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  1. Home
  2. Passive In-wall Speakers
  3. Paradigm CI Pro P3 v2 vs B&W CWM7.5 S2

Paradigm CI Pro P3 v2 vs B&W CWM7.5 S2 Comparison

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Paradigm CI Pro P3 v2

Passive In-wall | 86-22k Hz

Paradigm CI Pro P3 v2
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B&W CWM7.5 S2

Passive In-wall | 45-28kHz

Bowers & Wilkins Reference Series CWM7.5 S2
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Paradigm CI Pro P3 v2 Paradigm CI Pro P3 v...
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B&W CWM7.5 S2 B&W CWM7.5 S2
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Paradigm CI Pro P3 v...
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B&W CWM7.5 S2
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Paradigm CI Pro P3 v2 vs B&W CWM7.5 S2 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing CI Pro P3 v2 and CWM7.5 S2, two Passive In-wall speakers from Paradigm and Bowers Wilkins.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Paradigm CI Pro P3 v2 and B&W CWM7.5 S2 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Key SpecsParadigm CI Pro P3 v2B&W CWM7.5 S2
BrandParadigm
Canada · founded 1982
Bowers Wilkins
United Kingdom · founded 1966
Design2-way2-way
Tweeter1"1" Soft-Dome
Woofer2 x 5-1/2"5" Continuum
Frequency response86-22k Hz45-28kHz
Sensitivity93 dB86 dB
Impedance8 ohms8 ohms
Power range—25-150 watts
Weight8.62kg / 19lbs3.81kg / 8.4lbs
Dimensions (H x W x D)32" x 7-5/8" x 4-1/8"
812.8 x 193.7 x 104.8mm
13.0000" x 7.4375" x 4.0625"
331.0 x 189.0 x 104.0mm

The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.


Drivers

Both CI Pro P3 v2 and CWM7.5 S2 are 2-way speakers.

Tweeter - 1 inch
Paradigm CI Pro P3 v2
Tweeter - 1 inchWoofer - 5 inch
B&W CWM7.5 S2

TweeterWoofer

Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.

Driver Paradigm CI Pro P3 v2 B&W CWM7.5 S2
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 2 x 5-1/2-inch 1 x 5-inch

CI Pro P3 v2 features a 1" Tweeter and 2 x 5-1/2" Woofer. On the other hand, the CWM7.5 S2 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Continuum Woofer.

Frequency Response

CI Pro P3 v2 has a frequency range of 86-22k Hz whereas CWM7.5 S2 has a frequency range of 45-28kHz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the CWM7.5 S2 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the CI Pro P3 v2's min frequency of 86Hz.

The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the In-wall class in our database.

Low Frequency

In-wall Speakers

CI Pro P3 v2
CWM7.5 S2
Min
Average
Median

Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.

Impedance and Sensitivity

CI Pro P3 v2 and CWM7.5 S2 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. CI Pro P3 v2 sensitivity is rated at 93 dB and the CWM7.5 S2's is at 86 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Paradigm CI Pro P3 v2 a more sensitive speaker compared to B&W CWM7.5 S2, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

In-wall Speakers

CI Pro P3 v2
CWM7.5 S2
Min
Average
Median

Which plays louder on your amplifier?

Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are considering, and watch both numbers move.

Paradigm CI Pro P3 v2
 
B&W CWM7.5 S2
 

Physical Specs

The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Paradigm CI Pro P3 v2's and B&W CWM7.5 S2's external dimensions. Paradigm CI Pro P3 v2 has external dimensions of 812.8 x 193.7 x 104.8mm () whereas B&W CWM7.5 S2 has external dimensions of 331.0 x 189.0 x 104.0mm (13.0000-inch x 7.4375-inch x 4.0625-inch).

Paradigm CI Pro P3 v2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 4.7mm wider, 481.8mm taller and 0.8mm deeper than B&W CWM7.5 S2.

Size, drawn to scale

FRONTParadigm CI Pro P3 v2 front: 194 x 813 mm (7.6 x 32 in)B&W CWM7.5 S2 front: 189 x 331 mm (7.4 x 13 in)Paradigm CI Pro P3 v2194 × 813 mmB&W CWM7.5 S2189 × 331 mmTOP / FOOTPRINTParadigm CI Pro P3 v2 footprint: 194 x 105 mm (7.6 x 4.1 in)B&W CWM7.5 S2 footprint: 189 x 104 mm (7.4 x 4.1 in)Paradigm CI Pro P3 v2194 × 105 mmB&W CWM7.5 S2189 × 104 mm
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.

One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.

Near-identical footprints. Paradigm CI Pro P3 v2 is 482mm taller.

Weight Comparison

The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Paradigm CI Pro P3 v2 weighs 8.62kg / 19lbs and the B&W CWM7.5 S2 weighs 3.81kg / 8.4lbs. This makes the CI Pro P3 v2 126% heavier than the CWM7.5 S2.

Here is a comparison of how CI Pro P3 v2 and CWM7.5 S2's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive In-wall class.

Weight
All In-wall Speakers
Paradigm CI Pro P3 v2
B&W CWM7.5 S2
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of B&W CWM7.5 S2?

Here are the items that come with the CWM7.5 S2:
  • In-wall loudspeaker
  • Mounting frame
  • Grille
  • Baffle box
  • 2 Mounting plates (1 pre-installed)
  • Paint shield
  • Two-piece foam port plug
  • 3 Screws
  • 3 Lock-washers
  • 2 Wing-nuts
  • 2 Fasteners
  • Cutout Template
  • Installation Instructions
  • Warranty Information


Reasons to choose Paradigm CI Pro P3 v2 over Bowers & Wilkins Reference Series CWM7.5 S2

Sensitivity 93 dB vs 86 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
Woofer Size 5-1/2 inches vs 5 inches Larger woofer
Number of Woofers 2 vs 1 More woofers

Reasons to choose Bowers & Wilkins Reference Series CWM7.5 S2 over Paradigm CI Pro P3 v2

Low Frequency Response 45 Hz vs 86 Hz Generates deeper bass
High Frequency Response 28k Hz vs 22k Hz Generates higher frequency
Height 331mm vs 812mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
Base Surface Area 196cm2 vs 203cm2 Takes less floor space

Paradigm CI Pro P3 v2 vs B&W CWM7.5 S2 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General Paradigm CI Pro P3 v2 Bowers & Wilkins Reference Series CWM7.5 S2
Brand Paradigm Bowers Wilkins
Speaker Type Passive In-wall Speaker Passive In-wall Speaker
Sensitivity 93 dB 86 dB
Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
Frequency Response 86-22k Hz 45-28kHz
Drivers
Woofer Quantity 2 1
Woofer Size 5-1/2" 5"
Woofer Composition Continuum
Woofer Surround Material n/a Rubber
Tweeter Size 1" 1"
Tweeter Type n/a Soft-Dome
Aimable Tweeter No No
Midrange Driver No No
Physical Specs
Height 812.8mm (32") 331.0mm (13")
Width 193.7mm (7.6") 189.0mm (7.4")
Depth 104.8mm (4.1") 104.0mm (4.1")
Weight 8.62kg (19lbs) 3.81kg (8.4lbs)
Enclosure In-wall
Moisture Resistancy No No
Connections
Biamp Inputs n/a No
Other
Parts Warranty 5 Years 5 Years
Labor Warranty 5 Years 5 Years

Verdict

A generation apart: Paradigm CI Pro P3 v2 is the newer design, against a 2018 model. Newer is not automatically better, but the older one is more likely to be discounted or near run-out.

AreaBetterWhy
BassBB&W CWM7.5 S2 digs deeper - 45Hz against 86Hz.
Amplifier needsAParadigm CI Pro P3 v2 is more sensitive (93dB vs 86dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier.
SizedependsB&W CWM7.5 S2 is easier to place; Paradigm CI Pro P3 v2 is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides.

A Paradigm CI Pro P3 v2  B B&W CWM7.5 S2
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.

Which should you choose?

Neither runs away with it - they trade advantages. Let the "depends" rows and your own room settle it. If a subwoofer is in your plans, the bass gap largely stops mattering - you would be crossing over above 86Hz anyway, so judge these on the other rows instead. In a large or open-plan room, Paradigm CI Pro P3 v2 has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, B&W CWM7.5 S2 is the easier speaker to get right.

And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.


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