SpeakerDecision
  • SPEAKERS
    • By Type
      Passive Bookshelf Speakers Passive Floor-standing Speakers Passive Center Channel Speakers Passive In-wall Speakers All Passive Speakers Powered Subwoofers Powered Stereo Speakers
      By Feature
      HDMI Input Room Correction Subwoofer Output Front Firing Port Handheld Remote Roon Ready
      By Brand
      Acoustic Energy Aperion ATC Audio-Technica Audioengine Bluesound Bowers Wilkins Buchardt Cambridge Audio Canton DALI Definitive Technology Dynaudio ELAC Emotiva Fluance Focal Fyne Audio Genelec GoldenEar Harbeth Jamo JBL Kanto KEF KLH Klipsch Leak Mackie Magnepan MartinLogan McIntosh Mission MoFi Monitor Audio Nuvo Onkyo OSD Paradigm Perlisten Polk Audio PS Audio PSB Q Acoustics REL Revel Russound Sennheiser Sonos Sonus faber Sony Spendor SVS Tannoy Technics Triangle Velodyne Victrola Wharfedale Wilson Audio Yamaha
  • AMPLIFIERS
    • By Type
      All Amplifiers Integrated Amplifiers Stereo Receivers Streaming Amplifiers Power Amplifiers Compact Amplifiers
      By Power
      Up to 60 watts 61 to 90 watts 91 to 120 watts 121 to 180 watts Over 180 watts
      By Feature
      HDMI Input Room Correction Subwoofer Output Handheld Remote Roon Ready
      Home Theater
      All Home Theater Receivers Anthem ARCAM Denon Integra JBL Marantz McIntosh NAD Onkyo Sony Yamaha
      Headphone Amps
      All Headphone Amplifiers Cambridge Audio iFi Audio McIntosh Naim Pro-Ject Rotel Schiit Audio Sennheiser Yamaha
      Multi-Zone
      All Multi-Zone Amplifiers JBL McIntosh OSD Rotel Russound Sonos
      By Brand
      Accuphase Advance Paris Anthem Arcam Audio Research AudioControl Audioengine Audiolab Bluesound Bose Buchardt Cambridge Audio Denon Devialet ELAC Emotiva Eversolo FiiO Fosi Audio Hegel HiFi Rose Integra JBL LEAK Luxman Marantz Mark Levinson McIntosh Michi MISSION MOON Musical Fidelity NAD Naim Onkyo OSD Parasound Pass Labs Peachtree PrimaLuna Primare PS Audio Rega Rogue Audio Roksan Rotel Schiit Audio Sonos Sony SVS T+A TEAC Technics Vincent WiiM Yamaha
  • SMART FIND
  • TOOLS
  • BLOG
  1. Home
  2. Bowers Wilkins Speakers
  3. Passive In-wall Speakers
  4. Bowers & Wilkins Performance Series CWM652
Bowers Wilkins CWM652 Review
B&W CWM652 - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
  • 5" Kevlar Woofer
  • 54-50kHz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 25-100 watts
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 9.0000"x6.0000"x3.7500" / 229.0 x 153.0 x 96.0mm
MSRP: $700 (list price)
Check price atAmazon›
x
Add a Speaker for comparison
B&W CWM652 Review
B&W CWM652 B&W CWM652
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Bowers Wilkins · United Kingdom · since 1966 · sold through dealers

Bowers & Wilkins Performance Series CWM652 is a 2-way Passive In-wall In-wall speaker by Bowers Wilkins. It was released in 2015. It features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Kevlar Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 54-50kHz and a sensitivity of 86 dB. B&W CWM652 has an MSRP of 700$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the B&W CWM652 is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldAverage
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomBad

(* 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.)

Bowers Wilkins's Performance Series of Loudspeakers

CWM652 is a member of Bowers Wilkins's Performance series of Passive speakers. The Performance (CWM) Series are B&W's high-performance in-wall custom-install speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Bowers Wilkins Performance Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
B&W CWM663
Compare
45-50k Hz 88 dB8Ω 1 x 6"
B&W CWM664
Compare
45-35k Hz 87.5 dB8Ω 1 x 6"
B&W CWM652
54-50k Hz 86 dB8Ω 1 x 5"

Frequency Response of the B&W CWM652 Speaker

B&W CWM652 has a Frequency response range of 54-50kHz and Power Range of 25-100 watts. With a minimum frequency of 54 Hz, CWM652 delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.

Here we have a comparison of how CWM652's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
In-wall Speakers
B&W CWM652
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the B&W CWM652?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 54 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $750 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Impedance and Sensitivity

B&W CWM652's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 86 dB.

Sensitivity
In-wall Speakers
B&W CWM652
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Bowers & Wilkins Performance Series CWM652 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 86 dB, Bowers & Wilkins Performance Series CWM652 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 B&W CWM652 plays in your room →

What amplifier does the B&W CWM652 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 19–100 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 $750, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

CWM652 features Spring post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

B&W CWM652 External Dimensions and Weight

B&W CWM652 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 9.0000-inch x 6.0000-inch x 3.7500-inch (229.0 x 153.0 x 96.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of B&W CWM652 is approximately 146.9cm2 / 22.8inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of B&W CWM652, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

B&W CWM652 Real Life Body Size Comparison
B&W CWM652 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Cabinet type and Materials

B&W CWM652 has a In-wall type cabinet.

What's in the Box of B&W CWM652?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of CWM652:
  • 2 In-wall loudspeakers
  • 2 Mounting frames
  • 2 Grilles
  • 2 Paint mask
  • 2 Cut-out templates
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Template
  • Warranty Information

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Bowers & Wilkins Performance Series CWM652.

  • 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.

Warranty

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

Bowers & Wilkins Performance Series CWM652 Alternatives in Passive In-wall Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
B&W CWM664
Compare
2-way 87.5 dB 8 ohms 45-35kHz
B&W CWM663
Compare
2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 45-50kHz
JBL Stage 280W
Compare
2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 42-25kHz
Klipsch R-5800-W II
Compare
2-way 94 dB 8 ohms 40-23kHz
Klipsch R-5502-W II
Compare
2-way 92 dB 8 ohms 46-20kHz
JBL Studio 2 55IW
Compare
2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 40-20kHz
Monitor Audio CP-WT380IDC
Compare
3-way 89 dB 6 ohms 50-30kHz
Polk Audio 65 RT
Compare
2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 50-25kHz
Frequently Asked Questions about Bowers & Wilkins Performance Series CWM652

What amplifier do you need for the B&W CWM652?

Bowers Wilkins rates the B&W CWM652 for 25-100 watts of amplifier power. It is an 8-ohm speaker, the usual nominal load, so almost any amplifier or receiver can drive it.

Is the B&W CWM652 easy to drive?

The B&W CWM652 has a sensitivity of 86 dB. That is on the low side, so it needs more amplifier power than average to reach the same volume.

Does the B&W CWM652 need a subwoofer?

The B&W CWM652 reaches down to 54Hz (full range 54-50kHz). That covers most music, though a subwoofer still adds the bottom octave for home theatre.

What drivers does the B&W CWM652 use?

The B&W CWM652 is a 2-way design using a 1" Soft-Dome tweeter and a 5" Kevlar woofer.

Is the B&W CWM652 sealed or ported?

The B&W CWM652 uses a In-wall enclosure.

Can the B&W CWM652 be bi-wired or bi-amped?

No. The B&W CWM652 has a single pair of terminals, so bi-wiring and bi-amping are not possible. It uses Spring post terminals.

How is the B&W CWM652 installed?

The B&W CWM652 is an in-wall model: it mounts flush into the wall cavity rather than standing in the room, so it needs a cut-out and takes up no floor space.

How much does the B&W CWM652 cost?

The B&W CWM652 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $700 per pair.


B&W CWM652 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandBowers Wilkins
Full Model NameBowers & Wilkins Performance Series CWM652
Speaker Type2-way In-wall
Power Range25-100 watts
Sensitivity86 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response54-50kHz
Release Date2015
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5-inch
Woofer CompositionKevlar
Woofer SurroundRubber
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeSoft-Dome
Aimable TweeterNo

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeSpring post
Biamp InputsNo
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height229.0mm ( 9.0000-inch)
Width153.0mm ( 6.0000-inch)
Depth96.0mm ( 3.7500-inch)
Height229.0mm ( 9.0000-inch)
Weight—
EnclosureIn-wall
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
Was this review useful?
Tell us what is missing or wrong and we will fix it.
Thanks. Anything you would add?
Optional, and it goes straight to the person who maintains this page.
Thanks - noted.
LATEST BLOG POSTS

Five of the 294 Amplifiers We List Still Have a CD Player. None of the 113 Released Since 2023 Do.
KEF's New 250 Watt Amplifier Is a 135 Watt Amplifier When All Eight Channels Are Running
Sonos Built an Eight-Channel Amp and Then Did the Rare Thing: Rated It With All Eight Running
Klipsch Reference Premiere III: Nine Models, Cheaper Than Gen II, and Two Centre Prices That Look Swapped
Klipsch's Compact Subwoofers Are Half the Floor Area and Up to 500 Dollars Cheaper
SVS Has a Third Wireless Adapter Now, and the Cheapest One Is Still the Quickest


Latest Passive In-wall Speakers
ELAC Vertex Series III IW VJ63 W
ELAC Vertex Series III IW VJ63 W
2-way In-wall | 88 dB | 4 ohms
ELAC Vertex Series III IW VJ63 S
ELAC Vertex Series III IW VJ63 S
2-way In-wall | 88 dB | 4 ohms
ELAC Vertex Series III IW VJ63 M
ELAC Vertex Series III IW VJ63 M
2-way In-wall | 88 dB | 4 ohms
ELAC Vertex Series III IW VJ63 L
ELAC Vertex Series III IW VJ63 L
2-way In-wall | 88 dB | 4 ohms
ELAC Vertex Series II IW V62 W
ELAC Vertex Series II IW V62 W
2-way In-wall | 87 dB | 6 ohms
ELAC Vertex Series I IW V61 W
ELAC Vertex Series I IW V61 W
2-way In-wall | 90 dB | 6 ohms
Monitor Audio WSS230
Monitor Audio WSS230
2-way In-wall | 87 dB | 8 ohms
Monitor Audio WSS130
Monitor Audio WSS130
2-way In-wall | 87 dB | 8 ohms
Emotiva Airmotiv Vaulta AVL-6.5 In-Ceiling / In-Wall Speaker
Emotiva Airmotiv Vaulta AVL-6.5 In-Ceiling / In-Wall Speaker
2-way In-wall | 85 dB | 8 ohms
Aperion TC65 2-Way 6.5
Aperion TC65 2-Way 6.5" Ceiling / Height / Surround Speakers |
2-way In-wall | 88 dB | 4 ohms


This site contains affiliate links. We may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through one of them. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Copyright © 2026 by SpeakerDecision
About Privacy Contact US Camera Decision