Bowers & Wilkins intros compact, carbon fiber PM1 speakers
updated 12:45 pm EDT, Tue June 14, 2011
Bowers and Wilkins outs PM1 with extra-clean sound
Bowers & Wilkins on Tuesday rolled out a new high-end speaker array that promised higher power in a small footprint. The PM1 is unique in having a tweeter dome on each speaker ringed with carbon fiber that pushes the limits of where it can manage clean sound. Where its usual aluminum Nautilus tweeters' break-up frequency hits 30kHz, the carbon fiber raises that to 40kHz and widens the speakers' useful range, particularly at 20kHz.
They also have a new anti-resonance plug that prevents the five-inch, Kevlar bass/mid-range drivers from muddling low-end frequencies. Each speaker measures just over 25 inches tall but is still treated as a luxury look with a glossy mocha-look wood finish.
Stores should start carrying the speakers in July at $2,800 for a pair. Stands to elevate them from the floor cost $550.
