B&W HTM1 Product Summary

The B&W HTM1 is the larger of the two centre channels in the N800 Series, and incorporates the Nautilus™ tweeter unit, Kevlar® cone and Matrix™ cabinet.

The speaker consists of one Nautilus™ treble unit, one Kevlar® midrange drive unit and two paper/Kevlar® drivers for bass and midrange. The speaker permits bi-wiring to improve sound quality and imaging, shielding enables the speaker to be placed on or near a television.

USA Tweeter on top: B&W’s Tweeter on top technology ensures that the sound remains focused and time-sensitive and that the stereo-image is presented with unparalleled three dimensional accuracy. Kevlar®: B&W developed and patented the method of using Kevlar® for loudspeaker cones to reduce unwanted standing waves. DuPont originally created Kevlar® for use in bulletproof vests. Matrix™: The basic construction of nearly all loudspeakers is exactly the same – panels of wood-based materials, bonded to form a rectangular box. B&W studied and evaluated how each aspect of cabinet behaviour and the efficiency of various materials and construction methods affects sound. Flowport™: Golf ball aerodynamics theory points the way towards lower distortion reflex ports. Dimples improve the way the air flows over the surface of any object. In the case of reflex ports, they offer a significant improvement over simply flaring the port ends in reducing air flow turbulence at each end of the port; so you get less chuffing noise and less compression at high sound levels.

I use the B&W HTM1 as a center channel with Wilson Watt Puppy 7’s and have been very happy with its performance in my 5 channel system driven by a Plinius Odeon amplifier which puts out 200 watts per channel into all 5 channels @ 8ohms. Dialog is very clear and precise thru the center channel and there is no “congestion” during loud playing no matter the sound levels we play the system at. Its also very musical when we listen to Blu Ray or DVD concerts played in 5.1. Buy one, you’ll be very happy you did.

You Ain’t heard nothing until you listen to Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumors” in DVD-Audio with high-end amplification and B&W Nautilus 800’s and HTM1 Center Channel. You just sit there with your jaw on the ground thinking that you’re not believing your own ears.

As for movies, the true test for any center channel speaker is the quality of the male voice. Well, the HTM1 is the only center channel I’ve ever heard that doesn’t make a deep male voice sound overly chesty — like it’s coming out of a empty coffee can or something. The voices are clear and correct. The HTM1 is a lifetime investment in audio enjoyment — you will never need to upgrade uless you’re an audio fanantic that can never be satisified. For most of us, the HTM1 is the last center channel speaker we’lll every buy.

I have had the B&W HTM1 in my possession for 2 months now and everything about it is absolutely excellent. The midrange is very articulate, has terrific imaging, and an enveloping soundstage. Like the midrange, the tweeter is equally as proficient. The only negative comment however is that it can be a tinge bright at times, but my conjecture is this is an engineering choice because typically vocals are favored to be more _forward_ sounding, especially in the home theater environment. The rest of the sonics are very impressive. The bass develops very nicely, and it’s particularly picky in terms of listenning room dimensions. The entire ensemble of the sound is very captivating and does give the feeling of true soundstage. I had a friend audition the htm1 along with the N805’s with Dave Matthew’s “Crash” album and he said he could almost reach out and touch each of the artists. At the conclusion of the CD he was in utter awe. Particular pieces that stood out were tracks 5 (#41) and 8 (Let you down). Each individual strum of the song “Let You Down” could be heard with absolute clarity. The drum beats were tight and the subsequent decays were present with delicate detail. In my mind, I essentially, with the help of the Nautilus HTM1’s and 805’s, was able to rediscover the Crash album. After finishing the brief audition my friend commented on the uncanny ability of the HTM1 to sound so warm and broad while maintaining excellent imaging. Typically characterists such as the above formentioned are trades made during the design and engineering process. It’s uncanny how B&W were able to find an optimum, at least in my opinion, maximum in which _both_ qualities could be achieve without much sacrifice. Another great benefit of the HTM1 is that it shares the same tweeter with as the 803, 804, and 805 (maybe the same as the rest as well, but i’m sure about the ones i mentioned). This means superb timber matching throughout the entire Nautilus line of speakers. Currently in my 805 HTM1 setup, I am witnessing this. I do not recognize a deficiency in sound when effects or passages pan across my three front speakers. I will soon be aquiring the N803’s and I am eager, and hope that this property will remain true. Overall, the HTM1 speaker is an awesome investment for people who enjoy hometheater and 5 channel surround music. I highly recommend this speaker for its great soundstaging, imaging, detail, warmth, and compatibility.