B&W PM1

Bowers & Wilkins is proud to announce the PM1, probably the most refined small speaker yet created. It offers an extremely high-quality audio performance and features several key technological innovations, including a new tweeter design and a cabinet unlike anything previously constructed by Bowers & Wilkins.

Foremost among the new technology is the PM1’s Carbon Braced Tweeter. This new design takes the already high performance of Bowers & Wilkins aluminium domes to a whole new level. The tweeter mechanism is mounted on top of the PM1 in the same way as the 800 Series Diamond and uses a Nautilus™ tapering tube. However, its high-quality aluminium dome, is strategically stiffened with a ring of filament-wound ultra-high modulus pitch-based carbon fibre.

One of the reasons why diamond domes perform so well in the flagship 800 Series Diamond is that they raise the break-up frequency of the tweeter. The PM1’s Carbon Braced Tweeter similarly raises the break up of the aluminium dome, in this case to around 40KHz. This has a dramatic effect on the audible frequencies below 20kHz. A new surround material improves the harmonic structure of instruments and voices and enables the listener to pinpoint the position of the performer with greater accuracy.

Sitting below the Carbon Braced Tweeter is what at first appears to be a regular Bowers & Wilkins Kevlar ® cone bass/midrange driver, as found on the likes of the well-regarded CM1, and which is renowned for its ability to deliver clarity and detail at mid frequencies. However, the PM1’s drive unit features a new Anti-Resonance Plug: a mushroom-shaped device that is a tight fit inside the voice coil former, helping to damp the motion of the former. This reduces cone break-up, for a smoother, more refined sound, again raising the performance of a key Bowers & Wilkins technology to a new level of performance.

The construction of the cabinet is critical in any loudspeaker, but especially so in a mini monitor. Internally, the PM1 uses the Bowers & Wilkins Matrix ™ bracing system, for improved rigidity. This is a vital element in producing a large sound from a compact loudspeaker. The striking front baffle and top panel is also a key element in the PM1’s refined performance. The shape echoes the profile of the ‘head’ unit used on the 800 Diamond and 802 Diamond, and improves image localization. A layer of mineral-filled resin is poured in liquid form to the back of the outer thermoset profile, where it sets to create a dual-layer composite that combines high mass with damping for an impressively inert construction.

Elsewhere, lessons learned in the development of the 800 Series Diamond have also influenced the design of the PM1. This is particularly the case with the use of Oxygen Free Copper terminals and Mundorf M-Cap Supreme capacitors, which combine to maintain the full clarity of the signal, and therefore the resulting performance.

Bowers & Wilkins has over 40 years of audio engineering experience. It makes the world’s most advanced home cinema, hi-fi and iPod speakers, which are used by Abbey Road Studios and music lovers everywhere. Its New Media products redefine the audio experience for the digital consumer.

PM1 press release - click here

exclusive interview with the designer of the PM1

Redefining the mini-monitor

For many years, audiophiles have held quality small speakers in high regard for their superb imaging and detail. With its striking design and a host of premium Bowers & Wilkins technologies brought to bear, the PM1 is set to become the mini-monitor of choice.

Technical Specifications

Technical features

Nautilus™ tube loaded tweeter with carbon fibre reinforced aluminium dome Kevlar® fibre cone bass / midrange Flowport™

Matrix™

Description

2-way vented-box system

Drive units

1x 25mm (1in) reinforced aluminium dome high-frequency

1x 130mm (5in) woven Kevlar® cone bass / midrange

Frequency range

-6dB at 42Hz and 60kHz

Frequency response

48Hz - 22kHz ±3dB on reference axis

Dispersion

Within 2dB of reference response

Horizontal: over 60º arc Vertical: over 10º arc

Sensitivity

84dB spl (2.83V, 1m)

Harmonic distortion

2nd and 3rd harmonics (90dB, 1m)

<1% 110Hz - 22kHz

Nominal impedance

8Ω (minimum 5.1Ω)

Crossover frequency

4kHz

Recommended

30W - 100W into 8Ω on unclipped programme

amplifier power

Max. recommended

0.1Ω

cable impedance

Dimensions

Height: 331mm (13in)

Width: 191mm (7.5in)

Depth: 250mm (9.8in) cabinet only

293mm (11.5in) including grilles and terminals

Net weight

9.3kg (20.5lb)

Finishes

Cabinet real wood veneers: Mocha Gloss

Grille: Black

FS-PM1

Floor stand

Dimensions

Height: 620.5mm (25.6in) excluding spikes

Width: 268mm (10.6in)

Depth: 300mm (11.8in)