Audio T Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins CCM665 is a straightforward performance in-ceiling speaker designed to deliver good-quality music and home cinema sound without visually dominating the room.
Its 25mm soft-dome tweeter provides a clear and balanced treble, while the 150mm woven glass-fibre driver gives voices, instruments and sound effects useful weight and definition.
Unlike the CCM664, the CCM665 does not have an adjustable tweeter or EQ switch. This makes setup simpler, although the speaker position and 140mm ceiling-clearance requirement should be checked carefully before installation.
Bowers & Wilkins CCM665 In-Ceiling Speakers
The CCM665 is a two-way in-ceiling loudspeaker from the Bowers & Wilkins Performance Series.
Each speaker combines a 25mm soft-dome tweeter with a 150mm woven glass-fibre cone bass and midrange driver in a discreet circular ceiling-mount chassis.
This Audio T listing is supplied as a pair, making the CCM665 suitable for stereo music, multi-room audio and the surround or overhead channels of a home cinema system.
Soft-Dome Tweeter
High frequencies are reproduced by a 25mm soft-dome tweeter.
Its lightweight diaphragm is designed to deliver a clear and smooth treble response for music, television programmes and film soundtracks.
The tweeter is fixed in position, so the speakers should be installed carefully in relation to the main listening area.
Woven Glass-Fibre Driver
A 150mm woven glass-fibre cone handles the bass and midrange frequencies.
The material combines low mass with useful rigidity and controlled behaviour, helping the CCM665 reproduce voices, instruments and sound effects with clarity and consistency.
The 150mm driver also provides greater musical weight and scale than smaller architectural speakers while remaining suitable for a standard circular ceiling installation.
Fixed-Dispersion Design
The CCM665 uses a fixed tweeter rather than the adjustable design fitted to the CCM664 and CCM663.
It also does not include a high-frequency EQ switch, making it simpler to install and configure.
Because the treble cannot be directed after installation, the speaker position should be selected carefully before the ceiling aperture is cut.
No Tweeter or EQ Adjustment
The CCM665 tweeter is fixed and does not include selectable EQ settings.
For installations requiring greater control over high-frequency direction, consider the adjustable Bowers & Wilkins CCM664 or CCM663.
Discreet Ceiling Installation
Once installed, the visible part of the CCM665 consists primarily of its low-profile circular grille and narrow surrounding frame.
The speaker protrudes by approximately 4mm from the finished ceiling surface, helping it blend into the room rather than becoming a visual focal point.
The white grille and visible frame can be painted to coordinate with the surrounding ceiling, provided the speaker components and grille perforations are protected correctly.
Magnetic Grille
The grille attaches magnetically, allowing it to be installed without visible screws or clips.
This creates a clean finished appearance while allowing the grille to be removed for future access or servicing.
An optional square grille may also be available where that shape better suits the ceiling or room design.
Plug-and-Play Speaker Baffle
The CCM665 consists of a mounting frame, removable speaker baffle and magnetically attached grille.
The speaker cable connects to spring terminals on the mounting frame, allowing the frame and wiring to be installed before the complete speaker baffle is fitted.
The baffle makes its electrical connection automatically when it is inserted into the frame and secured using the integrated push-lock fasteners.
Stereo Music Systems
A pair of CCM665 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.
Bowers & Wilkins suggests placing a stereo pair approximately three to five metres apart and a similar distance in front of the listening area, where the room allows.
Multi-Room Audio
The CCM665 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 occupying shelves or floor space.
The number of speakers, amplifier channels, listening zones and cable routes should be established before installation work begins.
Kitchens, Bathrooms and Secondary Rooms
Bowers & Wilkins positions the CCM665 as a suitable choice for additional listening areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.
However, the speaker is not specified as waterproof and should not be exposed to direct water spray, immersion or inappropriate levels of moisture.
Any installation in a bathroom or near water must comply with the relevant electrical, building and safety requirements.
Bathroom Installation Requires Care
The proposed speaker position must be suitable for the room and safely separated from direct sources of water.
Where there is any uncertainty about permitted locations or installation zones, seek advice from a suitably qualified professional before work begins.
Home Cinema and Dolby Atmos
The CCM665 can be used for surround, rear or overhead effects within a compatible home cinema system.
It can form part of a Dolby Atmos or DTS:X installation where ceiling-mounted speakers are required above the listening position.
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 CCM665 requires a circular ceiling cut-out measuring 202mm in diameter.
The speaker itself requires 133mm of depth behind the finished ceiling surface. Bowers & Wilkins recommends allowing approximately 140mm of clear ceiling depth for installation.
Additional clearance may be needed for speaker cable, terminal connections, insulation and operation of the mounting clamps.
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 suitable detector or small inspection opening may be required before the complete aperture is cut.
QuickDogs Mounting System
The CCM665 uses Bowers & Wilkins’ QuickDogs spring-clamp mounting system.
The four clamps rotate behind the ceiling surface and secure the mounting frame without visible external fixings.
The ceiling material must be sufficiently strong and stable to support the speaker. Damaged, loose or unsuitable surfaces may require reinforcement before installation.
Allow Space for the Mounting Clamps
Clear space is required around the inside of the aperture so the four QuickDogs can rotate and secure the frame.
The clamps should be tightened evenly and only until the speaker is held securely against the ceiling.
Speaker Cable and Polarity
The CCM665 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 red speaker terminal, with the negative amplifier terminal connected to the black terminal.
Maintaining the correct polarity across every speaker helps preserve bass response, tonal consistency and a coherent soundstage.
Good-quality low-resistance installation cable is particularly important when the cable route exceeds five metres.
Allow Spare Cable at Each Aperture
Leave enough cable at each ceiling opening to make connection and future servicing straightforward. Approximately one metre is suitable in many installations.
Avoid leaving an excessive loose length that could rest against the ceiling or speaker and cause buzzing or rattling.
Amplifier Matching
Bowers & Wilkins recommends amplifier power between 25 and 130 watts.
The CCM665 has a sensitivity of 87dB, a nominal impedance of 8 ohms and a minimum impedance of 4.5 ohms.
It can 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 directly to one stereo output.
Optional Pre-Mount Kit and Back Box
The optional C6 pre-mount kit can be used during new construction or refurbishment to establish the speaker position before the finished ceiling is installed.
The optional 6C back box provides a dedicated enclosure behind the speaker and may help with sound transfer, 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, multi-room or home cinema layout
- Ceiling joist positions
- The recommended 140mm clear mounting depth
- The 202mm ceiling cut-out
- Speaker cable type, length and routing
- Amplifier channels and impedance loading
- 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 CCM665 is supplied in white with a circular low-profile grille.
The grille and visible frame can be painted to coordinate with the surrounding ceiling, provided the grille perforations remain clear.
The supplied paint mask should be used to protect the internal connections and grille magnets while the mounting frame is being decorated.
Key Features
- Performance Series two-way in-ceiling loudspeaker
- This Audio T listing is supplied as a pair
- 25mm fixed soft-dome tweeter
- 150mm woven glass-fibre bass and midrange driver
- Simple fixed-dispersion design
- QuickDogs spring-clamp mounting system
- Plug-and-play removable speaker baffle
- Magnetically attached grille
- Optional square grille available
- 45Hz–35kHz published frequency range
- 87dB sensitivity
- 8-ohm nominal impedance
- 4.5-ohm minimum impedance
- 25–130-watt amplifier recommendation
- 240mm frame diameter
- 202mm ceiling cut-out
- 133mm product depth behind the surface
- Approximately 140mm recommended clear depth
- 4mm protrusion from the finished surface
- Paintable white grille and frame
- Optional C6 pre-mount kit
- Optional 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 CCM665 speakers supplied as a pair?
Yes. This Audio T listing is supplied and priced as a pair of passive in-ceiling speakers.
Do the CCM665 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?
No. The CCM665 uses a fixed soft-dome tweeter. Consider the CCM664 or CCM663 where adjustable high-frequency direction is required.
Does the CCM665 have an EQ switch?
No. The CCM665 does not include selectable high-frequency EQ settings.
Can the CCM665 be used for stereo music?
Yes. A pair can reproduce conventional left and right stereo channels when positioned appropriately around the listening area.
Can the CCM665 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 CCM665 be installed in a bathroom?
Bowers & Wilkins suggests the CCM665 for additional locations including bathrooms. However, it is not specified as waterproof and must be positioned and installed in accordance with the relevant safety requirements.
What size ceiling hole is required?
Each CCM665 requires a circular cut-out measuring 202mm in diameter.
How much ceiling depth is required?
The speaker is 133mm deep behind the surface, although approximately 140mm of clear ceiling depth should be allowed for installation.
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 CCM665 secured?
It uses four Bowers & Wilkins QuickDogs spring clamps to secure the mounting frame behind the ceiling surface.
Can the grille be painted?
Yes. The white grille and frame can be painted, provided the grille perforations remain clear and the supplied paint mask is used appropriately.
Is a square grille available?
An optional square grille may be available separately. Confirm current availability with your local Audio T store.
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 C6 pre-mount kit?
It is an optional accessory used to establish the speaker position during new construction before the finished ceiling is installed.
What is the 6C back box?
It is an optional enclosure designed for compatible 6-inch 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 CCM665 installation.