CM1 vs CM1 S2
The CM1 S2 matches the CM1 on sensitivity (84 dB), impedance (8Ω), woofer (5.12"), and ways (2).
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Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
The Bowers & Wilkins CM1 is a high-quality compact bookshelf speaker produced from 2006 to 2014. It features a 2-way bass-reflex design with a 130mm woven Kevlar cone bass/midrange driver and a 25mm Nautilus tube-loaded aluminium dome tweeter. The speaker delivers a frequency response of 55 Hz to 22 kHz within ±3dB, extending from 45 Hz to 50 kHz at -6dB. It has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms (minimum 5.1 ohms) and a sensitivity of 84 dB (2.83V at 1m), recommended to be driven by amplifiers rated between 30 and 100 watts. The CM1 is praised for its precise treble, warm and balanced midrange, and decent bass output for its size, producing a wide and well-defined soundstage with excellent imaging and detail retrieval. The cabinet is available in finishes such as Gloss Black, Rosenut, Wenge Veneer, and Satin White, measuring 280 x 165 x 276 mm and weighing 6.7 kg. The CM1 shares driver and crossover technology with the higher-end Nautilus 805S model, offering refined sound quality in a compact form factor. It is no longer manufactured and was originally priced around €840 per pair.
Driver and acoustic performance characteristics
Driver configuration and enclosure design
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
Components that show up alongside the CM1 in real systems. A verdict means the pair has been checked for compatibility and headroom — open it to see how the two get along.
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The CM1 S2 matches the CM1 on sensitivity (84 dB), impedance (8Ω), woofer (5.12"), and ways (2).
The Diamond 225's sensitivity is 87 dB against the CM1's 84 dB and its high-frequency extension 20 kHz against 22 kHz. Both share impedance (8Ω) and ways (2).
The 685 S2's sensitivity is 87 dB against the CM1's 84 dB. Both share impedance (8Ω), high-frequency extension (22 kHz), and ways (2).
The SPEKTOR 2's sensitivity is 84.5 dB against the CM1's 84 dB, its impedance 6Ω against 8Ω, and its low-frequency extension 54 Hz against 55 Hz. Both share ways (2).
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