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  1. Home
  2. Bowers Wilkins Speakers
  3. Passive In-wall Speakers
  4. Bowers & Wilkins Reference Series CWM7.5 S2
Bowers Wilkins CWM7.5 S2 Review
B&W CWM7.5 S2 - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
  • 5" Continuum Woofer
  • 45-28kHz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 25-150 watts
  • Weight: 8.40 lbs / 3.81 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 13.0000"x7.4375"x4.0625" / 331.0 x 189.0 x 104.0mm
MSRP: $1,000 (list price)
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B&W CWM7.5 S2 Review
B&W CWM7.5 S2 B&W CWM7.5 S2
Check price atAmazon›

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

Bowers & Wilkins Reference Series CWM7.5 S2 is a 2-way Passive In-wall In-wall speaker by Bowers Wilkins. It was released in 2018. It features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Continuum Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 45-28kHz and a sensitivity of 86 dB. B&W CWM7.5 S2 has an MSRP of 2000$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the B&W CWM7.5 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

CWM7.5 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
Compare
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
45-28k Hz 86 dB8Ω 1 x 5"

Frequency Response of the B&W CWM7.5 S2 Speaker

B&W CWM7.5 S2 has a Frequency response range of 45-28kHz and Power Range of 25-150 watts. With a minimum frequency of 45 Hz, CWM7.5 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 CWM7.5 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 CWM7.5 S2
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the B&W CWM7.5 S2?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 45 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $2,000 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Impedance and Sensitivity

B&W CWM7.5 S2's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 86 dB.

Sensitivity
In-wall Speakers
B&W CWM7.5 S2
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Bowers & Wilkins Reference Series CWM7.5 S2 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 86 dB, Bowers & Wilkins Reference Series CWM7.5 S2 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 CWM7.5 S2 plays in your room →

What amplifier does the B&W CWM7.5 S2 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 19–150 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 $2,000, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

CWM7.5 S2 features Sprint post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

B&W CWM7.5 S2 External Dimensions and Weight

B&W CWM7.5 S2 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 13.0000-inch x 7.4375-inch x 4.0625-inch (331.0 x 189.0 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 CWM7.5 S2 is approximately 196.6cm2 / 30.5inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

How does the B&W CWM7.5 S2 compare to the Bowers Wilkins Reference Series CWM7.4 S2?

One of the natural alternative to the B&W CWM7.5 S2 is the CWM7.4 S2 which is located one step higher in Bowers Wilkins's Passive In-wall selection.

Check the Detailed Comparison of B&W CWM7.5 S2 vs CWM7.4 S2 for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

B&W CWM7.5 S2 has a In-wall type cabinet.

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

Here are the items that are included inside the box of 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

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Bowers & Wilkins Reference Series CWM7.5 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 CWM7.5 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
B&W CWM7.3 S2
Compare
3-way 90 dB 8 ohms 48-28kHz
Focal 300 IW6 LCR
Compare
3-way 92 dB 8 ohms 40-28kHz
MartinLogan Motion XT CI XTW5-LCR
Compare
2-way 92 dB 8 ohms 61-25kHz
Monitor Audio W280-IDC
Compare
3-way 90 dB 6 ohms 45-30kHz
Klipsch R-5800-W II
Compare
2-way 94 dB 8 ohms 40-23kHz
Definitive UIW RLS II
Compare
2-way 92 dB 8 ohms 22-30kHz
Monitor Audio CP-WT380IDC
Compare
3-way 89 dB 6 ohms 50-30kHz
Frequently Asked Questions about Bowers & Wilkins Reference Series CWM7.5 S2

What amplifier do you need for the B&W CWM7.5 S2?

Bowers Wilkins rates the B&W CWM7.5 S2 for 25-150 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 CWM7.5 S2 easy to drive?

The B&W CWM7.5 S2 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 CWM7.5 S2 need a subwoofer?

The B&W CWM7.5 S2 reaches down to 45Hz (full range 45-28kHz). That is deep enough that many listeners will not feel the need for a subwoofer with music.

What drivers does the B&W CWM7.5 S2 use?

The B&W CWM7.5 S2 is a 2-way design using a 1" Soft-Dome tweeter and a 5" Continuum woofer.

Is the B&W CWM7.5 S2 sealed or ported?

The B&W CWM7.5 S2 uses a In-wall enclosure.

Can the B&W CWM7.5 S2 be bi-wired or bi-amped?

No. The B&W CWM7.5 S2 has a single pair of terminals, so bi-wiring and bi-amping are not possible. It uses Sprint post terminals.

How is the B&W CWM7.5 S2 installed?

The B&W CWM7.5 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 CWM7.5 S2?

The B&W CWM7.5 S2 weighs 3.81kg / 8.4lbs each and measures 13.0000-inch x 7.4375-inch x 4.0625-inch (HxWxD).

How much does the B&W CWM7.5 S2 cost?

The B&W CWM7.5 S2 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $2,000 per pair.


B&W CWM7.5 S2 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandBowers Wilkins
Full Model NameBowers & Wilkins Reference Series CWM7.5 S2
Speaker Type2-way In-wall
Power Range25-150 watts
Sensitivity86 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response45-28kHz
Release Date2018
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5-inch
Woofer CompositionContinuum
Woofer SurroundRubber
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeSoft-Dome
Aimable TweeterNo

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeSprint post
Biamp InputsNo
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height331.0mm ( 13.0000-inch)
Width189.0mm ( 7.4375-inch)
Depth104.0mm ( 4.0625-inch)
Height331.0mm ( 13.0000-inch)
Weight3.81 kg (8.4 lbs)
EnclosureIn-wall
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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