BOWERS & WILKINS CM1 S2

Pre owned. In excellent condition. One slight mark of wear on the top of one speaker, partially visible in the photos.

Two-way bookshelf speakers belonging to the second generation of the CM Series, designed to deliver accurate sound reproduction from a compact cabinet. Compared with the original model introduced in 2006, this version features an updated design, with improvements to the drive units, crossover, internal wiring and input terminals. Their clean, understated styling makes them easy to integrate into a variety of home environments, whether as part of a stereo Hi-Fi system or a home theatre setup.

The high-frequency section features a 25 mm Decoupled Double Dome aluminium tweeter. An additional aluminium ring increases the rigidity of the dome, while a special gel mounting isolates the assembly from the cabinet, limiting the transmission of vibrations. The rear-loading Nautilus tube progressively absorbs sound emitted from the back of the dome, helping to deliver detailed reproduction and well-defined high frequencies, with an extension up to 28 kHz.

The mid-bass range is handled by a 130 mm mid-woofer featuring a woven Kevlar cone. This material is selected for its damping properties and its ability to control resonances that can affect the natural reproduction of voices and instruments. The bass-reflex design incorporates a rear-mounted Flowport, featuring a dimpled surface designed to reduce air turbulence and the associated airflow noise. The crossover, with a crossover frequency of 4 kHz, completes the two-way system and is matched to drive units developed specifically for the characteristics of these speakers.

The sound reproduction is characterised by precise stereo imaging, good instrument separation and clearly defined vocals. Their compact dimensions allow the speakers to be placed on shelves and furniture, making them suitable for rooms where space is limited. Bass extension is naturally influenced by the cabinet volume and driver size, meaning they cannot reproduce the deepest frequencies with the same extension as larger floorstanding speakers.

With a sensitivity of 84 dB and a nominal impedance of 8 ohms, the CM1 S2 speakers require amplification suited to their electrical characteristics. The recommended amplifier power is between 30 and 100 W per channel. An amplifier capable of delivering stable current helps manage the load effectively and maintain controlled reproduction, even at higher listening levels. They are suitable for stereo Hi-Fi systems, near-field listening setups and use as front speakers in home theatre systems built around other models from the same series.

Technical specifications:

• System: 2-way bass-reflex
• Drivers: 1 x 130 mm Kevlar woofer; 1 x 25 mm aluminium dome tweeter
• Frequency response: 55 Hz - 22 kHz (±3 dB on axis)
• Horizontal/vertical dispersion: 60° / 10°
• Crossover frequency: 4 kHz
• Sensitivity: 84 dB SPL (2.83 V/1 m)
• Nominal impedance: 8 ohms
• Recommended amplifier power: 30-100 W
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 16.5 x 28 x 27.6 cm
• Weight: 10 kg