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Bowers & Wilkins
Bowers & Wilkins is a prestigious British audio brand known for its high-performance speakers and headphones, delivering exceptional sound quality and innovative design. Founded in 1966, the company has consistently pushed the boundaries of acoustic technology, becoming a favourite among audiophiles and music professionals. With a wide range of products, from hi-fi speakers to wireless systems, Bowers & Wilkins combines advanced engineering with sleek aesthetics, ensuring an immersive listening experience. The brand's commitment to craftsmanship and audio excellence continues to set it apart in the world of high-fidelity audio.
The History of Bowers & Wilkins
Bowers & Wilkins was founded in 1966 by John Bowers in Worthing, England, with a vision to create loudspeakers that provide faithful sound reproduction. Bowers’ passion for high-fidelity audio led to the development of the P1, the brand's first loudspeaker, which set a new standard for sound quality. The company’s commitment to innovation was evident early on with the release of the DM6 in 1976, which introduced the use of Kevlar® cones. This groundbreaking material reduced distortion and improved sound clarity, becoming a hallmark in Bowers & Wilkins’ designs.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Bowers & Wilkins continued to evolve, launching the 800 Series, which quickly became a reference standard in leading recording studios, including Abbey Road. The brand's dedication to research led to the establishment of the Steyning Research Establishment (SRE), where engineers and designers worked tirelessly on new acoustic technologies. This focus on innovation resulted in further advancements like the Nautilus™ design and the development of the Diamond Dome tweeter, which provides exceptional treble clarity. Today, Bowers & Wilkins remains at the forefront of audio technology with products that blend advanced materials, such as Continuum™ cones, with timeless design, continuing to shape the future of high-fidelity sound.
The Core B&W Product Range
Bowers & Wilkins provides a wide range of high-performance audio products, each designed to cater to different listening preferences and environments. The 700 Series, including models like the 702 S3 floorstanding speakers and 705 S3 bookshelf speakers, features advanced technologies such as Carbon Dome tweeters and Continuum™ cones. These elements provide clear highs and detailed midrange, making them ideal for immersive hi-fi and home theatre setups. The 600 Series, featuring the 603 S2 Anniversary Edition and 606 S2 Anniversary Edition, combines affordability with high-quality sound. With upgraded crossovers and decoupled double dome tweeters, the 600 Series offers impressive audio clarity and dynamics, suitable for both music and movies.
The Formation Series brings Bowers & Wilkins' renowned sound quality into the realm of wireless audio. Models like the Formation Duo and Formation Wedge provide flexible, high-resolution audio solutions with modern connectivity, allowing for a seamless, multi-room experience without compromising on sound fidelity. In addition to speakers, Bowers & Wilkins offers a range of high-quality headphones, such as the PX7 S2 and Pi7 S2, which deliver exceptional sound on the go. With advanced noise-cancelling features, aptX Adaptive, and sleek designs, these headphones provide the perfect balance of style, comfort, and high-fidelity sound, ensuring that Bowers & Wilkins’ audio excellence is available wherever you are.
Why Choose Bowers & Wilkins?
Bowers & Wilkins combines its rich heritage of craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to produce audio equipment that not only sounds exceptional but also looks stunning. Each product, from the iconic 800 Series speakers to the sleek Formation wireless systems, is crafted with premium materials and attention to detail, ensuring that they complement any interior while delivering outstanding performance. The brand’s dedication to design is matched by its commitment to durability, with products that are built to last, providing reliable, high-quality sound for years to come.
Some B&W FAQ:
Are Bowers & Wilkins speakers compatible with non-B&W amplifiers?
Yes, Bowers & Wilkins speakers are compatible with most quality amplifiers and receivers, provided they match the power and impedance requirements of the speakers. Always check the specifications to ensure optimal performance.
Do Bowers & Wilkins headphones support high-resolution audio?
Yes, Bowers & Wilkins headphones like the PX7 S2 and Pi7 S2 support high-resolution audio formats, thanks to technologies like aptX Adaptive and advanced drivers, ensuring clear, detailed sound.
How do I maintain my Bowers & Wilkins speakers?
To maintain your B&W speakers, regularly dust them with a soft, dry cloth and avoid placing them in direct sunlight or humid environments. Proper placement and using appropriate speaker stands can also help maintain sound quality.
Can I use Bowers & Wilkins wireless speakers in a multi-room setup?
Yes, the Formation Series by Bowers & Wilkins is designed for multi-room audio setups, allowing you to stream high-resolution audio wirelessly throughout your home. They integrate easily with existing smart home systems.
What is the benefit of the Continuum™ cone in Bowers & Wilkins speakers?
The Continuum™ cone offers superior midrange performance by reducing distortion and providing a more natural sound. This technology helps deliver detailed and transparent audio, enhancing the listening experience across all music genres.
Final Thoughts
Bowers & Wilkins stands out as a leading choice for anyone seeking premium audio solutions, thanks to its decades-long commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and superior sound quality. Whether you are looking for high-fidelity speakers, advanced wireless systems, or high-performance Head-Fi, Bowers & Wilkins offers products that cater to both audiophiles and casual listeners alike. With a diverse range of options and a reputation built on technical excellence and timeless design, choosing Bowers & Wilkins ensures a top-tier audio experience that elevates music listening to new heights.
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Check out some of our most commonly asked questions.
What do I need to play records?
Getting into vinyl? That’s awesome! We have some curated turntable Hi-Fi packs, with everything you'll need to get spinning right away. But if you want to build your own, read on for all the details.
First off, you'll need a turntable. It's the star of the show, so make sure it’s in good nick, with a decent cartridge and stylus (needle).
Next, there’s the phono preamp. Some turntables or amplifiers come with one built-in, but if yours doesn’t, you’ll need one as a bridge between your turntable and amplifier or powered speakers.
For the sound output, you’ve got two options. You can go with a traditional setup involving an integrated amplifier to take the signal from your phono preamp and power your passive speakers. Alternatively, you can opt for powered speakers, which have the amplifier built in – a handy all-in-one solution.
Speaking of speakers, good ones are a must for that rich, warm vinyl sound we all love. Whether you go for bookshelf or floorstanding speakers (or powered ones) depends on your space and budget.
And there you go! With these essentials, you’ll be ready to dive into your vinyl collection and enjoy that classic sound.
What can a wireless speaker do?
Wireless speakers are a game-changer for how you enjoy music and audio around the house. First off, they let you stream music wirelessly from your phone, tablet, or computer, so no more messing about with cables. You can easily play tunes from Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal or whatever streaming service you fancy.
If you’re into having music everywhere, many wireless speakers offer multi-room audio. You can sync them up to play the same music in every room or control what plays in each room individually, perfect for parties or just keeping the vibes consistent throughout your home.
Voice control is another brilliant feature. Many come with built-in assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. You can control your music with just your voice, ask for the weather, set reminders, or even control other smart home devices.
Sound quality? These little gadgets often pack a punch, delivering high-quality audio that can rival traditional wired setups. Some even offer 360-degree sound, filling the room with music from every angle.
In a nutshell, wireless speakers bring flexibility, convenience, and top-notch sound to your audio experience, making them a fantastic addition to any home. Whether you’re hosting a party, working from home, or just chilling out, they make listening to music a breeze.
How do you choose the right speaker & amplifier combination?
Deciding on a good speaker and amplifier combination is like putting together a perfect wine and cheese pairing—it’s all about balance and harmony. Here’s a conversational guide to help you through it:
First, consider your speakers. These are your main players, so you want to choose ones that fit your space and listening preferences. If you love deep bass and have a bit of room, floorstanding speakers might be your go-to. For smaller spaces or a more subtle look, bookshelf speakers are fantastic.
Now, onto the amplifier. This is where things get interesting. Your amp needs to match your speakers in terms of power and impedance. Check the wattage ratings on your speakers—your amplifier should provide enough power to drive them properly. Too little power and you’ll be missing out on sound quality; too much, and you risk damaging your speakers.
Next, think about the impedance (measured in ohms). Your amp and speakers should be compatible here too. Most speakers are rated at 8 ohms, but some can be 4 or 6. Make sure your amplifier can handle the impedance of your speakers to avoid any performance issues.
Another important factor is the type of sound you’re after. Some amps are known for their warm, rich tones, while others might be more neutral or even slightly bright. It’s a bit like choosing between a vinyl record and a digital stream or CD —each has its own charm. If possible, listen to different amp and speaker combinations to see what sounds best to your ears.
If purchasing online, note that at LE, we have made recommendations on speaker & amplifier combinations that we think sound wonderful together within each product listing.
Don’t forget about connectivity and features. Modern amplifiers often come with a host of options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi streaming, and various inputs for all your devices. Make sure your amp has the inputs you need for your turntable, CD player, or streaming device.
Finally, consider your budget. Great sound doesn’t always mean breaking the bank, but be prepared to invest to get a quality setup that will last.
In the end, trust your ears. Listen to a few combinations if you can, and go with what makes your music sound the best to you.
Why do I need a headphone amplifier?
If you’re diving into the world of high-quality audio, a headphone amplifier can be a real game-changer. Think of it like this: most standard devices, like your smartphone or laptop, just don’t have the oomph needed to drive headphones properly. They might get the job done, but they won’t do your music justice. A headphone amp gives your headphones the power they need, ensuring you get the volume and clarity that really makes your music shine.
It’s not just about making things louder, either. A good headphone amp can significantly improve sound quality. You’ll get clearer highs, richer mids, and tighter bass, making your favourite tracks sound even better. You might notice details you’ve never heard before, especially if you’re listening to high-resolution audio files.
Premium headphones often have higher impedance, meaning they require more power than your typical audio source can provide. A headphone amp can handle this with ease, making sure your headphones perform at their absolute best. Plus, many amps come with extra features like bass boost, equalisation, and gain control, giving you more ways to tweak the sound to your liking.
In short, if you’re passionate about your music and want to hear it in the best possible way, a headphone amplifier is definitely worth considering. It’s all about unlocking the full potential of your gear and really getting the most out of your listening experience.
Where should I start when designing a home cinema?
Designing your own home cinema? That's awesome! We are here to help walk you through the process, but as a starting point, here’s what we would recommend and where to kick things off:
First up, pick your spot. For most people this is your existing lounge room, but if you have an underused garage, or spare bedroom, then you have an opportunity to create your very own true Home Cinema experience. Find a room that’s just right—not too cramped and ideally away from noisy areas. This sets the stage for that immersive movie experience.
Next, think about how you’ll set things up. Plan where your seats will go and where to place your projector screen for the best view from every angle. It’s all about creating that comfy, cinematic vibe.
Sound matters, too. Consider if you want a wireless system for simplicity or a full surround sound speaker system with AV receiver for that surround-sound thrill. Think about soundproofing or adding acoustic panels or thick carpets to really amp up the audio quality of the room.
Now, onto the screen. Decide between a crisp TV or a projector setup, depending on your room size and personal style. Maybe even throw in some dimmable lights or smart lighting to set the mood just right.
And hey, don’t forget comfort. Invest in plush cinema seating and think about the décor—whether it’s movie posters, blackout curtains, or popcorn machine & bar area, whatever gives you that true cinema feel.
Lastly, tech it up! Make sure everything—from your Blu-Ray player & Apple TV to your gaming consoles—is set to sync perfectly with your new setup.
With these steps, you’re on your way to creating a home cinema that’s not just a space, but an experience. Enjoy movie nights like never before!