Custom Installation Speakers
Client
Bowers & Wilkins
Year
2010 onwards
Type of Work
Design development
Prototyping
Design for manufacture
For those people who’d prefer not to have large speakers in their rooms, custom installation speakers are mounted in walls and ceilings to provide a more discreet means of experiencing high quality audio throughout the home. In 2010, we designed Bowers & Wilkins’ ground-breaking CI600 range (hailed by B&W as ‘the most important custom product launch in the company’s history’). And since then, Bowers & Wilkins has entrusted Goodwin Hartshorn with every range of custom installation speakers. These include the flagship CI800 speakers, the home cinema-centric CI700 range, the entry-level CI300s and the waterproof Marine speakers. Below, we introduce the technologies we developed and then show a selection of the speakers.
Two-part installation
Prior to the CI600 range, the installation of speakers both in-wall and in-ceiling was cumbersome and time consuming; wiring the speaker (possibly up a ladder) could result in damage both to the product and the wall/ceiling. Two-part installation allows the installer first to attach a lightweight frame into the wall/ceiling (and install the signal cables) and then later attach the heavy (and expensive) speaker element.
QuickDogTM
In order to speed up installation time and reduce the chance of damage to the speakers, we developed the unique tool-free QuickDogTM system. Previously, screwdriver-operated ‘swing-out dogs’ were used to retain the speakers in the wall/ceiling. Our QuickDogs dramatically reduce installation time – indeed, in combination with other innovations described below, installation time is reduced by as much as 75%.
Hot plug and play
Integral to the two-part installation process, our ‘hot plug and play’ system allows the installer to attach the signal cables to the frame prior to installing the expensive (and heavy) speaker. As the speaker is clipped into the frame, the signal connection is automatically made.
Locking studs
Our aim with the custom installation speakers has been, wherever possible, to have tool-free installation. We have used locking-studs to attach the speakers into the frames. These are simply pushed to lock in place and can be found (in various guises) on the CI600, CI700 and CI800 ranges.
Tilting tweeters
To improve the sound staging (particularly in home cinema set-ups) the CI600 range has a tilting tweeter mounted through the driver voice-coil. This allows the tweeter to be pointed towards the optimum listening position. We developed a rotating, spherical tweeter body which houses six spiralling/tapering Nautilus tubes to absorb backpressure from the tweeter cone; technology from B&W’s flagship speaker utilised in this core range.
Square adapter
People’s tastes vary: for in-ceiling speakers, some people prefer circular and some people prefer square. Rather than producing multiple SKUs, we developed a square adapter to give consumers the choice whilst simplifying supply for B&W.
ZipDogTM
Following the development of the QuickDogs (used with a two-part installation), we needed a similar system for smaller speakers that have a one-part installation. Enter the ZipDogs. This patented retaining system allows the speakers to be installed – tool-free – quickly and easily with just the pull of a zip tie.
Expanding backbox
Speakers work best when the drivers and enclosure volumes are tuned. And, for better sensitivity and bass extension, it’s often beneficial to have a bigger volume. For very high-end speakers, a dedicated (and often very large) in-wall backbox will be pre-installed behind plasterboard. However, for retrofit situations, the backbox is generally limited to the size of the aperture. This is where our patented expanding back-box comes in; it creates an enclosure that’s nearly twice as big as the hole it fits through.
CI800 represents a money-no-object range of custom installation speakers for both in-wall and in-ceiling use. Incorporating many features of the in-room 800 Series Diamond range (including diamond tweeter domes) these speakers produce the highest quality audio you’re likely to find in CI.
The CI700 is a premium range of speakers that are optimised for high-end cinema set-ups. They all feature integrated backboxes which means they are also perfect for retrofitting into existing walls/ceilings.
The CI600 is B&W’s core custom installation range; it covers a very broad range of audio quality and price points. Incorporating many innovative features to improve sound quality and ease of installation, the CI600 range has redefined what’s expected from CI speakers throughout the industry.
CI300 is B&W’s entry level CI range. The speakers are simple to set up, easy to install and, critically, very shallow – this makes them the most versatile speakers in the CI line-up.
Marine: these are B&W’s waterproof speakers for use in boats and wet-rooms.
