Bowers and Wilkins refreshes M-1 speaker and PV1D subwoofer, new Mini Theater bundles coming soon
B&W will soon have something new for every corner of your media consumption shrine. The six-year-old M-1 compact monitor is getting improved drivers, offering "enhanced full-range performance," while the PV1D subwoofer benefits from a more complete redesign. It now boasts the same digital platform as the flagship DB1, a new OLED display and other fresh specs including a dynamic EQ circuit and a low 7.5Hz cut off. The only component of the Mini Theater range that'll keep its old guts is the ASW608 subwoofer, which is now available in matte white to match that option with the M-1s. Look to spend $250 on each monitor, $1,700 on the PV1D and $500 on the ASW608, but check the press release first for more details and bundle options. Availability starts "early 2012."
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Take Hollywood Home
Bowers & Wilkins announces dramatically improved new M1 compact monitor and PV1D subwoofer, plus new finish option on ASW608 subwoofer, combined to create powerful Mini Theater systems.
M-1 loudspeaker gets enhanced full-range performance. PV1D subwoofer updates the ground-breaking "pressure vessel" Bowers & Wilkins subwoofer with a new digital platform, improved drive units and amplification. All products are available in stunning new Matte Black and Matte White finishes.
N. Reading, MA-February 2012-Bowers & Wilkins' M1, the heart of the company's Mini Theater packages, has been one of the major success stories in the world of home audio. Since launching six years ago, M1 has garnered many glowing reviews, won numerous awards and achieved top selling status around the world. But Bowers & Wilkins always looks for ways to improve its products and with the all new M1 ultra compact loudspeaker, performance is taken to a whole new level.
The M-1 loudspeaker can be a key component in 5.1 packages, acting as it does as all five speakers in a surround set up – a cleverly designed table-top stand lets the center speaker sit horizontally. But it's also a great stereo solution, as one of the most dramatic upgrades from the out-going M-1 is this speaker's full range performance: it now offers a stereo performance comparable to larger bookshelf speakers.
In order to achieve these improvements the M-1 has been completely redesigned internally, although only subtle styling differences are visible externally. It features all new drive units, including an in-house designed tweeter, and a bass/mid-range driver that uses the new Anti-Resonance Plug first seen on the high-end PM1 loudspeaker.
As well as these acoustic improvements, the mechanics of the M-1 have been updated, with improved speaker cable terminations and a more robust connection to the stands – a table-top stand and wall bracket are supplied in the box, while, a floor stand is available as an optional extra.
The PV1D, easily the most successful Bowers & Wilkins subwoofer globally, gets a dramatic update. While it retains its acoustically principled "pressure vessel" structurally inert shape with opposed balanced drivers cancelling cabinet resonance, the PV1D now moves to the digital platform developed for the flagship Bowers & Wilkins DB1 subwoofer and includes a dynamic EQ circuit. This provides increased flexibility and performance enhancements that, coupled with new drive units and amplification, lead to dramatically improved output. In fact, the PV1D has a +/-3db specification of a truly impressive 7.5Hz! This very low cut off gives the PV1D a much greater ability to display a sense of space and scale that is relevant for both movie effects and music. In spite of its still compact dimensions and elegant appearance, it is comparable to far larger subwoofers from an acoustic standpoint. .
A new OLED display and touch button array provide easy access to a number of pre-sets and tuning options, while a custom version of the SubApp™ PC software provides more advanced set-up options.
The third element in the Mini Theatre series is the ASW608 subwoofer. While this model remains the same acoustically, it is now available in the same stunning Matte White finish as the M-1 loudspeakers.
Two possible 5.1 system configurations of the upgraded Mini Theater series are the MT-60D and MT-50. These systems provide users with an immersive experience, but in relatively compact, discreet packages that fit easily into people's lifestyles. Both systems offer excellent performance, but the MT-60D sets new standards for what can be expected from a compact, stylish speaker package. This jump in quality is a result of partnering an up-graded M-1 loudspeaker, with the new PV1D, a dramatically improved version of the highly acclaimed opposed-drive-unit subwoofer. The MT-50, a more affordable system option, sees the new M-1s partnered with the ASW608 subwoofer.
Mini Theater is available early 2012 and costs:
M-1 - $250/ea.
PV1D - $1,700
ASW608 - $500
M-1 floor stand - $150/ea.
MT-50 - $1,750
MT-60D - $2,950
