In this review, we will be comparing CWM362 and 255C-RT, two Passive In-wall speakers from Bowers Wilkins and Polk Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of B&W CWM362 and Polk Audio 255C-RT first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
B&W CWM362 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 6" Polypropylene Woofer
- 50-30kHz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:10-80watts
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 280.0" x 7.2500" x 3.0000"( 280.0 x 185.0 x 77.0mm )
Polk Audio 255C-RT Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" Polymer Composite Woofer
- 50-25kHz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:10-150watts
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 193.0" x 13.0625" x 0.0000"
What size room are the B&W CWM362 and Polk Audio 255C-RT speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
| Listening Environment* |
B&W CWM362 |
Polk Audio 255C-RT |
| Near-field |
Average |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Good |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the B&W CWM362 and Polk Audio 255C-RT compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both CWM362 and 255C-RT are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
B&W CWM362 |
Polk Audio 255C-RT |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
CWM362 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6" Polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the 255C-RT features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Polymer Composite Woofer .
Frequency Response
CWM362 has a frequency range of 50-30kHz whereas 255C-RT has a frequency range of 50-25kHz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the In-wall class in our database.
Low Frequency
In-wall Speakers
High Frequency
In-wall Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
CWM362 and 255C-RT have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. CWM362 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the 255C-RT's is at 90 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Polk Audio 255C-RT a more sensitive speaker compared to B&W CWM362, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
In-wall Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
CWM362 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas CWM362 has a max power handling value of 80 watts RMS , 70 watts less than the 255C-RT.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
CWM362 features Spring post type posts and 255C-RT has a Spring post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare B&W CWM362's and Polk Audio 255C-RT's external dimensions. B&W CWM362 has external dimensions of 280.0 x 185.0 x 77.0mm ( 11.0000-inch x 7.2500-inch x 3.0000-inch) whereas Polk Audio 255C-RT has external dimensions of ( 7.5625-inch x 13.0625-inch x 0.0000-inch) .
Polk Audio 255C-RT is 87mm shorter and 77mm less deeper than B&W CWM362 but it is also 147mm wider.
What's in the Box of B&W CWM362?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of CWM362:
2 In-wall loudspeakers2 Grilles2 Paint masksQuick Start GuideWall Mount Cut-Out TemplateWarranty Information
What's in the Box of Polk Audio 255C-RT?
Here are the items that come with the 255C-RT:
In-wall center-channel loudspeakerWhite metal grilleMounting templateOwners ManualSheer-Grille Painting instructionsOnline Registration CardPolk Audio product brochure
Woofer Size 
High Frequency Response 
Max Input Power 
Sensitivity 
Height 
Base Surface Area 
Price per pair*