About The B&W CWM7.4 LCR
In-Wall speakers serve very different needs than traditional, freestanding speakers. The better ones like the CWM7.4 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 B&W 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 B&W 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 CWM7.4 S2 speakers are designed for customers who want the classic custom install look with two CWM7.4 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. Most consumers still opt for B&W In-Ceiling speakers for the rear effects, but you can always install another two CWM7.4 S2's in the walls if convenient or other smaller B&W In-Walls.
The CWM7.4 S2 features B&W's superb Carbon Dome 25mm (1") tweeter. Other highlights include two 100mm (4") Continuum Cone mid/bass drivers and two 100mm (4") Aramid Fibre/Paper cone drivers dedicated to genuine bass. The amplifier power output range is suggested at 25 - 150 Watts per channel which covers the majority of amplifiers and most consumer needs. We would recommend a maximum input of around 120 Watts per speaker which is very loud! Installation couldn't be easier thanks to the QuickDogs™ fixing system - a nifty little B&W 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 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 B&W 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 B&W CWM7.4 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. However, with a lowish 86dB sensitivity rating they absolutely need 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 B&W 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 CWM7.4 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 Simon Lee for more details.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: 5 Driver, 2.5-Way in-wall design - Sold Individually
- Tweeter: 1x 25mm (1") Carbon dome tweeter
- Bass/Midrange: 2x 100mm (4") Continuum cone mid/bass
- Bass: 2 x 100mm (4") Aramid Fibre/Paper profile bass
- Recommended Amplifier Power: 25 Watts - 150 Watts RMS
- Frequency Range: 43Hz - 33kHz, -6dB
- Frequency Response: 45Hz - 28kHz, ±3dB
- Impedance: 8 Ohms (nominal) - 4.9 Ohms minimum
- Sensitivity: 86dB
- Harmonic Distortion:
- 2nd and 3rd harmonics (90dB, 1m)
- <1% 80Hz - 33kHz
- <0.5% 120Hz - 33kHz
- Finish: White - can be painted
- Dimensions:
- Frame height 625mm
- Frame width 175mm
- Depth (behind surface) 92.5mm
- Cut-out height 597mm
- Cut-out width 147mm
- Protrusion 8mm
- Weight: 6.2kg 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.