The CM5s are the stand-mounted version of the first-rate CM7 floorstanders reviewed in issue 73 of Tone. They’re effectively cut down CM7s with only two drivers; the question is, can they meet the expectations set by the bigger model?

The CM5′s designers obviously didn’t study at the curved cabinet speaker school, but there’s nothing wrong with traditional rectangular cabinets, especially when they’re done as well as these. The finish is impeccable from stem to stern, especially the deep gloss rosenut veneer, and the CM5s make for a very pretty picture.

They create a striking sound as well, if anything more impressive than the bigger CM7s; the drivers are integrated so well, in the way that good two-way speakers often are. While you’re obviously sacrificing some of the low frequencies of a bigger multidriver speaker, the sonic gains from the simpler crossover and potentially more rigid cabinet can be well worth it. In any event, you won’t miss that low-end extension too much unless church organ music is your thing.

The CM5s are detailed, energetic speakers, thanks in no small part to the metal tweeter. They do a particularly good job of conveying the impact of drums and pianos, while guitars always sound lively and crisp. The CM5s are definitely not bright or fatiguing, but there’s the tiniest hint of an edge at the top that means they’ll need to be partnered with quality amplification that doesn’t sharpen the top end too much. They also need some space behind them or the bass can sound a little full, although this can be controlled to a degree with the supplied foam bungs.

Driven by a Yamaha A-S2000 integrated amp and Marantz SA8260 SACD player, vocals sounded tremendous and many happy hours were spent getting acquainted with a newly acquired Tony Joe White CD collection; the B&Ws made that swampy voice sound as gritty as a gravel path. They handled CDs from artists ranging from Pearl Jam and Nirvana to Miles Davis and Patricia Barber with a cool nonchalance that would make them very easy to live with. No complaints in terms of soundstaging or their ability to thrill at high volumes, either; they’re the best kind of all-rounders.

Placed on the excellent optional stands, the CM5s take up exactly the same floor space as a set of floorstanding speakers and are almost as tall, so does that make them a redundant offering? Absolutely not. Like most standmounts, the CM5s will suit smaller rooms better than large multidriver speakers will. The fact that they’re grand to look at and also happen to sound terrific is the icing on the cake. Buyers are spoilt for choice at this price point but the CM5s should still be considered shortlist material.

BRETT GIDEON

TECH SPECS

B&W CM5 STAND-MOUNT SPEAKERS

TWEETER: 25mm Nautilus tube-loaded aluminium dome
MID/BASS DRIVER: 165mm woven Kevlar cone
POWER HANDLING: 30-120W
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 52Hz-22kHz +/-3dB
IMPEDANCE: 8 Ohms
SENSITIVITY: 88dB/1W at 1m
DIMENSIONS: 340 x 200 x 301 mm (H/W/D)
WEIGHT: 8.9kg each
FINISHES: Real wood veneers in wenge, rosenut or painted gloss black (stands in black or silver)

PROS

• Lovely appearance

• Strong sonic performers

CONS

• Very strong competition

VERDICT

In a crowded marketplace, these speakers should be auditioned

CONTACT

www.bwspeakers.co.nz

This article is from Tone Magazine issue 78.

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