INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the B&W CDM™7NT speakers.

Founded in 1966, B&W has always striven for perfect sound reproduction in its products. To this end, the company has invested heavily in research and development in order to maintain its position at the forefront of acoustic design. Through the years, B&W has introduced many advanced features and techniques. Although many of these have been developed initially for the more expensive models, our “waterfall” design policy has seen them incorporated, wherever possible, elsewhere in the product range.

Features to be found in the CDM™NT Series include cabinets with contoured edges to reduce sound diffraction (the radiation of sound waves from sharp edges that interfere with and blur the direct sound from the drive units). An integral part of the CDM™ range is the use of Kevlar® cone bass/midrange drive units for lowest coloration and maximum definition. The treble units incorporate Nautilus™ tube technology, which eliminates resonances behind the dome diaphragm.

It is important to spend time setting up the speakers, as care spent on the installation process will reap the reward of many hours of listening pleasure. Reading this manual fully will help you obtain the best from your audio system.

B&W distributes to over 65 countries worldwide and maintains a network of dedicated distributors who will be able to help should you have any problems your dealer cannot resolve. Their mailing addresses can be found on the web site or by calling B&W direct.

UNPACKING

(Figure 1)

Fold the top carton flaps right back and invert the carton and contents.

Lift the carton clear of the contents.

Remove the inner packing from the product.

We suggest you retain the packing for future use.

Check in the carton for:

4 Spike feet with lock nuts

2 Foam bungs

1 International warranty booklet

CONNECTIONS

(Figure 2 & 3)

All connections should be made with the equipment switched off.

There are 2 pairs of terminals at the back of the speaker which permit bi-wiring if desired. On delivery, the separate pairs are connected together with high-quality links for use with a single 2-core cable. For single cable connection, leave the links in place and use either pair of terminals on the speaker.

Ensure the positive terminal on the speaker (marked + and coloured red) is connected to the positive output terminal of the amplifier and

negative (marked – and coloured black) to negative. Incorrect connection can result in poor imaging and loss of bass.

To bi-wire, remove the links by loosening the terminal caps and use a separate 2-core cable from the amplifier to each pair of terminals. This can improve the resolution of low-frequency detail. Observe the correct polarity as before. When bi-wiring, incorrect connection can also impair the frequency response.

The terminals accept bare wire. Always make sure terminals are screwed down tight as otherwise they may rattle.

Ask your dealer for advice when choosing cable. Keep the total impedance below the maximum recommended in specification and use a low inductance cable to avoid attenuation of the highest frequencies.

POSITIONING

(Figure 4)

Some experimentation with the position of the speakers is well worthwhile to optimise the interaction between them and the listening room.

However, as an initial guide:

Do not fit the spike feet until you have found the best position for the speakers.

Place the speakers and the centre of the listening area approximately at the corners of an equilateral triangle.

Keep the speakers at least 1.5m (5ft) apart to maintain left-right stereo separation.

Keep the speaker baffles at least 0.5m (20in) clear of walls. Having the speakers too close to walls increases the level of bass relative to midrange and may give a boomy quality to the sound.

Stray Magnetic Fields

The speaker drive units create stray magnetic fields that extend beyond the boundaries of the cabinet. We recommend you keep magnetically sensitive articles (television and computer screens, computer discs, audio and video tapes, swipe cards and the like) at least 0.5m from the speaker.

FINE TUNING

Before fine tuning, make sure that all the connections in the installation are correct and secure.

If the level bass is uneven with frequency it is usually due to the excitation of resonance modes in the room. Even small changes in the position of the speakers or the listeners can have a profound effect on how these resonances affect the sound. Try mounting the speakers along a different wall. Even large pieces of furniture can have an effect.

Moving the speakers further from the walls will reduce the general level of bass. Space behind the speakers also helps to create an impression of depth. Conversely, moving the speakers closer to the walls will increase the level of bass.

If you want to reduce the bass level without moving the speakers further from the wall, fit the

foam bungs in the port tubes. (Figure 6)

If the central image is poor, try moving the speakers closer together or toeing them in so they point just in front of the listeners. (Figure 5)

If the sound is too harsh, increase the amount of soft furnishings in the room (for example us heavier curtains), or reduce it if the sound is dull and lifeless.

Test for flutter echoes by clapping your hands and listening for rapid repetitions. Reduce them by the use of irregular shaped surfaces such as bookshelves and large pieces of furniture.

Ensure the speakers stand firmly on the floor. Whenever possible fit the spike feet supplied after you have optimised the positioning. These are designed to pierce through carpets to the floor surface. Initially, screw the lock nuts fully onto the spikes and screw the spikes fully into the threaded inserts in the base of the cabinet. If the cabinet rocks, unscrew the two spikes that do not touch the floor equally until the cabinet sits firmly on the floor, and lock the nuts against the cabinet. If there is no carpet and you wish to avoid scratching the floor surface, use a protective disc between the spike and the floor.

RUNNING-IN PERIOD

The performance of the speaker will change subtly during the initial listening period. If the speaker has been stored in a cold environment, the damping compounds and suspension materials of the drive units will take some time to recover their correct mechanical properties. The drive unit suspensions will also loosen up during the first hours of use. The time taken for the speaker to achieve its intended performance will vary depending on previous storage conditions and how it is used. As a guide, allow up to a week for the temperature effects to stabilise and 15 hours of average use for the mechanical parts to attain their intended design characteristics.

AFTERCARE

The cabinet surface usually only requires dusting. If you wish to use an aerosol cleaner, remove the grille first buy gently pulling it away from the cabinet. Spray onto the cleaning cloth, not directly onto the cabinet. The grille fabric may be cleaned with a normal clothes brush whilst the grille is detached from the cabinet.

Avoid touching the drive units, especially the tweeter, as damage may result.

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Bowers & Wilkins 7NT Introduction, Unpacking, Connections, Positioning, Fine Tuning, RUNNING-IN Period, Aftercare

7NT specifications

Bowers & Wilkins has long been a prominent name in the audio industry, well-known for its high-fidelity speakers and innovative audio technologies. The Bowers & Wilkins 7NT is a standout product in its lineup, attracting attention for its combination of exceptional sound quality, sleek design, and advanced engineering.

One of the main features of the 7NT is its use of the proprietary Continuum cone technology. This unique cone material is designed to deliver a more accurate and transparent sound, minimizing distortion across the frequency spectrum. The midrange performance of the 7NT is particularly noteworthy, as it allows vocals and instruments to be reproduced with remarkable clarity and realism.

Another significant aspect of the Bowers & Wilkins 7NT is its advanced tweeter technology. The speaker incorporates the company's patented decoupled double dome tweeter, which effectively reduces unwanted resonance and results in an airy and detailed high-frequency response. This design ensures that listeners can enjoy shimmering highs and crisp detail, adding a sense of space and dimension to the soundstage.

The 7NT also features a robust, yet elegant cabinet design. Constructed from high-quality materials, the cabinet is engineered to minimize vibrational interference, thus enhancing overall sound quality. The speaker's finish is available in a variety of options, allowing consumers to choose a look that best fits their home decor, whether it be classic wood or contemporary lacquered finishes.

The speaker also incorporates Bowers & Wilkins' audio innovations such as Flowport technology, which features strategically designed ports that improve airflow and reduce turbulence. This results in deeper, more powerful bass without sacrificing clarity. This ensures that even the lowest frequencies are well-defined and impactful, providing a rich listening experience for all music genres.

In terms of connectivity, the Bowers & Wilkins 7NT supports various configurations, making it adaptable for different setups. It can easily pair with a range of amplifiers and audio sources, allowing audiophiles to create their ideal listening environment.

In summary, the Bowers & Wilkins 7NT combines cutting-edge technologies with meticulous craftsmanship, resulting in a speaker that delivers an unparalleled audio experience. With features such as Continuum cone technology, decoupled double dome tweeter, and Flowport innovation, it is designed to meet the demands of discerning listeners who seek both performance and aesthetic appeal in their audio equipment. Whether for music or movie playback, the 7NT stands out as a remarkable choice for any home audio enthusiast.