Audio T Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins CCM663 brings genuine Hi-Fi thinking to a discreet in-ceiling speaker that can almost disappear once installed.
Its Nautilus swirl-loaded aluminium tweeter provides a clear and detailed treble, while the 150mm Aramid Fibre bass and midrange driver delivers convincing weight, speed and vocal clarity.
The adjustable tweeter and three-position EQ make it more adaptable than a basic ceiling speaker, although its 133mm mounting depth means the ceiling space must be checked carefully before installation.
Bowers & Wilkins CCM663 In-Ceiling Speakers
The CCM663 is a two-way in-ceiling loudspeaker from the Bowers & Wilkins Performance Series.
Each speaker combines a 25mm Nautilus swirl-loaded aluminium dome tweeter with a 150mm blue Aramid Fibre cone bass and midrange driver.
The speakers are supplied as a pair and can be used for high-quality stereo music, discreet multi-room audio or the surround and overhead channels of a home cinema system.
Adjustable Aluminium Dome Tweeter
High frequencies are reproduced by a 25mm aluminium dome tweeter mounted inside an adjustable housing.
The tweeter can be angled by up to 30 degrees, allowing its output to be directed towards the main listening position rather than firing straight down into the room.
This can improve treble clarity and focus when the speakers cannot be installed directly above the listening area.
Nautilus Swirl Loading
The aluminium tweeter uses Bowers & Wilkins’ Nautilus swirl-loading technology.
The loading arrangement behind the dome is designed to manage unwanted rearward energy produced by the tweeter.
Reducing this interference helps the CCM663 produce a cleaner and more open high-frequency response, with a published frequency range extending to 50kHz.
Three-Position EQ Switch
A three-position equalisation switch works alongside the adjustable tweeter.
The switch allows the high-frequency response to be optimised according to the angle of the tweeter, helping preserve a balanced presentation when listening away from the speaker’s central axis.
The tweeter direction and EQ setting should be adjusted together during installation rather than treated as unrelated controls.
Match the EQ to the Tweeter Angle
Begin by aiming the tweeter towards the main listening area, then select the corresponding EQ position.
Both speakers in a stereo pair should normally use matching tweeter angles and EQ settings unless the room layout requires a different arrangement.
Aramid Fibre Bass and Midrange Driver
A 150mm blue Aramid Fibre cone handles the bass and midrange frequencies.
Aramid Fibre combines low mass with useful strength and controlled behaviour, helping the driver reproduce voices and instruments with clarity and consistency.
The 150mm cone also gives the CCM663 greater bass weight and musical scale than smaller architectural speakers.
Die-Cast Driver Chassis
The bass and midrange driver is supported by a die-cast chassis.
The rigid chassis provides a stable mechanical foundation for the moving cone and helps reduce unwanted flexing as the driver operates.
This contributes to cleaner, faster bass and helps preserve midrange detail when music or film soundtracks become more demanding.
Discreet Ceiling Installation
Once installed, the visible part of the CCM663 consists primarily of its circular grille and narrow surrounding frame.
The speaker protrudes by only 4mm from the finished ceiling surface, creating a neat and unobtrusive appearance.
The white grille can be painted to coordinate with the surrounding ceiling, provided the perforations are not blocked by excessive paint.
Stereo Music Systems
A pair of CCM663 speakers can reproduce conventional left and right stereo channels.
For the most balanced result, the speakers should be positioned symmetrically around the main listening area and installed within similar acoustic surroundings.
Angling the tweeters towards the listening position can improve high-frequency focus and help create a more convincing stereo presentation.
Multi-Room Audio
The CCM663 can form part of a discreet whole-home or multi-room audio installation.
One or more pairs can provide music in kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms, studies and other living spaces without using shelves or floor space.
The number of speakers, amplifier channels, listening zones and required volume should be established before cables are installed or ceiling apertures are cut.
Home Cinema and Dolby Atmos
The CCM663 can be used for surround, rear or overhead effects within a compatible home cinema system.
Its adjustable tweeter is particularly useful for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X installations because high frequencies can be directed towards the seating area.
The final number and position of the speakers will depend on the room, seating layout, AV receiver and intended channel configuration.
Plan the Complete System Before Cutting
Confirm the channel layout, seating positions, speaker locations, cable routes and AV receiver capability before making any ceiling apertures.
Changing the position of an architectural speaker after installation is considerably more involved than moving a conventional freestanding loudspeaker.
Ceiling Cut-Out and Mounting Depth
Each CCM663 requires a circular ceiling cut-out measuring 202mm in diameter.
A minimum clear depth of 133mm is required behind the finished ceiling surface.
Additional space should be allowed for speaker cable, connections, the driver assembly and operation of the QuickDogs mounting system.
Check the Ceiling Cavity
The proposed speaker positions should be checked carefully before installation begins.
Look for:
- Ceiling joists
- Electrical cables
- Water and heating pipes
- Ventilation ducts
- Lighting fittings
- Insulation materials
- Fire barriers
- Restricted areas within the ceiling cavity
A small inspection hole or suitable detection equipment may be required before the full 202mm aperture is cut.
QuickDogs Mounting System
The CCM663 uses Bowers & Wilkins’ QuickDogs mounting system to secure the speaker within the ceiling aperture.
The clamps tighten against the rear of the ceiling surface, holding the speaker frame in place without visible external fixings.
The ceiling material must be strong and stable enough to support the speaker. Damaged, loose or unsuitable surfaces may require reinforcement before installation.
Do Not Overtighten the Mounting Clamps
The QuickDogs should be tightened evenly and only until the speaker is held securely against the ceiling.
Excessive force may damage the plasterboard, distort the mounting frame or make future removal more difficult.
Speaker Cable and Polarity
The CCM663 is a passive loudspeaker and must be connected to an amplifier or home cinema receiver using suitable speaker cable.
The positive amplifier terminal should connect to the positive speaker terminal, with the negative terminals connected in the same way.
Maintaining the correct polarity across every speaker helps preserve bass response, tonal consistency and a coherent soundstage.
Low-resistance installation cable is particularly important where the route between the amplifier and speakers is long.
Amplifier Matching
Bowers & Wilkins recommends amplifier power between 25 and 130 watts.
The CCM663 has a sensitivity of 88dB, a nominal impedance of 8 ohms and a minimum impedance of 4.5 ohms.
It can therefore be partnered with a broad range of good-quality stereo amplifiers, streaming amplifiers, multi-room amplifiers and home cinema receivers.
The correct amplifier will depend on the number of speakers, room size, cable length, listening distance and required volume.
Multiple Pairs Require Careful Planning
Connecting several pairs to one amplifier can reduce the total impedance presented to the amplifier.
A multi-channel or multi-zone amplifier may be more appropriate than connecting several speaker pairs to one stereo output.
Optional Pre-Mount Kit and Back Box
The optional PMK C6 pre-mount kit can be used during new construction or refurbishment to define the speaker position before the finished ceiling is installed.
The optional BB 6C back box provides a dedicated enclosure behind the speaker and may help with sound isolation, fire-barrier requirements and performance consistency.
Both accessories are sold separately and should be specified before building or ceiling work begins.
Installation Considerations
A successful architectural-speaker installation depends on more than the loudspeaker itself.
Before work begins, consider:
- The main listening positions
- The required stereo or home cinema layout
- Ceiling joist positions
- The 133mm minimum mounting depth
- Speaker cable type, length and routing
- Amplifier channels and impedance loading
- Tweeter direction and EQ settings
- Sound transfer into adjoining rooms
- Access for future servicing
- Whether pre-mount kits or back boxes are required
- Relevant building and fire-safety requirements
Where there is any uncertainty, installation should be completed by a suitably competent professional.
Finish
The CCM663 is supplied in white with a low-profile circular grille.
The grille can be painted to coordinate with the surrounding ceiling, provided its perforations remain clear.
The grille should be removed before painting so the drive units and internal components are not exposed to paint or overspray.
Key Features
- Performance Series two-way in-ceiling loudspeaker
- Supplied as a pair
- 25mm Nautilus swirl-loaded aluminium dome tweeter
- Tweeter adjustable by up to 30 degrees
- Three-position high-frequency EQ switch
- 150mm blue Aramid Fibre bass and midrange driver
- Rigid die-cast driver chassis
- QuickDogs mounting system
- 45Hz–50kHz published frequency range
- 88dB sensitivity
- 8-ohm nominal impedance
- 4.5-ohm minimum impedance
- 25–130-watt amplifier recommendation
- 240mm frame diameter
- 202mm ceiling cut-out
- 133mm minimum mounting depth
- 4mm protrusion from the finished surface
- Paintable white grille
- Optional PMK C6 pre-mount kit
- Optional BB 6C back box
- Suitable for music, multi-room and home cinema systems
- Five-year limited manufacturer’s warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Bowers & Wilkins CCM663 speakers supplied as a pair?
Yes. The CCM663 is supplied and priced as a pair of passive in-ceiling speakers.
Do the CCM663 speakers contain an amplifier?
No. They must be connected to a suitable stereo amplifier, streaming amplifier, multi-room amplifier or home cinema receiver.
Can the tweeter be aimed towards the listener?
Yes. The aluminium dome tweeter can be pivoted by up to 30 degrees towards the main listening area.
What is the three-position EQ switch for?
It adjusts the high-frequency response to suit the angle of the tweeter and improve the balance when listening away from the speaker’s central axis.
Can the CCM663 be used for Dolby Atmos?
Yes. It can be used for overhead channels within a compatible Dolby Atmos or DTS:X home cinema system.
Can the CCM663 be used for stereo music?
Yes. A pair can reproduce conventional left and right stereo channels when positioned appropriately around the listening area.
What size ceiling hole is required?
Each CCM663 requires a circular cut-out measuring 202mm in diameter.
How much ceiling depth is required?
A minimum clear depth of 133mm is required behind the finished ceiling surface.
How wide is the visible frame?
The complete circular frame measures 240mm in diameter.
How far does the speaker protrude from the ceiling?
The installed speaker protrudes approximately 4mm from the finished surface.
How is the CCM663 secured?
It uses Bowers & Wilkins’ QuickDogs mounting system, which clamps the speaker securely against the rear of the ceiling surface.
Can the grille be painted?
Yes. The white grille can be painted, provided the perforations are not blocked and the speaker itself is protected from paint.
What amplifier power is recommended?
Bowers & Wilkins recommends amplifier power between 25 and 130 watts.
Can several pairs be connected to one amplifier?
Potentially, but the combined impedance and amplifier loading must be calculated correctly. A multi-channel or multi-zone amplifier may be the better solution.
What is the PMK C6?
It is an optional pre-mount kit used to establish the speaker position during new construction before the finished ceiling is installed.
What is the BB 6C?
It is an optional back box designed to provide a dedicated enclosure behind compatible Bowers & Wilkins in-ceiling speakers.
What warranty is included?
Bowers & Wilkins provides a five-year limited warranty for passive loudspeakers, subject to its warranty terms and conditions.
Related Bowers & Wilkins Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Bowers & Wilkins custom-installation advice
- Speaker positioning and system-planning guidance
- Stereo, multi-room and home cinema system design
- Amplifier and AV receiver matching
- Speaker cable and cable-routing advice
- Guidance on cut-outs, clearances and accessories
- Pre-mount kit and back-box advice
- Installation and setup support, subject to location
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss a Bowers & Wilkins CCM663 installation.