Bowers & Wilkins CM6 S2

The B&W CM6 S2s have exceptionally accurate imaging, far above their price class ; These speakers have classic B&W neutrality, but with a little more fun ; Their wide dispersion characteristics make for a very big sweet spot

The speaker's moderately low sensitivity combined with a low minimum impedance means you need to carefully select your amplification ; A subwoofer is required to get truly chest-slamming bass

I would put the B&W CM6 S2s in the same class as the very best bookshelf speakers out there. For a lot more money, you can get speakers that sound as good in the midrange and up while giving you more bass detail, more bass output, and more dynamic...

B&W should need little introduction in these pages. The British loudspeaker—maker has been a force in serious audio repro practically since Noah’s flood (1965, actually), and here in the States have for two decades and more occupied an enviable market...

Excellent sense of spaciousness Open, clear treble Tight, controlled bass Luxurious appearance and finish

Lacking low-level dynamics Not the most communicative sound

The B&W CM6 S2s are good speakers. They’re built to impress and they sound impressive on a number of different levels. They just struggle to communicate dynamics and subtlety, and it’s these missing links that stop us from completely falling for them....