B&W HTM-61


I am trying to decide on a center ht speaker to go with my new B&W 683s, and have read a number of negative reviews of this one, particularly from Thomas Norton in Ultimate AV Mag.

So I am wondering if anyone has experience with this speaker, or can offer other choices?
merlinus

Showing 3 responses by pdn

Merlinus:

I just purchased one today and am listening right now. I can't imagine why this would receive a negative review. The HTM61 is the correct matched CC speaker for the 683's. To me, the mid-range, vocals, and upper bass are all well balanced with excellent soundstage. I auditioned it at the store before I walked out with it. If I had heard anything funky, I would have caught it. What does this negative review say about it? I'll have to search for it. My advice, go out tomorrow and buy it. The red cherry finish is real smart looking and attractive.
Merlinus:

Yes, horizontally directly underneath my LCD TV. Fits perfectly and looks great. While I can understand the reviewers concerns about it being a bit thick, I bought it to add more overall bass extension in my room so this works for me and not to rely just on the subwoofer. It's frequency response rating is 38hz on the low end so that's fairly bassy. I will agree it is slightly subdued but that's the FST bass driver in the unit.

I wonder if the reviewer just doesn't like this particular speaker? What would he think of its predecessor, the LCR600 S3? That drops to 48hz, not as boomy.

I was just listening to Marcia Ball (CD: Blue House, cut "Why Do I") and when the sax solo came in from one of the guys in her band, boy did that sound alive and right there. It felt like the performer was right in front of me. Her vocals are alive and well also but not bright, a bit more subdued. I think it just comes down to a matter of preference. I sit about 8' from it and right in the middle of my system.

You may want to get a preowned LCR600 S3 which is the previous series 600. Hope this helps.
I have mine positioned horizontally directly underneath my 32" LCD TV. I have the TV sitting directly on top of it separated by a soft cloth. The TV (Sony Bravia 32" LCD, 37.5lbs)'s pedestal fits perfectly on top of the long side of the speaker with room to spare. There is absolutely no problem doing this. I checked into that. It does not harm the speaker and if anything, will dampen in a bit more. The HTM61 is rock solid with an improved enclosure over the 600 S3 series. I have both sitting on top of a standard small oak colored TV entertainment center I purchased in Target. Nothing fancy but fairly solid and heavy (the kind you assemble at home). Would you like me to take a photo of it and e-mail that to you?