CDM1 offers the best detail, bass extension and imaging that can be had for a sub-$2000(US) monitor speaker. Excellent bass for such a small speaker. Compared with ProAc Tablette 50, B&W 805, PSB Stratus Mini and others. I felt the 805's were a little too laid back for me, the ProAc Tablette - well, just seem too much money for such a small speaker (so I'm human, and looks do matter). As for the PSB Stratus Mini, it was a toss up. Probably selected B&W CDM1 because I liked the styling and the red ash finish.

I've had my CDM1s for 18 months and am very pleased with them. Before I biwired them they were a solid 4 stars.
Since I've biwired them (3 months ago), Ive noticed better overall sound. 14G copper wire with gold end connections.

I'm still not sold on $100+/meter cables yet.

Bass is excellent down to their 60hz limit. Janis sub takes it from50hz down. @24db/oct.

Next project is online DIY "Almighty Subwoofers" project using JBL 2226G 15" drivers. Should sound excellent with my CDM1s. Can't wait!

They may not be the absolute best in the world but they give me 95% of the 801 sound at 40% of the cost for the satillite/sub combo.

This is my first high end system and I haven't heard anything that makes me want to move them to the bedroom system yet.

CDM1 sounds as good as it looks. I have compared it with similary priced ProAc Tablette50
known for their excellent imaging, timing, dynamic and open sound.

CDM1 showed more precision, control and clearer view into
how music was recorded, It was free of that mild warm couloration
which it´s competitor had.

Still,B&W CDM1 failed to match those amazing box-free images,
good vocals and romantic naturalness of Tablette 50.
CDM1 makes bass which was in another class: quite stunning!

Both speakers exceel in different areas.
Make no mistake - CDM1 is vey good overall.

Ok, my second view on the CDM1, this time with AUDIOLAB 8000S andMarantz CD-63 MkII KI-Signature, still same cables - audioquest TOPAZ
and Rega Speaker Cable (not biwired - yet).

The treble detail is not as good as with the Arcam7cd/8amp, but the
mid and bass problems are gone - vocals are much, much better, and bass
is stronger. (and by the way, the I returned the Arcam combo because
of cd transport problems and amp being too much on the "brigth" side.

15 days have passed and heavy listening indicates that the CDM1 are now
almost well burned in.

I would like for more treble detail. But I think this is due to the
monitor characteristic of the CDM1s - what you feed them is what you get.
And they have more bass than what you can expect.

Further improvement will be biwiring and (in one year or so) buying a
Audiolab 8000P for biamping, just to check if all this fuss about biwiring
and biamping is really true.

Maybe I'll upgrade the CD, since this now is good for it gives a good
presentation and musicality, but I would like more realism and detail on
the treble - and with the AUDIOLAB 8000S and CDM1s I'm now confident that
you can for sure invest in a better source, for you have a system that can
still give you more.

Overall, a very good investment, since they will give you more when you'll
need it.

CDM1 - 1st week impression is -
Treble - detail and detail and detail. Yes, they make you go and get your old
cd collection and try it again, just to find out what you were missing. Very
clear, sharp and real, specially with percussion.

Midrange - a little "foggy" could be more brigth. I would like more impressive vocals (like the one's I got from a pair of ProAc Tablette 50, at the same price range). Hope this improves with time.

Bass - goes deeper than you think it would be possible for ther size. Lack
of control at (very) loud volume levels (but I was told that this was due to the
amp, not the speakers). Again, hope this improves after a time (3/4 weeks?).

Soundstage - yes, they "pick" the place where they want the sound to be. Some
times really three-dimensional, And I was told that in order to get the 3rd dimension you would need to spend a lot more.

Tested with (all brand new) Arcam Alpha7 cd and Alpha8 amp, Audioquest Topaz
interconnect and Rega Speaker cable (cheap, but honest for the price). Not biwired - yet.

I will say more in a couple of weeks. If they do not improve, I think I
will return them for more clear midrange and bass control. But I love the
treble detail and pin-point soundstaging, so, I still don't know.

Driven from a TEAC/ Audio Note CD combo and a wholeslew of Sphinx electronics, they sounded thick and slow
in the bass, lacked openness in the mid, and had a nice
and clean treble.

Overall a disappointment, although I have to admit
they were probably not run in. Even then...

power

none

certain ones on here claim cdm1se are harsh. these are the only small speakers i have ever seen that are too powerful for a small room, they are not harsh in a bigger room.so i guess some would rather prefer less powerful speakers.

Great highs and good solid bass for a stand mounted speaker.
As usual with B&W, hypnotizing midrange.

Finnicky about placement.

When I listened to this speaker in the store, I neither loved nor hated them, but when I decided to test them at home I was pleasantly surprised. What a midrange? Female vocalists sounded angelic( try Sara K's "Hobo" CD). These shine with small scale jazz and orchestral works (as was expected), but they can also rock. I listened to Alanis Morisette and the The Cranberries and my toes went a-tapping. For optimal performance a subwoofer is a must especially if you taste leans heavily toward pipe organ music. If you prefer large orchestral works with very complex passages, stand mounted speakers are not for you, but if your fare are chamber and jazz music, you will be in heaven.
90% of the matrix 805 at $500.00 less. And BTW I prefer their sound to the Nautilus 805.
Happy Listening

Similar Products Used:

NHT superone, 1.5, B&W CDM2SE and Matrix and Nautilus 805