Bowers & Wilkins
Bowers & Wilkins CWM8.5 D
Best in-wall speaker for audiophiles seeking discreet, high-performance home theater sound.
The Bowers & Wilkins CWM8.5 D is a high-performance two-way in-wall speaker designed for discreet integration into your home audio system. It features a decoupled 25mm (1 inch) Diamond dome tweeter with a Nautilus tube for exceptional clarity and a single 180mm (7-inch) Continuum bass/midrange driver for rich, detailed sound. This speaker is engineered with an anti-resonance plug and a Flowport for optimal acoustic performance. Its rectangular shape allows for seamless installation within walls, providing a clean aesthetic without compromising sound quality. Ideal for dedicated home theater or whole-house audio systems.
$3250.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
529
/ 7514
#529 in Speakers
Price vs Category Average
+122%
Above average
RMS Output Power
120
/ W
Who it's for
- Exceptional Audio Fidelity
- Seamless Aesthetic Integration
- Premium Build and Durability
Who should skip it
- Significant Investment
- Complex Professional Installation
- Fixed Placement and Room Interaction
Performance breakdown
High-Frequency Clarity
Diamond dome tweeter delivers unmatched precision and crystalline detail.
Midrange Accuracy
Continuum cone technology provides exceptionally natural and transparent vocal reproduction.
Bass Depth
Flowport design ensures tight, punchy low-end response for an in-wall unit.
Installation Versatility
Slim profile allows for seamless integration into most standard wall cavities.
Acoustic Isolation
Nautilus tube loading effectively eliminates unwanted rear-wave interference.
Power Handling
Robust 120W capacity maintains composure even at high listening volumes.
Key Specs
RMS Output Power
120W
Impedance
8 ohms
Sensitivity
89dB
Frequency Response
35Hz - 35kHz
Depth
3.9 inches
Height
16.2 inches
Width
9.7 inches
Unit Weight
7.7 lbs
Features
- Decoupled Diamond dome tweeter for superior high-frequency reproduction
- Continuum cone bass/midrange driver for clear and detailed mid-bass performance
- Nautilus tube loading on tweeter minimizes rear-wave interference
- Anti-resonance plug ensures driver purity and accuracy
- Flowport technology for optimized bass response
- Designed for seamless in-wall installation
- Rectangular speaker shape for discreet integration
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Bowers & Wilkins CWM8.5 D for its exceptional sound quality, describing an immersive and detailed audio experience that truly elevates home entertainment. Reviewers frequently highlight the speaker's premium build and sophisticated design, which allows for seamless integration into high end living spaces. While an investment, the perceived quality and acoustic performance often justify the cost, making it a favored choice for discerning audiophiles seeking top tier in wall audio solutions.
Know before you buy
This speaker has a power handling capacity of 120W RMS. To get the best performance, pair it with a high-quality amplifier that can comfortably deliver clean power within this range.
The CWM8.5 D has a mounting depth of 3.9 inches, which allows it to fit into most standard 2x4 stud wall constructions. Ensure you have the necessary clearance behind the drywall before installation.
The Diamond dome tweeter is incredibly stiff and lightweight, which allows it to reproduce high frequencies with exceptional clarity and minimal distortion. It provides a level of detail and transparency that is significantly more refined than standard metal or fabric domes.
While the CWM8.5 D offers a respectable frequency response down to 35Hz, it is designed as a two-way system. For a full-scale home theater experience or deep bass extension in larger rooms, adding a dedicated subwoofer is recommended.
The Continuum cone is designed to provide a more neutral and precise midrange performance. It effectively manages break-up modes, resulting in clearer vocals and more accurate instrument reproduction compared to traditional cone materials.
Yes, their discreet rectangular design and high-performance drivers make them an excellent choice for home theater systems. They work well as front, center, or surround channels when you want a high-end audio experience without bulky cabinet speakers.
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$3250