Bowers & Wilkins CCM682 (pack of 2)
Overview
A white disc measuring 29 cm across on the ceiling, protruding just 4 mm, with a 20 cm bass/midrange driver behind the grille paired with a tweeter that can be aimed towards the sofa. This model is the most refined of the 20 cm models in the Bowers & Wilkins CI 600 architectural speaker series. It incorporates two hallmarks of the brand’s speakers, the blue aramid cone and the Nautilus-loaded tweeter, in a format that disappears once the grille is painted to match the ceiling.
A Nautilus tweeter that can be aimed towards the listener
A ceiling speaker is rarely directly above the listening position. It projects sound towards the floor while the listener’s ears are two metres away. Bass and midrange cope with this because they radiate widely. Treble, which is much more directional, loses presence as soon as you move off-axis. Bowers & Wilkins has mounted the tweeter on a pivoting support: tilting it towards the listening area restores the clarity lost at that angle.
This tweeter is a 25 mm aluminium dome with Nautilus loading. Behind the dome, a tapered tube absorbs the rear wave, preventing it from reflecting back and colouring the sound. The principle originates from the brand’s Nautilus speaker and is also used in its hi-fi models. The support has markings indicating the tilt angle, and a three-position equalisation switch completes the adjustment. Set the switch to the position corresponding to the number of visible markings, and the tonal balance follows the chosen angle.
A 20 cm blue aramid bass/midrange driver
The bass/midrange driver uses a 200 mm woven aramid fibre cone (from the Kevlar family), recognisable by its blue colour. This material combines lightness and rigidity, and its weave breaks up the resonances that form on the surface of a uniform cone. The die-cast aluminium basket provides a rigid base that does not vibrate with the driver, delivering cleaner bass. The motor pairs a 30 mm voice coil with a 100 mm magnet.
Bowers & Wilkins specifies a frequency response of 35 Hz to 50 kHz at -6 dB. In the ceiling, bass performance depends heavily on the volume of air available behind the speaker and how it is enclosed. A back box makes this behaviour more predictable (see below). The 89 dB sensitivity and nominal impedance of 8 Ω, with a minimum of 4.5 Ω, make it an easy load. A home cinema receiver or multiroom zone amplifier can drive it without difficulty, within a recommended range of 25 to 150 W.
Quick installation without reworking the cut-out
Installation requires a 250 mm diameter cut-out and 134 mm of clear depth behind the plasterboard. The speaker consists of three elements: a baffle carrying the drivers and crossover, a mounting frame with an integrated flange, and a fine grille held in place by magnets. It is secured using QuickDogs clamps. Tightening the screws deploys them behind the board, where they grip the ceiling. Plug-in connectors speed up connection. The whole assembly weighs 2.9 kg.
Once installed, only the flange protrudes, by 4 mm. The grille is paintable, and the blue cone remains invisible behind the perforations.
Pre-installation and back boxes
In a new build or major renovation, the PMK C8 pre-mount kit is secured before the ceiling is installed. It reserves the exact position of the speaker, leaving the plasterboard installer simply to follow its outline.
The BB C8 and BB 165C back boxes enclose the space behind the speaker. The driver then operates in a known enclosure rather than a plenum of arbitrary dimensions, making bass more consistent. The box also limits sound transmission to the floor above or the neighbouring room, and protects the rear from dust. Where regulations require a fire-resistant ceiling, the BB 8C is the fire-rated version.
Music throughout the home or height channels
Connected as a pair to an amplifier, two CCM682 speakers provide stereo sound in a living room without any speakers on the floor. Several pairs connected to zone amplifiers play music from room to room, with the tweeter adjustment compensating for listening positions dictated by furniture placement. For home cinema, Bowers & Wilkins also intends them for use as Dolby Atmos height channels. Their sensitivity and frequency range then bring them close to the main speakers, and the bass extends low enough to keep overhead effects from sounding thin.
Documentation
French
Technical Specifications
Main Features
- 2-way in-ceiling speaker
- Power handling: 25 - 150 W
- Swirl Nautilus technology adjustable tweeter
- Quick claw fixings for easy installation
- 3-position equalization selector for acoustic adjustment
Speakers
- Tweeter:
- Type: 25 mm Swirl Nautilus aluminum
- Orientation: adjustable
- Midrange/woofer: 200 mm blue Kevlar cone
Acoustic Performance
- Frequency response (-6 dB): 35 Hz - 50 kHz
- Sensitivity: 89 dB (2.83 V / 1 m)
- Impedance:
- Nominal: 8 Ω
- Minimum: 4.5 Ω
Dimensions
- Cutout: Ø 250 mm
- Mounting depth: 134 mm
- Protrusion thickness: 4 mm
- Weight: 2.9 kg
Compatible Accessories
- Pre-mounting kit: PMK C8
- Mounting boxes: BB C8, BB 165C
- Fire-rated mounting box: BB 8C
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the grille be painted the same color as the ceiling?
Yes. Remove the magnetic grille before painting it, away from the speaker. It’s best to use thinned paint applied with a spray gun or in very thin coats: the perforations must remain open, otherwise the treble loses definition.
How much plenum height is required?
The speaker requires 134 mm of clear depth behind the ceiling surface, which should be checked at the cutout: joists, metal channels, ducts and recessed spotlights often reduce the actual space available. With a back box, allow for the depth of the box rather than that of the speaker.
Is a back box essential?
No, the speaker works in the cavity above the suspended ceiling. The enclosure becomes useful when this space is very large, opens onto other rooms, or when the floor above is occupied. It smooths out the bass and reduces sound transmitted upstairs.
Can two CCM682 speakers be connected to the same amplifier output?
In parallel, two 8 Ω speakers present a nominal load of 4 Ω, with the minimum dropping below 2.5 Ω. Few consumer amplifiers can handle this without overheating or entering protection mode. One output per speaker, or a zone amplifier designed for this type of wiring, remains best practice.
How do I adjust the tweeter tilt and the switch?
Point the tweeter mount toward the main listening area, then set the equalization switch to the position corresponding to the number of tilt markings visible on the mount. If the speaker is almost directly above the listeners, the tweeter stays upright and the switch remains in its default position.
Is the speaker suitable for wall mounting?
This round model is designed for ceiling installation. For installation in a partition wall, the Bowers & Wilkins CI 600 series includes rectangular in-wall speakers, better suited to horizontal sound dispersion.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- Manufacturer reference: FP29629
- GTIN / EAN: 714346310388
