Sapphire mkIII vs Bowers & Wilkins CDM 1
The CDM 1's sensitivity is 88 dB against the Sapphire mkIII's 90 dB and its impedance 8Ω against 6Ω. Both share low-frequency extension (64 Hz) and high-frequency extension (20 kHz).
AI-generated product photo — not official manufacturer imagery.
LoudspeakersBookshelf SpeakersDiscontinued
Estimated price (community-sourced)
$500
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
About the Sapphire mkIII
The Sapphire mkIII is a refined version of the earlier Sapphire II, featuring a 7-inch Focal 7K4211DB mid/bass driver with a Kevlar sandwich layered cone and a 1-inch ScanSpeak hand-damped textile dome ferro-fluid cooled tweeter. It is a two-way, aperiodic loaded monitor with a sloped baffle design, delivering a frequency response of 64Hz to 20kHz ±3dB anechoic. The speaker has a sensitivity of 90dB at 1 watt/1 meter and an impedance of 6 ohms with a smooth impedance curve ranging from 4.6 to 9.2 ohms. It is recommended to be paired with amplifiers delivering 15 to 200 watts RMS power. The enclosure is constructed from 3/4 inch high-density MDF with extensive interior bracing, ensuring rigidity and minimal resonance. Dimensions are approximately 16 inches high, 10 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, with a total weight of about 60 pounds per pair. The crossover is a first-order design tuned at ±6dB using high-quality components. The Sapphire mkIII is praised for its excellent imaging, soundstage, and tonal balance, making it a highly recommended option for audiophiles seeking long-term performance at a reasonable price point.
Specifications
Transducer Specifications
Driver and acoustic performance characteristics
- Sensitivity
- 90 dB SPL @ 1W/1m
- Impedance
- 6Ω
- Frequency Response
- 64 Hz - 20 kHz
- Power Handling
- 200W
- Min. Amplifier Power
- 15W
- Max. Amplifier Power
- 200W
Speaker Design
Driver configuration and enclosure design
- Configuration
- 2-way
- Driver Type
- dynamic
- Driver Size
- 7"
- Driver Count
- 2
- Enclosure Type
- sealed
Physical Dimensions
Size, weight, and appearance
- Dimensions
- 254 × 406 × 254 mm (W × H × D)
- Weight
- 27.22 kg (60 lbs)
- Available Colors
- Oak, Black Oak, Cherry
Key Specifications
Sensitivity: 90 dB
Impedance: 6Ω
Frequency: 64-20000 Hz
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions