomimetic Suspension– particularly important for clarity with dialogue. Twin aerofoil profile bass drivers provide create a rock-solid foundation for dynamic performance.

702 S3 is our 700 Series flagship: a state-of-the-art floorstanding speaker that defines standards for performance in its class. Its Carbon Dome tweeter is housed in a Solid Body Tweeter assembly, derived from 800 Series Diamond. That ensures even more realistic treble, while its decoupled midrange assembly, enhanced here with our revolutionary Biomimetic Suspension, provides outstanding midrange transparency and openness. And thanks to its downward-firing port configuration and its trio of Aerofoil Profile bass cones, 702 S3 can deliver bass that’s both profoundly deep and endlessly articulate. If you want the best in the series, this is it.

705 S3 is our ultimate 700 Series bookshelf speaker, a no-holds-barred celebration of excellence able to highlight all the subtle nuances in your music that other speakers miss. Its Carbon Dome tweeter is housed in a redesigned Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top enclosure used in 800 Series Diamond products. That joins a subtly curved baffle endowed with a ‘pod’ housing for its Continuum Cone bass/midrange driver, ensuring that you hear less of the speaker’s cabinet, and more of the music you love.

703 S3 now features our iconic Tweeter-on-Top configuration, transforming its ability to render detail and space. That breakthrough, plus its decoupled FST Continuum cone midrange driver– enhanced by the addition of our revolutionary Biomimetic Suspension – combine to make 703 S3 an exceptional loudspeaker. Its twin Aerofoil Profile bass drivers mean it can fill even the largest rooms with full bodied, realistic sound.
| Pros for Bowers & Wilkins - HTM71 S3 Center Channel with 1" Tweeter On Top and Two 6.5" Bass Drivers (Each) - White | |||
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Customers value the HTM71 S3 Center Channel's exceptional sound quality. Many reviewers highlighted its crisp, clear audio and ability to perfectly balance their home theater systems. The speaker's clear central channel was also frequently praised. No significant negative feedback was reported.
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
This B&W center channel speaker was the missing piece for our entertainment center. I thought having 2 towers, 2 subwoofers and a brand new TV would be enough but this center channel added an additional layer. While watching tv, we can now hear some of the smaller more intricate sounds during movies or shows. The setup was extremely easy and the aesthetics really elevate our living space.
This review is from Bowers & Wilkins - HTM71 S3 Center Channel with 1" Tweeter On Top and Two 6.5" Bass Drivers (Each) - Gloss Black
Posted by Brgs2012
After having owned both the little brother to this (B&W HTM72S3) and the 702s2 towers for several years, I realized the center channel wasn't matching the performance of the towers. I stepped up to the HTM71S3 and couldn't be happier. More dynamic, significantly improved soundstage, and dialogue clarity are unmatched. Movies have come to life and subtitles are a thing of the past. The decoupled tweeter and continuum mid-range driver are crisp and clean (not shrill or fatiguing) while the 5.5" drivers provide a solid foundation without sounding anemic or bloated. For those looking for premium center channel, so long as you are willing to pay the hefty price, you have arrived. My only complaint is that I had to be creative about making enough space under the televsion (9.5") as I'm unable to mount the TV to the wall.
This review is from Bowers & Wilkins - HTM71 S3 Center Channel with 1" Tweeter On Top and Two 6.5" Bass Drivers (Each) - Gloss Black
Posted by Mars
I didn’t think it was gonna make a big difference, but I upgraded my center channel to this one and my old one is a Bowers & Wilkins and I gotta tell you this one is much much better. I highly recommend it.
Posted by Joe750