B&W CM1 Loudspeaker Review
Summary
- Product Name: B&W CM1 Speaker
- Manufacturer: B&W Group Ltd.
- Performance Rating:
- Value Rating:
- Review Date: October 25, 2006 20:00
- MSRP: $ 900/pr
- Specifications
-
Frequency Response (+/-3dB): 55Hz-22kHz
Extended Response (-6dB): 45Hz-50kHz
Nominal Impedance: 8 W (5.1 W min.)
Sensitivity (2.83V @ 1m): 84 dB
Tweeter: 1” tube-loaded aluminum dome
Mid/Woofer: 5” Kevlar coneCrossover Frequency: 4kHz, first order slope.
Harmonic Distortion: <1%, 110Hz-22kHz (2nd and 3rd order harmonics at 90 dB, 1m).
Amplifier Power: 100 W.
Dimensions (HxWxD): 11” x6.5” x 10.9”
Weight (each): 14.7 lbs
Enclosure Type: Two way ported.
Pros
- Precise, detailed treble.
- Timbral richness in the lower midrange.
- Decent bass output despite size.
- Superb build quality and finish.
Cons
- Small mid/woofer cone has to work a lot to make all that bass
- Limited maximum output.
Introduction
Bowers & Wilkins, Ltd. is a well recognized name among audiophiles and classical music aficionados. The B&W 800 series loudspeakers have long been considered preeminent studio monitors for orchestral recording sessions dating back to the launch of the original 801 in 1979. The list of recording labels and studios that have used 800 series monitors includes Philips, Decca Records, Deutsche Grammophon, and EMI’s Abbey Road Studios where, incidentally, the latest Star Wars movie, Revenge of the Sith was recorded and mixed using B&W loudspeakers. Because of the prominent use for orchestral recording, the speakers are often favored amongst avid orchestral listeners with the intent of replicating the recording session as close as possible by using the same speakers for reproduction as were used in production.
