English

Owner’s manual

Dear Customer,

Thank you for choosing B&W. Please read this manual fully before unpacking and installing the product. It will help you to optimise its performance. B&W maintains a network of dedicated distributors in over 60 countries who will be able to help you should you have any problems your dealer cannot resolve.

Environmental Information

All B&W products are designed to comply

with international directives on the Restriction of Hazardous Substances

(RoHS) in electrical and electronic equipment and the disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). These symbols indicate compliance and that the products must be appropriately recycled or processed in accordance with these directives. Consult your local waste disposal authority for guidance.

Carton Contents

Check in the carton for:

1 Foam plug

1 Accessory pack containing:

4 M6 spike feet

4 Rubber feet

4 Lock nuts (10mm across flats)

overall sound quality and the stereo image are likely to be compromised.

Conventional Stereo Systems

To begin with, the speakers should be positioned between 1.5m and 3m apart at two corners of an equilateral triangle completed by the listening area at the third corner. The speakers should be approximately 0.5m away from the back wall, and at least 0.5m away from any side walls. Figure 1a illustrates this arrangement.

Home Theatre Systems

If the speakers are to be used for the front channels in a home theatre system, they should be placed closer together than for 2-channel audio, because the surround channels tend to widen the image. Positioning the speakers within approximately 0.5m of the sides of the screen will also help keep the sound image in scale with the visual image. As with conventional stereo positioning, the speakers should ideally be approximately 0.5m away from the back wall, and at least 0.5m away from any side walls.

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 (CRT television and computer screens, computer discs, audio and video tapes, swipe cards and the like) at least 0.5m from the speaker. LCD and plasma screens are not affected by magnetic fields.

Speaker Installation

The speakers are intended to be floor mounted only. It is important to ensure that the speakers stand firmly on the floor using the spike feet supplied whenever possible. The spike feet are designed to pierce carpet and rest on the floor surface. Initially, screw the lock nuts onto the spikes enough to leave the nuts floating just above the carpet when the spikes are resting on the floor beneath. Screw the spikes fully into the threaded inserts in the base of the cabinet. If the cabinet rocks when placed on the floor, unscrew the two spikes that do not touch the floor until the cabinet rests firmly without rocking. Finally, lock the nuts against the cabinet. It may be more convenient to fit and adjust the spike feet after speaker positioning has been optimised.

If there is no carpet and you wish to avoid scratching the floor surface, use either a protective metal disc (a coin perhaps) between the spike and the floor, or use the supplied rubber feet. Fit the rubber feet and level the cabinet in the same manner as with the spike feet.

Speaker Positioning

Adjustment of speaker position following initial installation will probably further improve the sound quality and is usually worthwhile.

In either stereo or home theatre installations, try to ensure that the immediate surroundings of each speaker are similar in acoustic character. For example, if one speaker is adjacent to bare walls while the other is adjacent to soft furnishings and curtains, both the

Connections

All connections should be made with the equipment switched off.

There are 2 linked pairs of terminals on the back of the speaker. For conventional connection, the terminal links should remain in place (as delivered) and just one pair of terminals connected to the amplifier. For bi-wire connection, the terminal links should be removed and each pair of terminals connected to the amplifier independently. Bi-wiring can improve the resolution of low-level detail. Figures 2a and 2b illustrate conventional and bi-wire connection.

Ensure that the positive terminals on the speaker (marked + and coloured red) are connected to the positive output terminal on the amplifier and the negative terminals on the speaker (marked – and coloured black) are connected to the negative output terminal on the amplifier. Incorrect connection can result in poor imaging and loss of bass.

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

Fine Tuning

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

Moving the speakers further from the walls will generally reduce the volume of bass. Space behind

CM9 specifications

The Bowers & Wilkins CM9 stands as a hallmark of high-fidelity audio craftsmanship, delivering an impressive blend of technology, design, and performance. Differentiated by its three-way configuration, the CM9 is designed to provide an exceptional listening experience, making it a popular choice among audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

One of the standout features of the CM9 is its proprietary drive unit technology. It boasts a 6.5-inch Continuum cone bass driver that is known for its rigidity and lightweight characteristics. This design minimizes distortion while maintaining an exceptional response in low frequencies, allowing for deep, punchy bass without overwhelming the mids and highs. Additionally, the CM9 includes a 5-inch Continuum cone midrange driver. This driver is crafted to provide a natural and accurate reproduction of vocals and instrumentals, making it suitable for a range of musical genres.

High frequencies are handled by a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter, which utilizes Bowers & Wilkins’ patented Decoupled Double Dome technology. This innovation allows for a more extended and refined treble response, providing an effortlessly smooth listening experience. The tweeter is mounted above the midrange driver to create an effective time alignment, contributing to a more coherent soundstage.

The CM9’s construction further enhances its acoustics. The cabinet features a solid, braced design that minimizes cabinet resonance, allowing the speakers to produce a cleaner, more precise sound. The front-firing bass port also ensures flexibility in placement, making it easier to integrate the speakers into various room settings.

With a frequency response range extending from 30 Hz to 33 kHz, the CM9 excels in marrying deep bass punch with crystal-clear highs. This expansive range underscores the speaker's ability to handle a broad spectrum of sound, from the subtlest nuances of a classical piece to the vigorous demands of rock or electronic music.

Design-wise, the CM9 exudes elegance and sophistication, with a choice of finishes that integrate seamlessly into modern home decor. The speakers are available in various vinyl and real wood veneer options, ensuring they not only perform well but also look stunning in any environment.

In summary, the Bowers & Wilkins CM9 is distinguished by its advanced drive unit technologies, solid cabinet construction, and aesthetic appeal. With its capability to deliver extraordinary audio fidelity, the CM9 remains a top-tier option for those who seek true audiophile performance in their listening space. Whether enjoying music or movie soundtracks, these speakers offer an unparalleled auditory experience.

Bowers & Wilkins CM9 owner manual English

Models: CM9