B&W CM6 S2 review

The CM6 S2s produce a regimented, tightly-controlled sound but lack the freedom of expression of the class-leaders Tested at £1500

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

The CM6 S2s produce a regimented, tightly-controlled sound but lack the freedom of expression of the class-leaders

Pros

  • +

    Excellent sense of spaciousness

  • +

    Open, clear treble

  • +

    Tight, controlled bass

  • +

    Luxurious appearance and finish

Cons

  • -

    Lacking low-level dynamics

  • -

    Not the most communicative sound

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The Bowers & Wilkins CM range has a huge worldwide following, so the launch of the second generation of the CM range is big news and the CM6 S2s are the first pair we’ve had in our test rooms.

In hand, they’re impressive. The glossy-black exterior oozes quality and contrasts well with the trademark woven kevlar mid/bass driver. The front of each speaker is very clean-cut with not a screw in sight.

The specially designed stands feel suitably robust and match the speaker’s premium finish (although they do cost an extra £400). Even the little Bowers & Wilkins badges look quality...

MORE: Read all our Bowers & Wilkins reviews and news

Build and design

Avoid loading the speaker stands with too much mass – you don’t want to suck the life out of the sound

Avoid loading the speaker stands with too much mass – you don’t want to suck the life out of the sound

The most obvious talking point, though, is the B&W tweeter, which sits in its own enclosure on top of the cabinet. This arrangement can already be found in its premium 800 Diamond series.

B&W claims that mounting it separately improves imaging and dispersion. The whole assembly sits inside a soft, gel-like material to isolate it from cabinet vibrations, while a super-thin aluminium ring reinforces the main tweeter diaphragm.

B&W believes this added stiffness and reinforcement helps them to sound cleaner.

Performance

Use bi-wiring if possible. The CM6s display greater freedom and scale when they’re used this way

Use bi-wiring if possible. The CM6s display greater freedom and scale when they’re used this way

alt-J’s Breezeblocks is a complex track, and the B&Ws do a great job of controlling and positioning all the different elements.

They work well at higher volumes – the tune’s quirky vocal sounds distinct, while the ding of the percussion sounds elevated and out in the open.

The sound is projected so well that it’s hard to locate the speaker cabinet positions with eyes closed. Low frequencies sound robust and solid.

The speakers do a fine job of separating the individual notes during Breezeblocks’ staggered bassline, giving each individual hit great impact.

In fact, this level of bass definition makes the Dali Rubicon 2s sound a tad soft and tubby.

MORE: B&W 685 S2 review

The standout feature of the new design is the separate tweeter on top of the cabinet

The standout feature of the new design is the separate tweeter on top of the cabinet

Where the B&Ws don’t quite convince is in the realm of dynamics.

Yes, you can hear that authority and solidity, and they’re more than capable of going loud (they actually perform better at higher volumes), but the way they deliver low-level dynamic shifts isn’t quite as graceful as the best of their rivals.

Beneath its glossy exterior, the CM6 S2 also features a new crossover design and high-grade internal components

Beneath its glossy exterior, the CM6 S2 also features a new crossover design and high-grade internal components

Play something that requires a more careful and considered approach, such as Nick Cave’s Mermaids and the CM6s have the arrangement down to a tee – Cave takes centre stage and there’s plenty of detail among guitars, percussion and backing vocals.

But the B&Ws don’t really get across the fluid, carefree nature of the track. You don’t feel as involved or moved by the music as you do when listening to the PMC Twenty 22s or Dali Rubicon 2s.

MORE: 10 of the world's most expensive speakers

Verdict

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.

MORE: Read all our Hi-Fi Speakers Best Buys

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What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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