B&W Cram Big Speaker Sound In Mini Theatre Range

Bowers and Wilkins has updated its mini theatre range with improvements to drivers, amplification and usability.

B&W’s MT-60D

Setting the performance benchmark for the new series is the MT-60D, an unobtrusive mini theatre system. It features 5 B&W M-1 speakers (centre, main and surround) with B&W’s opposed-drive-unit subwoofer, the PV1D.

Click to enlarge

B&W’s M-1

The M-1 loudspeaker is responsible for 5 channel sound in all three mini theatre ranges. Although cosmetic changes are subtle, the M-1 has benefited from a complete driver redesigns, including a tube-loaded tweeter and a bass/mid-range driver that borrows the Anti-Resonance plug first seen on the high-end PM1 loudspeaker. B&W claim it has sonic prowess comparable to other stand-alone bookshelf models.

The internal redesign has influenced its mechanic redesign, including an improved speaker cable terminations and a more rigid stand connection. In the box it comes with a table-top stand and wall brackets, with the FS-M1 floor stand available as an optional extra.

The acoustically principled PV1D also benefits from new drive units and amplification, allowing it to discharge deeper bass quicker than the previous model. On the front is a touch OLED panel that allows users to nominate a variety of pre-sets or manually tune sound output. More advanced tuning options can be managed via SubApp PC software.

Click to enlarge

B&O’s MT-55

The MT-55 and MT-50 share the M1 speaker set up, although use ASW610 and ASW608 sub-woofers respectively. These two mini theatre systems are in store now, while the MT-60D will be available in August.

Mini Theatre Pricing
MT-50 – $1,999
MT55 – $2,299
MT-60D – $3,199

Individual Speaker Pricing
M-1 (each) – $260
PV1D – $1,899
ASW608 – $699

Optional Accessories
FS- M-1 stands (Pair) – $399