About The Bowers & Wilkins CCM663SR In-Ceiling Speaker
The Bowers & Wilkins CCM663SR's are a stereo input speaker design and although they can be used in any situation are designed to be used where you only need one speaker - ensuite/bathroom or powder room are typical examples
Hide the hardware and reveal the true quality of the music. From two-channel hi-fi to multi-room audio and home theatre Bowers & Wilkins Custom Installation speakers are capable of delivering sound that is, quite simply, out of sight. Each model in the Series is designed to be installed neatly into wall or ceiling, fitting virtually flush to the surface. The only visible evidence of each speaker is its slimline grille and frame, which can be painted to blend perfectly with your interior style, or even covered with co-ordinating fabric.
So forget cabinets, forget cables and focus all your attention on the pure aesthetics of your living or work space. While Bowers & Wilkins Custom Installation speakers are made to disappear from view, they produce a sound that's anything but shy and retiring. Harnessing the same Bowers & Wilkins technologies found in recording studios around the world, the speakers will fill a room with stunningly lifelike, three-dimensional sound. The result is a series that's near invisible to the eye. But infinitely pleasing to the ear.
A Closer Look
The high-performance CCM633SR in-ceiling stereo speaker is designed to be located in locations where you don't necessarily require separate stereo speakers - Kitchens, Bedrooms, Studies etc. So it is a single speaker with a stereo input which makes connection to a stereo amp or stereo or home theatre receiver easy. It features dual dome tweeters that are angled in for improved treble response. This is a great feature when the speakers cannot go in the exact location you would like due to some structural issue. Other highlights include a 150mm (6") bass/midrange driver with a rigid chassis. The maximum amplifier power output is suggested by Bowers & Wilkins at 80 Watts per channel but we would suggest you need 100 Watts due to the low SPL specification even though they can really only handle a maximum input of 65 - 70 Watts. This has proven to be OK because the locations as mentioned above don't usually require high output! Remember it is distortion that destroys speakers. Installation couldn't be easier with thanks to the QuickDogs™ fixing system - a nifty little Bowers & Wilkins invention - and plug-and-play connection. The CM663SR's are compatible with 8 Ohms and for their price have an amazing frequency response of between 48Hz and 30kHz.
Advanced Technology: Trickle down technology from the high-end home audio series has now found it's way into the entire Series. The advanced dome tweeter ensures nice, clear highs. The advanced high-power blue Kevlar brand bass/mid cone has computer-optimised magnets and high-power motor structures that promote natural and detailed sonic reproduction with extended bass response. The crossover networks are very sophisticated by any standards.
Tip: Try to avoid corner locations for any of the speakers and to ensure that the acoustic environment around each speaker is similar.
Research - Building Projects: If you are reading this material as part of research of a new building product, then you may be surprised to know that on average in the USA, 65% of all new homes built have multi-room sound in some description specified as a standard feature. Although we don't have the exact figures for Australia, we're fairly confident that it will be the same or even more. Australian's love new technology.
But sadly, the big home builders have looked at this as a simply a profit opportunity and unless you organise otherwise will install what are known as "contractor series" speakers. If you guessed that these were bottom of the pile quality, you'd be right! A wrong decision here means you are stuck with bad sound and until the day you move or have them replaced.
Tip: Due to a simple lack of knowledge, many consumers think that In-Ceiling Speakers are a cheap option/alternative to other types of speakers. However, good quality In-Ceiling Speakers need some serious engineering to work well in your ceiling where dust and extremes of temperature take their toll. Some models have 'boxes' that you can buy as an optional extra which protect not just from the elements but are also meet one-hour fire-proof specifications.
Buyer Beware: There are dozens if not hundreds of In-Wall and In-Ceiling brands on the market. In fact, if you order enough, the Asian manufacturers will put any name you like on them! Don't laugh, because it is actually happening and boy are they cheap...but also nasty - real nasty!
The good news is that you can now buy In-Ceiling Speakers that actually deliver very good sound and UK brand Bowers & Wilkins is living proof - everything they put their name to is designed in house including their In-Wall and In-Ceiling products which although mostly unseen could be referred to as "buried treasures."
Our Take
By purchasing products like the Bowers & Wilkins CM663SR's you will be better off and eliminate all the headaches and disappointments with lower quality products. Additionally, they have an extremely rigid, high-strength chassis with a unique and easy-to-install mounting bracket system. However, with only 83dB SPL they do need a 'beefy' or high-current amplifier capable of delivering at least 100 Watts RMS output per channel but at the same time don't have high power capability so caution is required when "playing" with the volume control. However as mentioned above, stereo input speakers like the 663SR's are usually located in utility rather than dedicated listening rooms.
For those of us that have not only a need for In-Ceiling speakers, but a desire for something that has been designed to sound as good as possible, Bowers & Wilkins is a company you can trust. Looking at the improvements they've made in the different lines over the years, shows clearly that they are thinking about the specific use of the speaker in the home environment and even in the future. The products are also compliant with the latest international enviromental standards for end-of-life disposal.
You'll enjoy superior In-Ceiling performance at a modest price with either of the Bowers & Wilkins stereo input custom speaker range and are suitable for multi-room Stereo music systems where you want something better than just "also ran" performance. Easy 1-2-3 DIY installation or we can arrange via our Installation department - Speak with me, Simon Lee on (03) 9874-82333 during our business hours, or email me at simon.lee@audiotrends.com.au
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: 2-Way Stereo Input Speaker (Sold Individually)
- Drivers: Three
- Tweeter: 2 x 25mm (1") dome tweeters
- Bass/Midrange: 1x 150mm (6") blue Kevlar® cone bass/midrange
- Recommended Amplifier Power: 40 Watts - 130 Watts RMS
- Recommended Maximum Input: 100 Watts RMS of 'clean' power
- Frequency Response: 48Hz - 30kHz
- Crossover Frequency: Not stated
- Crossover Components: Non-Ageing Components
- Impedance: 8 Ohms (nominal) - 4.5 Ohms minimum
- Sensitivity: 83dB
- Finish: White - can be painted
- Dimensions(WxD): 240 x 133mm
- Weight: Approx. 3kg each
- Designed In England
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 5 Years (Covers faulty workmanship and materials, but not abuse)
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.