About The Bowers & Wilkins CWM7.3 S2 LCR In-Wall Speaker
In-Wall speakers serve very different needs than traditional, freestanding speakers. The top ones like the CWM7.3 S2's will serve customers who want very good quality for either multi-room or surround sound speakers.
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.
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.
The high-performance CWM7.3 S2 speakers are designed for customers who want the classic custom install look with two CWM7.3 S2's installed either side of a big screen TV or movie screen. A third one needs to be installed horizontally underneath your screen for the full surround sound effect. Or, if you have an acoustically transparent screen, it could just as easily be installed behind the screen. Most consumers still opt for Bowers & Wilkins In-Ceiling speakers for the rear effects, but you can always install another two CWM7.3 S2's in the walls if convenient or other smaller Bowers & Wilkins In-Walls.
The CWM7.3 S2 features an integrated backbox that optimises its performance, cuts down on sound transference through walls and also makes it easy to retrofit. Its design incorporates twin 150mm (6") Aerofoil profile bass drivers, a 100mm (4") Continuum cone FST™ mid-range driver and a Carbon Dome 25mm (1") tweeter, all proven technologies shared with the acclaimed 700 Series range of loudspeakers. These outstanding transducers, when combined with high-quality, optimised, components on the crossover and a critically formed baffle constructed from glass reinforced ABS, produce a truly remarkable in-wall speaker.
The amplifier power output range is suggested at 25 - 200 Watts per channel which covers the majority of amplifiers and most consumer needs. We would recommend a maximum input of around 150 Watts per speaker which is very loud!
Installation couldn't be easier thanks to the QuickDogs™ fixing system - a nifty little Bowers & Wilkins invention - and plug-and-play connection.
Advanced Technology: Trickle down technology from the high-end home audio series has now found its way into the entire CM Series. The advanced Carbon Dome tweeters are exceptionally rigid, deliver extremely uniform and instantaneous power response ensuring nice, clear highs. The advanced Continuum Cone mid/bass drivers have larger than average, computer-optimised magnets and high-power motor structures that promote natural and detailed sonic reproduction with outstanding extended bass response. The crossover networks are very sophisticated by any standards.
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 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 custom install speakers are a cheap option/alternative to other types of speakers. However, good quality custom install speakers need some serious engineering to work well in your ceiling or wall. Some models have 'boxes' that you can specify which protect not just from the elements but 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 & In-Wall 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 On The Bowers & Wilkins CWM7.3 S2
By purchasing products like the Bowers & Wilkins CWM7.3 S2'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. And, with a reasonable 90dB sensitivity rating they are a little more tolerant of amplifier spec. Having said this, they absolutely will benefit from a 'beefy' or high-current amplifier capable of delivering substantial amounts of power to get them sounding their best. We cannot stress this point enough, otherwise you may have problems if you connect to a lower powered amp even though Bowers & Wilkins state differently! Maybe if you play music or movies similar to an elevator then you may be OK but definitely not if you like to even occasionally turn up the volume.
For those of us that have not only a need for In-Wall 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 environmental standards for end-of-life disposal.
You'll enjoy superior performance at a competitive price with any of the Bowers & Wilkins CM Series custom speaker range. The CWM7.3 S2's are suitable for many surround speaker applications in a home theatre set-up where something better than just "also ran" performance is a requirement. We recommend a subwoofer to complete the system. Of course we can arrange professional installation of these speakers with our in-house Custom Installation Team. Please call and speak with us for more details.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: 5-Driver, 3-Way In-Wall Speaker – Sold Individually
- Tweeter: 25mm (1") Carbon Dome Tweeter
- Midrange: 2 x 100mm (4") Continuum Cone FST Midrange Drivers
- Bass: 2 x 150mm (6") Aerofoil Profile Bass Drivers
- Recommended Amplifier Power: 25 Watts - 200 Watts RMS
- Frequency Range: 43Hz - 33kHz, -6dB
- Frequency Response: 45Hz - 28kHz, ±3dB
- Impedance: 8 Ohms (nominal) – 3.1 Ohms minimum
- Sensitivity: 90dB
- Harmonic Distortion 2nd and 3rd harmonics (90dB, 1m)
- <1% 80Hz - 33kHz
- <0.5% 120Hz - 33kHz
- Finish: White - can be painted
- Frame Height: 736mm
- Frame Width: 276mm
- Depth (Behind Surface): 102mm
- Cut-Out Height: 711mm
- Cut-Out Width: 251mm
- Cut-Out Height (with PMK): 715mm
- Cut-Out Width (with PMK): 256mm
- Reservoir Box Height: 460mm
- Reservoir Box Width: 220mm
- Protrusion: 7mm
- Weight: 12.4kg
- 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.