B&W ISW-6

Opposed drivers, less wall vibration

ISW-6 uses a shallow square enclosure for stud-wall fitting.

The single Bowers & Wilkins ISW-6 subwoofer has a sealed 350 × 350 × 87.5 mm cabinet that fits a 2 × 4 inch stud wall. Its baffle measures 136 × 267 mm and is 6.5 mm thick. The enclosure can be mounted horizontally or vertically; plan orientation around studs, grille and cable route. A separate retrofit grille kit serves a completed wall.

Key features

• 350 × 350 × 87.5 mm cabinet; 136 × 267 × 6.5 mm baffle.
• Twin 3 × 7 inch force-cancelling racetrack drivers; ±8 mm throw.
• 8 ohms; 250 W with CDA-4D; 30–200 Hz response.
• Horizontal or vertical fit; separate GR ISW-6 retrofit kit.

A different driver arrangement

Two 3 × 7 inch racetrack drivers with paper cones operate in a force-cancelling configuration. Their opposing forces reduce energy transferred into the wall rather than simply increasing woofer diameter. The aluminium-extrusion and glass-loaded composite enclosure has a 6-litre volume. A discreet standard grille suits construction-stage fitting, while GR ISW-6 is the retrofit accessory.

Matching

Impedance is 8 ohms and power handling 250 W with CDA-4D amplification. Response spans 30 to 200 Hz and driver throw is ±8 mm. The 87.5 mm depth is the essential cavity dimension; also check the baffle measurements and access for cabling. This model is intended primarily to accompany CI300 and CI600 Custom Installation speakers for music or cinema.

The square 350 mm enclosure can turn within the wall, while the 136 × 267 mm baffle determines the visible opening for a construction-stage fit. The retrofit grille assembly instead measures 400 × 400 mm and is 8.5 mm thick. Keep the two front treatments distinct when preparing a finished wall. Its force-cancelling arrangement is particularly useful where wall vibration would otherwise travel to adjoining rooms.