B&W CM Centre 2 Speaker

Description

The Bowers & Wilkins CM Centre 2 was introduced as the flagship center-channel speaker for the original CM Series, designed to complement the CM7 and later the CM9 floorstanding loudspeakers. Unlike the smaller two-way CM Centre, the CM Centre 2 employs a true three-way driver configuration, giving it significantly greater dynamic capability, lower distortion, and superior vocal clarity. Intended for premium home theater systems, it combines technologies derived from B&W’s acclaimed 800 Series with elegant cabinetry and refined acoustics, making it one of the finest center speakers in its class.

At the heart of the CM Centre 2 is a sophisticated driver array consisting of a 25 mm (1-inch) Nautilus™ tube-loaded aluminum dome tweeter, a dedicated 100 mm (4-inch) woven Kevlar® FST™ (Fixed Suspension Transducer) midrange driver, and two 165 mm (6.5-inch) paper/Kevlar® bass drivers. The inclusion of the FST midrange—technology previously reserved for B&W’s higher-end loudspeakers—allows voices and dialogue to be reproduced with exceptional realism. By eliminating the conventional rubber surround found on most cone drivers, the FST design minimizes edge coloration and improves transient accuracy, giving spoken dialogue a remarkably natural and lifelike quality.

The CM Centre 2 also incorporates B&W’s renowned Flowport™ bass-reflex system. The dimpled port surface, inspired by golf-ball aerodynamics, reduces turbulence and audible port noise while extending low-frequency response. Despite its relatively low-profile cabinet, the speaker delivers surprisingly deep and controlled bass, allowing it to reproduce everything from subtle orchestral passages to explosive movie soundtracks with equal confidence. A rigid, heavily braced enclosure further suppresses cabinet resonances, helping preserve low-level detail and tonal accuracy.

Aesthetically, the CM Centre 2 reflects the premium design language of the CM Series. Real-wood veneer finishes including Rosenut and Gloss Black, along with magnetically attached grilles and an elegantly curved cabinet, give the speaker a refined appearance that integrates beautifully into modern living spaces. High-quality binding posts permit bi-wiring or bi-amping for users seeking maximum performance from high-end AV processors and amplifiers.

Reviewers consistently praised the CM Centre 2 for its outstanding dialogue reproduction and seamless integration with the rest of the CM Series. Home Cinema Choice awarded the CM9-based surround package five stars, describing the front soundstage as “beautifully balanced and wonderfully cohesive,” while noting that dialogue remained exceptionally clear and naturally anchored to the screen during demanding movie soundtracks. The review also praised the system’s ability to combine audiophile-quality music reproduction with cinematic impact.

Owners have been equally enthusiastic. Enthusiasts on the Bowers & Wilkins community and Reddit frequently describe the CM Centre 2 as a substantial upgrade over the standard CM Centre because of its dedicated FST midrange driver, with many noting its effortless dialogue intelligibility and excellent timbre matching with the CM7 and CM9 floorstanders. Several users have commented that it is among the best values available on the used market for a premium center speaker.

Today, the CM Centre 2 remains highly sought after by home theater enthusiasts assembling or preserving an original CM Series system. Its combination of advanced driver technology, premium construction, wide dispersion, and exceptionally natural vocal reproduction continues to make it one of Bowers & Wilkins’ most respected center-channel loudspeakers.

Product Specifications

• Speaker Type: Three-way vented-box center-channel loudspeaker
• Tweeter: 25 mm (1 in.) Nautilus™ tube-loaded aluminum dome
• Midrange: 100 mm (4 in.) woven Kevlar® FST™ driver
• Woofers: 2 × 165 mm (6.5 in.) paper/Kevlar® cone bass drivers
• Enclosure: Flowport™ rear-ported bass-reflex design
• Frequency Response: 56 Hz – 22 kHz (±3 dB)
• Frequency Range (-6 dB): 40 Hz – 50 kHz
• Sensitivity: 89 dB (2.83V/1m)
• Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms (minimum approximately 3 ohms)
• Recommended Amplifier Power: 30–200 watts into 8 ohms
• Crossover Frequencies: 350 Hz and 4 kHz
• Inputs: Dual gold-plated binding posts for bi-wire/bi-amp operation
• Dimensions (H × W × D): 218 × 590 × 301 mm (8.6 × 23.2 × 11.9 in., including grille and terminals)
• Weight: 18.7 kg (41.1 lbs.)