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 Cayin Denon Devialet ELAC Emotiva Eversolo FiiO Fosi Audio Hegel HiFi Rose Integra JBL Layer Audio Design 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 Reference Series CWM7.3 S2
Bowers Wilkins CWM7.3 S2 Review
B&W CWM7.3 S2 - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
  • 4" Midrange
  • 2 x 6" Aerofoil Woofer
  • 48-28kHz Frequency Response
  • 90 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 25-200 watts
  • Weight: 27.40 lbs / 12.43 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 28.0000"x9.9375"x4.0625" / 712.0 x 253.0 x 104.0mm
MSRP: $2,100 (list price)
Check price atAmazon›
x
Add a Speaker for comparison
B&W CWM7.3 S2 Review
B&W CWM7.3 S2 B&W CWM7.3 S2
Check price atAmazon›

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

Bowers & Wilkins Reference Series CWM7.3 S2 is a 3-way Passive In-wall In-wall speaker by Bowers Wilkins. It was released in 2018. It features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter, 1 x 4" Midrange and 2 x 6" Aerofoil Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 48-28kHz and a sensitivity of 90 dB. B&W CWM7.3 S2 has an MSRP of 4200$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the B&W CWM7.3 S2 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-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
Very Large RoomPoor

(* 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 Reference Series of Loudspeakers

CWM7.3 S2 is a member of Bowers Wilkins's Reference series of Passive speakers. The Reference (CWM) Series are Bowers & Wilkins' flagship in-wall speakers, voiced to match their freestanding Reference models. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Bowers Wilkins Reference Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
B&W CWM7.3 S2
48-28k Hz 90 dB8Ω 2 x 6"
B&W CWM7.4 S2
Compare
45-28k Hz 86 dB8Ω 2 x 4"
B&W CWM7.5 S2
Compare
45-28k Hz 86 dB8Ω 1 x 5"

Frequency Response of the B&W CWM7.3 S2 Speaker

B&W CWM7.3 S2 has a Frequency response range of 48-28kHz and Power Range of 25-200 watts. With a minimum frequency of 48 Hz, CWM7.3 S2 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 CWM7.3 S2's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
In-wall Speakers
B&W CWM7.3 S2
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the B&W CWM7.3 S2?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 48 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $5,000 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Impedance and Sensitivity

B&W CWM7.3 S2's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 90 dB.

Sensitivity
In-wall Speakers
B&W CWM7.3 S2
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Bowers & Wilkins Reference Series CWM7.3 S2 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

90dB of the Bowers & Wilkins Reference Series CWM7.3 S2 is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise. Work out how loud the B&W CWM7.3 S2 plays in your room →

What amplifier does the B&W CWM7.3 S2 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 7.5–120 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 $5,000, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

CWM7.3 S2 features Spring post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

B&W CWM7.3 S2 External Dimensions and Weight

B&W CWM7.3 S2 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 28.0000-inch x 9.9375-inch x 4.0625-inch (712.0 x 253.0 x 104.0mm ).

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 CWM7.3 S2 is approximately 263.1cm2 / 40.8inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Cabinet type and Materials

B&W CWM7.3 S2 has a In-wall type cabinet.

What's in the Box of B&W CWM7.3 S2?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of CWM7.3 S2:
  • In-wall loudspeaker
  • Mounting frame
  • Grille
  • Baffle box
  • 2 Mounting plates (1 pre-installed)
  • Paint shield
  • Two-piece foam port plug
  • 8 Screws
  • 2 Wing-nuts
  • Hex-wrench
  • Cutout Template
  • Installation Instructions
  • Warranty Information

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Bowers & Wilkins Reference Series CWM7.3 S2.

  • 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 Reference Series CWM7.3 S2 Alternatives in Passive In-wall Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
B&W CWM7.4 S2
Compare
3-way 86 dB 8 ohms 45-28kHz
Focal 300 IW 6
Compare
2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 55-28kHz
MartinLogan Motion XT CI XTW6-LCR
Compare
3-way 93 dB 8 ohms 44-25kHz
B&W CWM7.5 S2
Compare
2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 45-28kHz
Focal 300 IW6 LCR
Compare
3-way 92 dB 8 ohms 40-28kHz
B&W CWM664
Compare
2-way 87.5 dB 8 ohms 45-35kHz
DALI Phantom H-50
Compare
2-way 88 dB 6 ohms 52-25kHz
GoldenEar Invisa SPS
Compare
3-way 92 dB 8 ohms 25-35kHz
Frequently Asked Questions about Bowers & Wilkins Reference Series CWM7.3 S2

What amplifier do you need for the B&W CWM7.3 S2?

Bowers Wilkins rates the B&W CWM7.3 S2 for 25-200 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 CWM7.3 S2 easy to drive?

The B&W CWM7.3 S2 has a sensitivity of 90 dB. That is high: it goes loud on modest power, so it suits low-powered amplifiers, including valve/tube designs.

Does the B&W CWM7.3 S2 need a subwoofer?

The B&W CWM7.3 S2 reaches down to 48Hz (full range 48-28kHz). That covers most music, though a subwoofer still adds the bottom octave for home theatre.

What drivers does the B&W CWM7.3 S2 use?

The B&W CWM7.3 S2 is a 3-way design using a 1" Soft-Dome tweeter, a 4" midrange and 2 x 6" Aerofoil woofers.

Is the B&W CWM7.3 S2 sealed or ported?

The B&W CWM7.3 S2 uses a In-wall enclosure.

Can the B&W CWM7.3 S2 be bi-wired or bi-amped?

No. The B&W CWM7.3 S2 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 CWM7.3 S2 installed?

The B&W CWM7.3 S2 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 big and heavy is the B&W CWM7.3 S2?

The B&W CWM7.3 S2 weighs 12.43kg / 27.3lbs each and measures 28.0000-inch x 9.9375-inch x 4.0625-inch (HxWxD).

How much does the B&W CWM7.3 S2 cost?

The B&W CWM7.3 S2 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $4,200 per pair.


B&W CWM7.3 S2 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandBowers Wilkins
Full Model NameBowers & Wilkins Reference Series CWM7.3 S2
Speaker Type3-way In-wall
Power Range25-200 watts
Sensitivity90 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response48-28kHz
Release Date2018
DRIVERS
Woofer Size6-inch
Woofer CompositionAerofoil
Woofer SurroundRubber
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeSoft-Dome
Aimable TweeterNo
Midrange Size4-inch

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeSpring post
Biamp InputsNo
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height712.0mm ( 28.0000-inch)
Width253.0mm ( 9.9375-inch)
Depth104.0mm ( 4.0625-inch)
Height712.0mm ( 28.0000-inch)
Weight12.43 kg (27.4 lbs)
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

A Triode Switch Used to Start at 3,495 Dollars. The Cayin Jazz 70 Is 1,399.
A 1,499 Dollar 300B Amplifier, and What Ten Watts Can Actually Drive
Triangle's Solstice Range Replaces the Esprit, and Every Cabinet Got Bigger
Yamaha's NX-70A Takes Our HDMI Speaker Count to 31, and 15 of Them Do eARC
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


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