News

B&W Bows CWM 8180 and CWM DS8 High-End In-Wall Duo of 'Architectural' Loudspeakers (26/9/2005)

Bowers & Wilkins, the British company acknowledged worldwide as a leading maker of high-performance loudspeakers, has introduced a pair of striking new "architectural" loudspeakers engineered for in-wall mounting. The CWM 8180, intended for main-channels use, and the CWM DS8, especially designed for surround-channels deployment, together offer standard-setting performance from installed loudspeakers for the most demanding audio and home-theater custom installations.

The CWM 8180 is a 3-way system that combines driver and structural technologies derived from B&W's acclaimed Signature Series in-walls and from the company's world-famous Nautilus Series loudspeakers. These include the former's incredibly strong and rigid polymer baffle (frame) material and ultra-sophisticated 5-inch woven-Kevlar(tm) midrange transducer, along with the latter's unique, tapered-tube-loaded aluminum tweeter, an engineering marvel that extends accurate response and virtually eliminates clarity-compromising back-wave radiation. A powerful 8-inch woofer employing B&W's proprietary, ultra-stiff/low-mass Rohacell(tm) cone completes the CWM 8180's driver complement but still permits the ultra-high-performance new design to fit a compact, a 19.1 x 10-inch cutout, while delivering useful response to an impressive 35 Hz.

Equally sophisticated, the CWM DS8 is a unique surround-channels design that is capable of operating both as a quasi-dipole sound source (the mode preferred by most experts for filmsound surround-channels reproduction) and as a conventional monopole for idealized multichannel music playback. What's more, CWM DS8 can shift modes automatically in response to a 12-volt trigger signal from the preamp/processor, permitting system-designers to program auto-selection of the appropriate mode for the active surround mode or current source component without user intervention. (Manual mode selection is also available via a crossover-panel switch.) The CWM DS8 also employs the Nautilus-derived tube-loaded tweeter, a pair of which are complemented by dual 3-inch Kevlar midrange units, in 45-degree opposition, used in its dipole mode; a third Nautilus tweeter operates alone, in a 2-way configuration, in this unique design's monopole mode. A highly capable, purpose-designed 7-inch Kevlar bass/midrange used in both modes extends useable response fully to 40 Hz, ensuring seamless surround-subwoofer integration.

Both new models are finished in a robust matte-white suitable for on-site painting or other custom finishes. For enhanced performance and installation security, a custom "back-box" is also available. The B&W CWM 8180 and CWM DS8 will be available September 2005, at manufacturer's suggested prices of $2700/pair (CWM 8180) and $2500/pair (CWM DS8).

www.bwspeakers.com