Bowers & Wilkins HTM81 D4 Center Channel Speaker
The Bowers & Wilkins HTM81 D4 is the flagship center channel speaker in the elite 800 Series Diamond lineup, engineered to deliver unmatched dialogue clarity and dynamic impact. Perfectly matched to the 801 and 802 D4 floorstanders, it brings the same level of uncompromising performance to the heart of your home theater system. From its Diamond dome tweeter to its rigid reverse wrap cabinet and advanced Biomimetic Suspension, every detail of the HTM81 D4 is designed to preserve nuance, enhance realism, and immerse you in every scene and soundtrack with breathtaking fidelity.
Specifications
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Technical Features: Diamond tweeter, Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top, Continuum™ cone FST, Matrix™ internal bracing, Anti-Resonance plug, Biomimetic Suspension, Aerofoil™ cone bass units, Flowport
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System Description: 3-way vented-box center channel speaker
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Drive Units: 1x 25mm (1in) Diamond dome tweeter, 1x 150mm (6in) Continuum™ cone FST midrange, 2x 200mm (8in) Aerofoil™ cone bass units
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Frequency Range: 20Hz to 35kHz
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Frequency Response: 28Hz to 28kHz (±3dB from reference axis)
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Sensitivity: 90dB (on axis at 2.83Vrms at 1m)
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Harmonic Distortion: <1% (80Hz–20kHz), <0.3% (100Hz–20kHz)
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Nominal Impedance: 8Ω (minimum 3.0Ω)
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Recommended Amplifier Power: 50W – 500W into 8Ω (on unclipped programme)
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Max Recommended Cable Impedance: 0.1Ω
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Dimensions (H x W x D): 334mm x 847mm x 371mm (13.1in x 33.3in x 14.6in)
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Net Weight: 32.2kg (71lb)
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Compatible Stand: FS-HTM D4 (sold separately)
Expanded Key Features List
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Midrange Aluminum Enclosure: Rigid internal housing for the midrange driver eliminates vibration and enhances vocal clarity.
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Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top: Diamond dome tweeter is decoupled in a solid aluminum housing to reduce resonance and extend high-frequency performance.
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Reverse Wrap Cabinet: Continuous curved front panel design reduces diffraction and improves sound dispersion across the room.
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Matrix™ Bracing: Interlocking internal support panels increase rigidity and minimize cabinet coloration for lifelike imaging.
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Biomimetic Suspension: Revolutionary suspension system eliminates midrange distortion and improves transparency.
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Continuum™ Cone: Delivers smooth and neutral midrange response for lifelike vocals and instruments.
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Aerofoil™ Bass Cones: Variable-thickness carbon-fiber cones deliver powerful, deep bass with precision and control.
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Decoupled Midrange Assembly: Isolates midrange driver from bass section to preserve vocal integrity even during loud passages.
Q&A Section
Q: What makes the HTM81 D4 the flagship center speaker in the 800 Series?
A: It incorporates the same premium technologies as the 801 D4, including a Diamond tweeter, Aerofoil bass drivers, and Biomimetic Suspension, ensuring elite center-channel performance.
Q: How does the Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top improve sound?
A: This decoupled aluminum housing minimizes resonances and reflections, extending high-frequency response and improving soundstage realism.
Q: Can the HTM81 D4 be used with other 800 Series speakers?
A: Yes, it is acoustically matched to the 801 and 802 D4 models, making it ideal for building a coherent and immersive surround sound system.
Q: What amplifier power is recommended?
A: Bowers & Wilkins recommends 50W to 500W into 8 ohms to get the most dynamic and accurate sound performance from the HTM81 D4.
Q: Does the HTM81 D4 require a special stand?
A: While not required, the FS-HTM D4 stand is highly recommended for optimal height and isolation.
Q: Is the cabinet design purely aesthetic?
A: No, the Reverse Wrap cabinet is designed to minimize diffraction and improve structural rigidity, contributing directly to the speaker’s acoustic performance.
Q: What is the benefit of the Biomimetic Suspension?
A: It significantly reduces midrange coloration and improves detail retrieval, resulting in cleaner, more transparent vocals and instrumentation.
Q: How large of a room is the HTM81 D4 suited for?
A: Its power and precision make it ideal for medium to large dedicated home theaters and high-end multi-channel setups.
B&W HTM81 D4 Info Sheet
In Store Only
