Audio T Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins CCM7.5 S2 brings technology derived from the company’s 700 Series loudspeakers to a discreet Reference Series in-ceiling design.
Its Carbon Dome tweeter delivers an open and detailed treble, while the large 180mm Continuum cone driver provides impressive bass extension, vocal clarity and musical scale.
Both drivers are angled towards the listening area rather than firing directly downwards. Correct orientation is therefore essential, as are careful amplifier matching and suitable ceiling construction.
Bowers & Wilkins CCM7.5 S2 Reference In-Ceiling Speaker
The CCM7.5 S2 is a high-performance two-way in-ceiling loudspeaker from the Bowers & Wilkins Reference Series.
It combines a 25mm Carbon Dome tweeter with a 180mm Continuum cone bass and midrange driver in an angled drive-unit array.
Designed for installations where conventional speaker cabinets would be visually intrusive, the CCM7.5 S2 can be used for premium stereo music or as a left, centre, right, surround, rear or overhead channel in a home cinema system.
Supplied Individually
The CCM7.5 S2 is supplied and priced as one in-ceiling speaker.
Two speakers are required for a conventional stereo pair, while the number needed for home cinema will depend on the intended channel configuration.
Reference Series Performance
The Reference Series is intended for custom installations where discreet appearance cannot come at the expense of sound quality.
The CCM7.5 S2 incorporates Carbon Dome and Continuum cone technologies associated with Bowers & Wilkins’ conventional 700 Series loudspeakers.
This helps it deliver a more revealing, dynamic and controlled performance than a basic background-audio ceiling speaker.
Angled Drive-Unit Array
The Carbon Dome tweeter and Continuum cone driver are mounted at an angle to the ceiling surface.
This directs more of the speaker’s output towards the listening area rather than straight down into the room.
The circular speaker assembly should be oriented during installation so that the angled array faces the principal seating or listening position.
The Complete Array Is Angled
The CCM7.5 S2 does not use a separately pivoting tweeter. Both drive units are mounted together on an angled baffle.
Confirm the required direction before tightening the speaker into the ceiling, as the complete array must face the listening area.
Carbon Dome Tweeter
High frequencies are reproduced by a 25mm Carbon Dome tweeter developed from technology used in the Bowers & Wilkins 700 Series.
The reinforced dome is designed to remain rigid through the audible frequency range, helping reduce unwanted distortion and break-up.
This supports a clear, open and precisely focused treble, with a published frequency range extending to 33kHz.
Continuum Cone Bass and Midrange Driver
A large 180mm Continuum cone driver handles the bass and midrange frequencies.
The composite Continuum material is designed to avoid the abrupt changes in behaviour that can affect more conventional cone materials.
This helps the CCM7.5 S2 reproduce voices and instruments with an open, neutral and consistent character while providing substantial low-frequency extension.
Anti-Resonance Plug
The Continuum cone driver incorporates an anti-resonance plug at its centre.
The plug is designed to reduce unwanted behaviour within the central part of the cone and improve its response through the upper midrange.
This contributes to clearer dialogue, more natural vocals and improved separation between instruments.
Deep Bass from an In-Ceiling Speaker
The CCM7.5 S2 has a published frequency range extending down to 25Hz at -6dB and a frequency response of 32Hz–28kHz within ±3dB.
Actual low-frequency performance will depend on the ceiling cavity, construction materials, back-box arrangement, amplifier and room.
A suitable subwoofer may still be beneficial for the deepest home cinema effects, particularly where very high playback levels are required.
Stereo Music Systems
Two CCM7.5 S2 speakers can be used as a high-quality left and right stereo pair.
The speakers should be positioned symmetrically around the main listening area, with both angled drive-unit arrays directed towards the listener.
Although an in-ceiling system presents music from above rather than from conventional front-facing cabinets, careful positioning can produce an impressively focused, powerful and spacious presentation.
Home Cinema Front Channels
The CCM7.5 S2 can be used for the front left, centre and right channels of a discreet home cinema installation.
Using matching speakers across the front soundstage helps maintain consistent tonal character as dialogue and effects move across the screen.
The angled drive-unit array should face the seating area, with each speaker positioned according to the screen, room and listening layout.
Surround and Overhead Channels
The CCM7.5 S2 can also be used for surround, rear or overhead effects.
Its high sensitivity, wide bandwidth and angled array make it suitable for ambitious Dolby Atmos and DTS:X systems where the ceiling speakers must keep pace with high-performance front channels.
The final number and position of the speakers will depend on the room, seating arrangement, ceiling height and supported AV receiver configuration.
Plan the Entire Cinema System First
Confirm the screen position, seating layout, channel configuration, amplifier channels and cable routes before cutting the ceiling.
Changing the location or direction of an architectural speaker after installation is considerably more involved than moving a conventional freestanding loudspeaker.
Ceiling Cut-Out and Mounting Depth
Each CCM7.5 S2 requires a circular ceiling aperture measuring 254mm in diameter.
The speaker extends 128mm behind the finished ceiling surface and protrudes approximately 8.5mm into the room.
Additional clearance should be allowed for speaker cable, terminal connections, insulation and the operation of the mounting clamps.
Use the Supplied Cut-Out Template
Do not mark the ceiling using the visible 290mm frame diameter.
Use the template supplied with the speaker and confirm that the complete marked aperture is clear of joists, pipes, cables, lighting and ventilation components.
Check the Ceiling Cavity
The proposed speaker position should be inspected thoroughly before the complete aperture is cut.
Check for:
- Ceiling joists
- Electrical wiring
- 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 made.
QuickDogs Mounting System
The CCM7.5 S2 uses Bowers & Wilkins’ QuickDogs mounting system.
The clamps secure the speaker against the rear of the ceiling surface without leaving visible external fixings.
The ceiling material must be sufficiently strong and stable to support the 3.1kg speaker. Damaged, loose or unsuitable surfaces may require reinforcement.
Do Not Overtighten the Mounting Clamps
The clamps should be tightened evenly and only until the speaker is held securely against the ceiling.
Excessive force may damage the ceiling material, distort the frame or make future removal more difficult.
Round and Optional Square Grilles
The CCM7.5 S2 is supplied with a white circular grille designed to create a discreet finished appearance.
The optional GR68SQ square grille can be purchased separately where a square shape better complements the ceiling, lighting or room design.
The grille can be painted to coordinate with the surrounding ceiling, provided its perforations remain clear and the speaker itself is protected from paint.
Speaker Cable and Polarity
The CCM7.5 S2 is a passive loudspeaker and must be connected to a suitable amplifier or home cinema receiver using 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 coherent imaging.
Good-quality, low-resistance installation cable is particularly important when the route between the amplifier and speaker is long.
Allow Spare Cable at the Aperture
Leave enough speaker cable at the ceiling opening to make connection and future servicing straightforward.
Avoid leaving excessive loose cable that could rest against the speaker or ceiling and create buzzing or rattling.
Amplifier Matching
Bowers & Wilkins recommends amplifier power between 25 and 150 watts into 8 ohms on unclipped programme material.
The CCM7.5 S2 has a sensitivity of 90dB, a nominal impedance of 8 ohms and a minimum impedance of 4.8 ohms.
Its high sensitivity allows it to produce useful listening levels without requiring extreme amplifier power, although a capable amplifier will improve bass control, dynamics and clarity.
The most suitable amplifier will depend on the number of speakers, room size, listening distance, cable length and required playback level.
Multiple Speakers Require Careful Planning
Connecting several speakers to one amplifier channel can reduce the total impedance presented to the amplifier.
A multi-channel or multi-zone amplifier is normally preferable to connecting several CCM7.5 S2 speakers directly to one stereo output.
Optional Pre-Mount Kit and Back Box
The optional PMK C8 pre-mount kit can be used during new construction or refurbishment to establish 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 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 Reference Series installation depends on careful planning of the speaker, room and supporting equipment.
Before work begins, consider:
- The principal listening and seating positions
- The direction of the angled drive-unit array
- The required stereo or home cinema layout
- The supplied 254mm cut-out template
- The 128mm product depth and additional cable clearance
- Ceiling joist positions and structural strength
- 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 CCM7.5 S2 is supplied with a white circular grille.
The visible frame and grille can be painted to coordinate with the surrounding ceiling, provided the grille perforations remain clear.
The speaker components should be removed or properly protected before any decorating work is carried out.
Key Features
- Reference Series two-way in-ceiling loudspeaker
- Supplied individually
- 25mm Carbon Dome tweeter
- 180mm Continuum cone bass and midrange driver
- Continuum driver anti-resonance plug
- Angled tweeter and bass/midrange array
- Suitable for stereo and home cinema installations
- Can be used for left, centre, right, surround or rear channels
- Suitable for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X overhead channels
- QuickDogs mounting system
- 25Hz–33kHz published frequency range
- 32Hz–28kHz frequency response within ±3dB
- 90dB sensitivity
- 8-ohm nominal impedance
- 4.8-ohm minimum impedance
- 25–150-watt amplifier recommendation
- 290mm frame diameter
- 254mm ceiling cut-out
- 128mm depth behind the finished surface
- 8.5mm protrusion from the finished surface
- 3.1kg net weight
- White circular grille included
- Optional GR68SQ square grille
- Optional PMK C8 pre-mount kit
- Optional BB 6C back box
- Five-year limited manufacturer’s warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bowers & Wilkins CCM7.5 S2 supplied individually?
Yes. The CCM7.5 S2 is supplied and priced as one passive in-ceiling speaker.
How many CCM7.5 S2 speakers are required for stereo?
Two speakers are required to reproduce conventional left and right stereo channels.
Does the CCM7.5 S2 contain an amplifier?
No. It must be connected to a suitable stereo amplifier, multi-channel amplifier or home cinema receiver.
Does it use a Carbon Dome or Diamond Dome tweeter?
The CCM7.5 S2 uses a 25mm Carbon Dome tweeter. Diamond Dome technology is used by higher models such as the CCM8.5 D.
Can the tweeter be adjusted separately?
No. The tweeter and Continuum cone driver are mounted together on an angled baffle. The complete speaker should be oriented towards the listening area during installation.
Can the CCM7.5 S2 be used as a centre speaker?
Yes. It can be used as a centre channel within a suitably planned discreet home cinema system.
Can it be used for Dolby Atmos?
Yes. It can be used as an overhead channel within a compatible Dolby Atmos or DTS:X installation.
Can it be used for stereo music?
Yes. Two CCM7.5 S2 speakers can form a high-quality in-ceiling stereo pair.
What size ceiling hole is required?
Each speaker requires a circular cut-out measuring 254mm in diameter. The supplied template should be used to mark the final aperture.
How much ceiling depth is required?
The speaker extends 128mm behind the finished ceiling surface. Additional clearance should be allowed for cable and connections.
How wide is the visible frame?
The complete circular frame measures 290mm in diameter.
How far does the speaker protrude from the ceiling?
The installed speaker protrudes approximately 8.5mm from the finished surface.
How much does the CCM7.5 S2 weigh?
Each speaker has a net weight of approximately 3.1kg.
What amplifier power is recommended?
Bowers & Wilkins recommends amplifier power between 25 and 150 watts into 8 ohms on unclipped programme material.
Is a subwoofer required?
Not necessarily for music. A suitable subwoofer may still provide greater impact and extension for demanding home cinema soundtracks.
Can the grille be painted?
Yes. The white grille can be painted, provided its perforations remain clear and the speaker itself is protected from paint.
Is a square grille available?
Yes. The optional Bowers & Wilkins GR68SQ square grille is sold separately.
What is the PMK C8?
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 custom-installation speakers.
Can it be installed in a bathroom?
The CCM7.5 S2 is not specified as a moisture-resistant or waterproof model. A speaker designed specifically for high-humidity environments should be considered instead.
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 Reference Series installation advice
- Speaker positioning and system-planning guidance
- Stereo and home cinema system design
- Amplifier and AV receiver matching
- Speaker cable and cable-routing advice
- Guidance on apertures, cavity depth and ceiling construction
- Drive-unit orientation and system setup advice
- Pre-mount kit, back-box and grille guidance
- Installation and setup support, subject to location
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss a Bowers & Wilkins CCM7.5 S2 installation.