CM8 S2 - Speaker BOWERS & WILKINS - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Floorstanding speaker
Brand	Bowers & Wilkins
Model	CM8 S2
Box contents	1 speaker, 4 rubber feet, 4 M6 spike feet, 4 lock nuts, 1 floor stand, 1 Allen key, 4 M6 x 35 mm screws, 4 flat washers, 4 self-locking washers, 1 foam bung (2 parts)
Positioning	Floorstanding speakers, use of decoupling spikes or rubber feet. Recommended distance: 1.5 to 3 m between speakers, >0.5 m from rear and side walls
Base attachment	Align the engraved arrow forward, use supplied washers and screws, tighten with Allen key
Spike adjustment	Screw fully then unscrew to balance, lock with lock nut
Connections	Bi-wiring or bi-amping possible. Red (+) terminals, black (-) terminals. Polarity must be respected
Bass adjustment	Insert foam bungs into the decompression vents (outer only or both parts)
Break-in	Approximately 15 hours of normal use for optimal performance
Maintenance	Dusting, cleaning with unscented soapy water or glass cleaner, avoid abrasive or ammonia-based products
Magnetic compatibility	Keep at least 50 cm away from sensitive devices (CRTs, magnetic tapes); LCD/OLED/plasma screens unaffected
Environmental information	Compliant with RoHS, REACH, WEEE. Recycle according to local regulations

Frequently Asked Questions - CM8 S2 BOWERS & WILKINS

How to properly position the CM8 S2 speakers?

Place the speakers at least 50 cm from rear and side walls. For stereo, separate them by 1.5 to 3 meters forming an equilateral triangle with the listening position. For home theater, place them on each side of the screen.

How to install the decoupling spikes?

Screw the spikes fully first, then unscrew them to balance the speaker. Tighten the lock nuts once balanced. On hard floors, use the rubber feet or a metal washer.

Can I bi-wire the CM8 S2 speaker?

Yes. Remove the links between the two pairs of terminals. Connect each pair to the amplifier separately. Observe polarity (+/-) for each cable.

How to adjust the bass if the level is too high?

Insert the supplied foam bungs into the decompression vents at the back. Use the outer part alone for moderate reduction, or both parts for greater reduction.

How long does the speaker break-in period last?

The initial break-in lasts about 15 hours of normal use. If the speakers have been stored in cold conditions, allow a weekend for thermal stabilization.

How to clean the CM8 S2 speakers?

Dust regularly. For marks, use a damp cloth with water and mild unscented soap, or a glass cleaner. Avoid abrasive or ammonia-containing products. Do not touch the speakers.

Are the speakers sensitive to magnetic fields?

Yes, speakers generate magnetic fields. Keep sensitive devices (CRT TVs, magnetic tapes) at least 50 cm away. LCD, OLED, and plasma screens are unaffected.

How to attach the speaker base?

Lay the speaker on its side, protecting the surface. Align the base with the holes under the speaker, arrow forward. Secure with the supplied screws and washers, placing the self-locking washer between the flat washer and the screw. Tighten with the Allen key.

Can I use the speakers on carpet?

Yes. The spikes are designed to penetrate the carpet and rest on the hard floor. Adjust the height of the spikes to balance the speaker. Tighten the lock nuts after adjustment.

What to do if the stereo image is degraded?

Check the polarity of the cables: speaker + to amplifier +, and speaker - to amplifier -. A polarity inversion degrades the stereo image and reduces bass. Also ensure the speakers are symmetrically placed.

USER MANUAL CM8 S2 BOWERS & WILKINS

CM8 S2 CM9 S2 CM10 S2

Welcome and thank you for choosing Bowers & Wilkins.

Our founder, John Bowers, believed that imaginative design, innovative engineering and advanced technology were keys that could unlock the enjoyment of audio in the home. His belief is one that we continue to share and inspires every product we design.

This is a high performance product that rewards thoughtful installation, so we suggest that you take some time to read this manual before you begin. Continue on page 5 →

300 Series Diamond

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1. Unpacking

Diagram showing three types of mechanical components with numbered labels: cylindrical, threaded screw, and flat plate.

Carton Contents

Check in the carton for:

1 Foam plug
1 Accessory pack containing
4 Rubber feet
4 M6 spike feet
4 Lock nuts (10mm across flats)
1 Plinth
1 Accessory pack containing
1 Allen key
4 M6 x 35mm screws
4 Plain washers
4 Shakeproof washers

	1
	4
	4
	4

Environmental Information

This product complies with international directives, including but not limited to:

i. the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) in electrical and electronic equipment,

ii. the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of CHemicals (REACH)

iii. the disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE).

Consult your local waste disposal authority for guidance on how properly to recycle or dispose of this product.

2. Positioning

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Speaker Installation

The speakers are intended to be floor mounted only. It is important to ensure that the speakers stand firmly on the floor using the spike feet supplied whenever possible. In addition, fit the plinth for proper stability.

You may attach the plinth during the unpacking process, following the diagrams on the top flap of the carton. Alternatively, you may attach it after the product has been fully unpacked, by covering a suitable support such as a table with a cloth and laying the speaker on its side with the base of the cabinet overhanging the support. Align the plinth with its attachment holes in the underside of the cabinet, ensuring that the arrow on the underside of the plinth points forwards. Secure the plinth using the screws and washers supplied. Fit the shakeproof washers between the plain washers and the screw heads. Tighten the screws using the Allen key supplied.

Technical diagram showing mechanical assembly with labeled components and directional arrows indicating motion or assembly steps.

The spike feet are designed to pierce carpet and rest on the floor surface. Initially, screw the lock nuts onto the spikes enough to leave the nuts floating just above the carpet when the spikes are resting on the floor beneath. Screw the spikes fully into the threaded inserts in the plinth. If the cabinet rocks when placed on the floor, unscrew the two spikes that do not touch the floor until the cabinet rests firmly without rocking. Finally, lock the nuts against the cabinet. It may be more convenient to fit and adjust the spike feet after speaker positioning has been optimised.

If there is no carpet and you wish to avoid scratching the floor surface, use either a protective metal disc (a coin perhaps) between the spike and the floor, or use the supplied rubber feet. Fit the rubber feet and level the cabinet in the same manner as with the spike feet.

For CM10 S2 only, remove the transit clamp disc from the rear of the cabinet to free up the decoupling mechanism of the FST midrange drive unit. We recommend you retain the disc and securing screw should you need to transport the speaker at some future time.

>0.5m 1.5m - 3m >0.5m

Speaker Positioning

Adjustment of speaker position following initial installation will probably further improve the sound quality and is usually worthwhile.

In either stereo or home theatre installations, try to ensure that the immediate surroundings of each speaker are similar in acoustic character. For example, if one speaker is adjacent to bare walls while the other is adjacent to soft furnishings and curtains, both the overall sound quality and the stereo image are likely to be compromised.

Conventional Stereo Systems

To begin with, the speakers should be positioned between 1.5m and 3m apart at two corners of an equilateral triangle completed by the listening area at the third corner. The speakers should be approximately 0.5m away from the back wall, and at least 0.5m away from any side walls (above).

5 Channels 7 Channels

110° - 130° >0.5m

~40°

Home Theatre Systems

If the speakers are to be used for the front channels in a home theatre system, they should be placed closer together than for 2-channel audio, because the surround channels tend to widen the image. Positioning the speakers within approximately 0.5m of the sides of the screen will also help keep the sound image in scale with the visual image. As with conventional stereo positioning, the speakers should ideally be at least 0.5m away from any side walls. If you would prefer to place your speaker against the back wall and this location results in over emphasised bass, see the Fine Tuning section of this manual for information on using the foam plugs.

Stray magnetic fields

The speaker drive units create stray magnetic fields that extend beyond the boundaries of the cabinet. We recommend you keep magnetically sensitive articles (CRT television and computer screens, computer discs, audio and video tapes, swipe cards and the like) at least 0.5m from the speaker. LCD, OLED and plasma screens are not affected by magnetic fields.

3. Connections

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All connections should be made with the audio equipment switched off.
There are 2 linked pairs of terminals on the back of the speaker. For conventional connection (above left), the terminal links should remain in place (as delivered) and just one pair of terminals connected to the amplifier. For bi-wire connections or bi-amplification (above right), the terminal links should be removed and each pair of terminals connected to the amplifier or amplifiers independently. Bi-wiring can improve the resolution of low-level detail.

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Ensure that the positive terminals on the speaker (marked + and coloured red) are connected to the positive output terminal on the amplifier and the negative terminals on the speaker (marked – and coloured black) are connected to the negative output terminal on the amplifier. Incorrect connection can result in poor imaging and loss of bass.
Ask your dealer for advice when selecting speaker cable.

1. Fine Tuning
   

dB Hz dB Hz dB Hz

Before fine tuning, make sure that all the connections in the installation are correct and secure.

Moving the speakers further from the walls will generally reduce the volume of bass. Space behind the speakers will also help to create an aural impression of depth. Conversely, moving the speakers closer to the walls will increase the volume of bass. If you want to reduce the volume of bass without moving the speakers further from the wall, fit the foam plugs or, for less severe bass reduction, the foam rings in the port tubes (above).

If the bass seems uneven with frequency this will most probably be a consequence of the acoustic properties of your listening room. Even small changes in the position of the speakers or listening position can have a significant effect on sonic performance, especially at low frequencies. Try moving your listening position or locating your speakers along a different wall if possible.

If no alternatives exist, you can adjust your loudspeakers' low-frequency performance using the supplied foam bungs. The bungs are a two-piece part, allowing for a degree of fine-tuning using either the outer, larger-diameter piece in isolation or the two parts together. Using solely the outer, larger-diameter foam bung will deliver less bass attenuation than the complete bung assembly.

1. Running In 6. Aftercare

The performance of the speaker will change subtly during the initial listening period. If the speaker has been stored in a cold environment, the damping compounds and suspension materials of the drive units will take some time to recover their correct mechanical properties. The drive unit suspensions will also loosen up during the first hours of use. The time taken for the speaker to achieve its intended performance will vary depending on previous storage conditions and how it is used. As a guide, allow up to a week for the temperature effects to stabilise and 15 hours of average use for the mechanical parts to attain their intended design characteristics.

The cabinet surfaces will usually only require dusting. If you wish to use an aerosol or other cleaner, apply the cleaner onto the cloth, not directly onto the product and test a small area first, as some cleaning products may damage some of the surfaces. Avoid products that are abrasive, or contain acid, alkali or antibacterial agents. Marks on the paint surface may be removed with a dilute perfume-free soap solution. Remove any remaining streak marks by spraying with a proprietary glass cleaner and lightly wiping dry with a microfibre cloth. Do not use cleaning agents on the drive units and avoid touching them as damage may result.

Real wood veneers are treated with an ultra-violet resistant lacquer to minimise changes in colour over time. Nevertheless, like all natural materials, a degree of colour change is to be expected. Colour differences may be rectified by exposing all the veneer surfaces equally and evenly to sunlight until the colour is uniform. This process can take a long time, but may be accelerated by careful use of an ultra-violet lamp. Keep the speakers away from direct sources of heat such as radiators and warm air vents in order to minimise the possibility of the wood veneer cracking.

1. Déballage

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Technical line drawing of a mechanical assembly with mounting brackets and alignment indicators (no text or symbols)

Technical diagram showing mechanical assembly steps with labeled components and directional arrows indicating rotation or movement.

5 Channels 7 Channels

>0,5 m 110° - 130°

~40°

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Technical line drawing of a mechanical device with rotating components and mounting holes (no text or symbols)

Diagram showing three types of mechanical parts with numbered labels: cylindrical, threaded screw, and flat plate.

Kartoninhalt

Im Karton liegen:

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Technical diagram showing mechanical assembly with labeled components and directional arrows indicating motion or assembly steps.

>0.5m 1.5m - 3m >0.5m

5 Channels 7 Channels

110° - 130° >0.5m

~40°

Heimkinosysteme

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Technical line drawing of a mechanical device with rotating components and mounting brackets (no text or symbols)

Simple line drawing of a handheld device with a circular top and internal components (no text or symbols)

O

Technical line drawing of a mechanical device with a circular component and internal components (no text or symbols)

[NO TEXT]

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[NO TEXT]

Diagram showing three types of mechanical parts with numbered labels: cylindrical, threaded screw, and flat plate.

Technical line drawing of a mechanical assembly with no visible text or symbols

Technical diagram showing mechanical assembly with labeled components and directional arrows indicating motion or assembly steps.

>0.5m 1.5m - 3m >0.5m

5 Channels 7 Channels

110° - 130° >0.5m

~40°

Technical line drawing of a mechanical device with a circular top and internal components (no text or symbols)

Technical line drawing of a mechanical device with rotating components and mounting holes (no text or symbols)

Diagram showing three types of mechanical components with numbered labels: cylindrical, threaded screw, and flat plate.

Conteúdos da caixa

Technical line drawing of a mechanical assembly with mounting brackets and directional arrows (no text or symbols)

Technical diagram showing mechanical assembly steps with labeled components and directional arrows indicating motion or movement.

Technical line drawing of a mechanical device with a circular top and internal components (no text or symbols)

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Diagram showing three types of mechanical parts with numbered labels: cylindrical, threaded screw, and flat plate.

Technical line drawing of a mechanical assembly with mounting brackets and alignment indicators (no text or symbols)

Installazione

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>0.5m 1.5m - 3m >0.5m

Posizionamento

110° - 130° >0.5m

~40°

Sistemi Home Theatre

Technical line drawing of a mechanical device with a circular top and internal components (no text or symbols)

Pure mechanical diagram of a pulley or switch mechanism without any text, numbers, or symbols

Diagram showing three types of mechanical parts with numbered labels: cylindrical, threaded screw, and flat plate.

Inhoud doos

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Luidspreker Installeren

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>0.5m 1.5m - 3m >0.5m

Luidsprekeropstelling

5 Channels 7 Channels

110° - 130° >0.5m

~40°

Home Theater Systemen

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Technical line drawing of a mechanical device with rotating components and mounting brackets (no text or symbols)

Diagram showing three types of mechanical components with numbered labels: cylindrical, threaded screw, and flat plate.

Technical line drawing of a mechanical assembly with mounting brackets and alignment indicators (no text or symbols)

Τοποθέτηση ηχείου

Technical diagram showing mechanical assembly steps with labeled components and directional arrows indicating motion or movement.

Technical line drawing of a mechanical device with a circular top and internal components (no text or symbols)

Technical line drawing of a mechanical device with rotating components and mounting brackets (no text or symbols)

Diagram showing three types of mechanical parts with numbered labels: cylindrical, threaded screw, and flat plate.

Содержание упаковки

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Установка колонок

Technical diagram showing mechanical assembly with labeled components and directional arrows indicating motion or assembly steps.

>0.5m 1.5m - 3m >0.5m

5 Channels 7 Channels

110° - 130° >0.5m

~40°

Technical line drawing of a mechanical device with a circular top and internal components (no text or symbols)

Technical line drawing of a mechanical device with rotating components and mounting brackets (no text or symbols)

Diagram showing three types of mechanical parts with numbered labels: cylindrical, threaded screw, and flat plate.

Obsah balení

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Technical diagram showing mechanical assembly with labeled components and directional arrows indicating motion or assembly steps.

>0.5m 1.5m - 3m >0.5m

Pozice reprosoustav

110° - 130° >0.5m

~40°

Domácí kino

Technical line drawing of a mechanical device with a circular top and internal components (no text or symbols)

Technical line drawing of a mechanical device with rotating components and mounting brackets (no text or symbols)

Diagram showing three types of mechanical components with numbered labels: cylindrical, threaded screw, and flat plate.

Diagram showing four labeled mechanical or electrical component symbols: a L-shaped tool, a threaded bolt, a circle, and a gear-like symbol.

Technical line drawing of a mechanical assembly with mounting brackets and alignment indicators (no text or symbols)

Technical diagram showing mechanical assembly with labeled components and directional arrows indicating motion or assembly steps.

>0.5m 1.5m - 3m >0.5m

110° - 130° >0.5m

~40°

Technical line drawing of a mechanical device with a circular top and internal components (no text or symbols)

Technical line drawing of a mechanical device with rotating components and mounting brackets (no text or symbols)

Diagram showing three types of mechanical parts with numbered labels: cylindrical, threaded screw, and flat plate.

Technical line drawing of a mechanical assembly with mounting brackets and alignment indicators (no text or symbols)

Instalacja głośnika

Technical diagram showing mechanical assembly with labeled components and directional arrows indicating motion or assembly steps.

>0.5m 1.5m - 3m >0.5m

Ustawienie głośnika

5 Channels 7 Channels

110° - 130° >0.5m

~40°

Technical line drawing of a mechanical device with a circular top and internal components (no text or symbols)

Technical line drawing of a mechanical device with rotating components and mounting brackets (no text or symbols)

Diagram showing three types of mechanical parts with numbered labels: cylindrical, threaded screw, and flat plate.

包装箱内的物品

检查纸箱内的下列物品：

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扬声器的安装

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>0.5m 1.5m - 3m >0.5m

扬声器的定位

5 Channels 7 Channels

110° - 130° >0.5m

~40°

家庭影院系统

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Technical line drawing of a mechanical device with rotating components and mounting base (no text or symbols)

Diagram showing three types of mechanical components with numbered labels: cylindrical, threaded screw, and flat plate.

包装箱内的物品

檢查紙箱內的下列物品：

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揚聲器的安裝

Technical diagram showing mechanical assembly with labeled components and directional arrows indicating motion or assembly steps.

>0.5m 1.5m - 3m >0.5m

5 Channels 7 Channels

110° - 130° >0.5m

~40°

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Technical line drawing of a mechanical device with rotating components and mounting brackets (no text or symbols)

Diagram showing three types of mechanical parts with numbered labels: cylindrical, threaded screw, and flat plate.

内容物

以下の内容を確認してください。

フォームプラグ 1個

アクセサリーパック1袋

中身

ゴム足 4個

M6スパイク 4本

ロックナット（10mm平面幅）4個

台座 1個

アクセサリーパック 1袋

中身

六角レンチ 1個

M6 x 35mmネジ 4個

平ワッシャー 4個

菊座ワッシャー 4個

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環境関連情報

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Technical diagram showing mechanical assembly with labeled components and directional arrows indicating motion or assembly steps.

スピーカーの設置

>0.5m 1.5m - 3m >0.5m

5 Channels 7 Channels

110° - 130°

~40°

スピーカー設置位置

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Technical line drawing of a mechanical device with rotating components and mounting brackets (no text or symbols)

Diagram showing three types of mechanical parts with numbered labels: cylindrical, threaded screw, and flat plate.

내용물

Diagram showing four labeled mechanical or electrical component symbols: a L-shaped tool, a screw, a circle, and a gear-like symbol.

환경 정보

Technical line drawing of a mechanical assembly with mounting brackets and alignment indicators (no text or symbols)

스피커 설치

Technical diagram showing mechanical assembly with labeled components and directional arrows indicating motion or assembly steps.

>0.5m 1.5m - 3m >0.5m

스피커 설치 위치

110° - 130° >0.5m

~40°

홈씨어터 시스템

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Pure mechanical diagram of a pulley or switch mechanism without any text, numbers, or symbols

EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

We,

B&W Group Ltd.

whose registered office is situated at

Dale Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 2BH, United Kingdom

declare under our sole responsibility that the products:

CM8 S2, CM9 S2 and CM10 S2

comply with the EU Electro-Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive 89/336/EEC, in pursuance of which the following standards have been applied:

EN 61000-6-1 : 2007

EN 61000-6-3 : 2007

EN 55020 : 2007

EN 55013 : 2001

and comply with the EU General Product Safety 2001/95/EC, in pursuance of which the following standard has been applied:

BS EN 60065:2002 + A12:2011

This declaration attests that the manufacturing process quality control and product documentation accord with the need to assure continued compliance.

The attention of the user is drawn to any special measures regarding the use of this equipment that may be detailed in the owner's manual.

Signed:

G Edwards

Executive Vice President, Operations

B&W Group Ltd.

Bowers & Wilkins

B&W Group Ltd

Dale Road

Worthing West Sussex

BN11 2BH England

T [phone]

F [phone]

[e-mail]

www.bowers-wilkins.com

B&W Group (UK Sales)

T [phone]

E [e-mail]

B&W Group North America

T+19786642870

E [e-mail]

B&W Group Asia Ltd

T+85234729300

E [e-mail]

Copyright © B&W Group Ltd. E&OE

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