Bowers & Wilkins
Bowers & Wilkins CWM652
Best in-wall speaker for homeowners seeking discreet, high-fidelity audio performance.
The Bowers & Wilkins CWM652 is a high-quality 2-way in-wall speaker engineered to blend seamlessly into your living space while delivering powerful audio performance. This model utilizes a 130mm (5-inch) blue Kevlar bass/midrange driver housed within a rigid die-cast chassis for exceptionally clean and fast bass response. It features an aluminum tweeter mounted in a Nautilus Tube for detailed high frequencies. Finished in white, this discreet speaker system is designed for excellent sound reproduction in any residential setting.
$425.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
502
/ 6610
#502 in Speakers
Price vs Category Average
-71%
Below average
Frequency Range
5450
/ Hz – kHz
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking signature B&W sound clarity and precision
- Custom installers needing efficient mounting and acoustic tuning options
- Homeowners prioritizing a clean, minimalist aesthetic in their living space
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for affordable whole-home audio solutions
- Renters or homeowners avoiding permanent structural modifications
- Users without access to high-performance external amplification
Performance breakdown
High-Frequency Clarity
Nautilus tube technology effectively eliminates distortion for exceptionally crisp, detailed highs.
Bass Response
The Kevlar driver delivers tight, fast, and punchy low-end performance.
Installation Ease
QuickDogs spring clamps make mounting these speakers a simple, stress-free process.
Build Quality
Rigid die-cast chassis construction ensures long-term durability and sonic stability.
Sound Customization
Integrated three-position EQ switch allows for precise room-specific audio tuning.
Aesthetic Integration
Low-profile design blends seamlessly into any wall for a minimalist look.
Key Specs
Frequency Range
54Hz – 50kHz
RMS Power Handling
100 Watts
Sensitivity
86dB
Impedance
8 ohms
Dimensions
10.9"h x 7.5"w x 3.7"d
Driver Component Size
6"
Tweeter Composition
Nautilus Tube Aluminum
Speaker Type
2-Way In-Wall
Features
- 2-way in-wall speaker system for discreet audio
- 5" blue Aramid Fiber cone bass/midrange driver for clear bass
- 1" Nautilus™ swirl loaded aluminum dome tweeter for crisp highs
- Three-position EQ switch for sound customization
- QuickDogs™ spring clamp mounting for easy installation
- Plug-and-play functionality for seamless setup
- Die-cast chassis for enhanced rigidity and cleaner bass
- Nautilus™ tube tweeter to absorb unwanted sonic radiation
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Bowers & Wilkins CWM652 for delivering exceptional, high-fidelity sound quality within a discreet architectural design. Reviewers consistently highlight the detailed and natural soundstage, noting the remarkable clarity in the treble and articulate midrange, which reflects B&W's premium lineage. These speakers are considered perfect for high-end distributed audio or as high-performance surround channels, maintaining sonic integrity without visual clutter. Installation is frequently cited as a major positive due to the robust and installer friendly mounting system, making setup straightforward. While premium priced, most customers feel the investment is justified by the superior acoustic performance and component quality. The CWM652 is celebrated as a top-tier choice for those seeking uncompromising sound hidden within walls or ceilings.
Know before you buy
Yes, the included white grille is paintable. You can easily customize it to blend in with your specific wall finish without affecting the speaker's performance.
The EQ switch allows you to fine-tune the high-frequency output of the speaker. This is particularly useful for adjusting the sound to compensate for the acoustics of your room or the specific placement of the speaker.
Installation is straightforward thanks to the QuickDogs spring clamp mounting system. It allows you to secure the speaker into the wall cutout quickly and firmly without needing complex tools.
The 5-inch Aramid Fiber driver provides a clean and fast bass response, but it is limited by its physical size. While it performs well for general listening, you may want to add a dedicated subwoofer if you are using these in a home theater setup and want deep, cinematic low-end impact.
These speakers are rated for up to 100 watts of power handling. They are designed to work well with most standard home audio receivers, provided the amplifier can comfortably drive an 8-ohm load.
The Nautilus tube design absorbs unwanted sound radiation from the back of the tweeter dome. This results in clearer, more detailed high frequencies by preventing interference and distortion.
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