B & W CM-S2 series in test

The high-gloss black loudspeakers of the CM-S2 series from Bowers & Wilkens make the most visual appearance. On the other hand, the competitors, who are produced according to a uniform, highly efficient construction, have a somewhat unadorned and uniform appearance. The torn British are the most expensive in the test field and make no secret of it. Although they save themselves conspicuities like curved edges. But the combination of perfect workmanship, fine surfaces and drivers, which not only consist of high-quality materials, but are also lined with aluminum blinds, recommends the fine little Britons for stylish ambience. Three versions are available. In addition to our black high-gloss lacquer, the British boxes are also available in walnut-red and satin-white.


Bi-Amping for all


Even on the backs, the product planners did not pinch every penny. There are the four CM5 S2 that we use for the front and surround channels and the Center CM Center S2 solid bi-amping clamps with removable metal bridges for connection to the amplifier. The center has a larger housing than the CM5 S2, but the smaller Kevlar chassis. The two low-mid-woofers of the nearly half a meter wide 2-way bass reflex construction measure 13 centimeters. On the other hand, the shelf box is set to a 16.5 cm kevlar cone.


The yellow of the egg


Even with the tweeter, the developers have come up with something special. It is made of double-layer aluminum, which is good against resonances and promotes stiffness. An aluminum ring attached to the back of the main dome displaces the frequency at which the diaphragm breaks up from 30 kHz to almost 40 kHz. It thus follows the signal oscillations over the entire surface with an even piston-shaped stroke.


Sound british


So that no vibrations transmitted via the housing to this splendid piece of calotte, the tweeter got a elastic bearing on a gel cushion missed. On the back, the well-known Nautilus tube absorbs the back-radiated sound and thus reduces the distortions.


Conclusion


The subwoofer from B & W is a perfect companion for rainy days. Providing a few basic knowledge, the switches and controls on the back of the switch enable a perfect adaptation to different operating conditions. The ASW CM10 S2 has a three-stage EQ switch and a switchable subsonic filter. The compact subwoofer, equipped with an impressive 25 cm woofer with a paper-kevlar composite diaphragm and long-stroke oscillating coil, offers ideal conditions for adaptation to critical rooms. However, the developers put the subwoofer with a potent 500 watt Class-D power amp very narrow narrow. This means, in turn, a certain obstacle to the adaptation to the compact Bowers & Wilkins CM5 S2 and the also quite compact center.


In the listening test, the subwoofer was able to tower up in the circle of the CM series speakers. He was particularly well-versed in types such as the action-based rock star Sylvester Stallone, whose traces of devastation he followed with delight. He was really great at explosions when, after a few minutes, Expendables was already flying a whole fortress into the air. This had something monstrous and would have liked the director.


Since the remaining speakers of the 5.1 set did not want to be lumped and dedicate themselves to each small dialogue. The long dialogues of the rifles, too, proved to have grown. They could not get out of their way, even with gross impulses, and kept their proverbial British ease even at high levels.


This meant that the subtle, very natural nature of the small, fine CM-boxes was a little bit in contradiction to the subwoofer, which was often a bit too thick. There was a great harmony, however, in terms of space: the image was very evenly round and created an atmosphere that did not always give you the feeling of sitting in the middle of a crowd of loudspeakers. With music, the B & W set also made a good impression. If at the bottom was not too much energy in the game, as with Hollywood special effects, the bass could even be liked by the timing. And the high musicality of the B & W boxes is legendary.


The 5.1 set of the CM series is a thing for fine spirits. Differentiated, very authentic voices and subtle, never-obtrusive highs fit on every occasion. And you can get a little bit of bass with the many possibilities for customization.