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Bowers Wilkins M 1 Review
Bowers Wilkins M 1 - Image 1

Main Features

  • 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
  • 4" Woofer
  • 64-23k Hz Frequency Response
  • 85 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Weight:5.00 lbs / kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 9-3/4"x4-1/2"x6-1/2" /
MSRP: $325 (list price)
Check price atAmazon›

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Bowers Wilkins M 1 Review
Bowers Wilkins M 1 Bowers Wilkins M 1
Check price atAmazon›

Bowers Wilkins M 1 is a 2-way Passive Bookshelf speaker by Bowers Wilkins. It was released in 2013. It features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 64-23k Hz and a sensitivity of 85 dB.


**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response of the Bowers Wilkins M 1 Speaker

Bowers Wilkins M 1 has a Frequency response range of 64-23k Hz at ±3dB. With a minimum frequency of 64 Hz, it is hard to expect a strong bass response from M 1 so depending on your use case, using a subwoofer will significantly help to widen the response range.

Here we have a comparison of how M 1's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Bowers Wilkins M 1
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Bowers Wilkins M 1?
  • Work out the crossover setting — it follows from this speaker's 64 Hz low end
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Impedance and Sensitivity

Bowers Wilkins M 1's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 85 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Bowers Wilkins M 1
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Bowers Wilkins M 1 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 85 dB, Bowers Wilkins M 1 is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps. Work out how loud the Bowers Wilkins M 1 plays in your room →

What amplifier does the Bowers Wilkins M 1 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 24–375 W per channel into 8 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery — not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $500, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

M 1 features Spring or Screw type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Bowers Wilkins M 1 External Dimensions and Weight

Bowers Wilkins M 1 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) .

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →  ·  Work out where they should sit in the room →

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Bowers Wilkins M 1
Min
Average
Median

Available colors

Bowers Wilkins M 1 is available in Black.

Wall Mounting

M 1 doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Bowers Wilkins M 1.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
  • Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.

Warranty

5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bowers Wilkins M 1

What amplifier do you need for the Bowers Wilkins M 1?

The Bowers Wilkins M 1 is an 8-ohm speaker, the usual nominal load, so almost any amplifier or receiver can drive it.

Is the Bowers Wilkins M 1 easy to drive?

The Bowers Wilkins M 1 has a sensitivity of 85 dB. That is on the low side, so it needs more amplifier power than average to reach the same volume.

Does the Bowers Wilkins M 1 need a subwoofer?

The Bowers Wilkins M 1 reaches down to 64Hz (full range 64-23k Hz). That leaves the lowest octaves out, so a subwoofer will make a clear difference for films and bass-heavy music.

What drivers does the Bowers Wilkins M 1 use?

The Bowers Wilkins M 1 is a 2-way design using a 1" Hard-Dome tweeter and a 4" woofer.

Is the Bowers Wilkins M 1 sealed or ported?

The Bowers Wilkins M 1 uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

How much does the Bowers Wilkins M 1 cost?

The Bowers Wilkins M 1 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $325.


Bowers Wilkins M 1 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandBowers Wilkins
Full Model NameBowers Wilkins M 1
Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
Sensitivity85 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response64-23k Hz
Release Date2013
DRIVERS
Woofer Size4-inch
Woofer Composition
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeHard-Dome

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeSpring or Screw
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height247.7mm ( 9-3/4-inch)
Width114.3mm ( 4-1/2-inch)
Depth165.1mm ( 6-1/2-inch)
Height247.7mm ( 9-3/4-inch)
Weight2.27 kg (5 lbs)
Enclosure
FinishAluminum
Available ColorsBlack
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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