Short answer: the Focal 1000 IWLCR6. Both are rated 3.3/5 for sound quality (#21 and #22 of 28 in-wall speakers), and the Focal 1000 IWLCR6 costs $5,400 against $5,600 for the Bowers & Wilkins CWM7.3 S2, and with sound quality even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
What the Bowers & Wilkins CWM7.3 S2 does well: A three-way in-wall speaker from B&W’s Reference series with two 6” Aerofoil bass drivers, a 4” Continuum midrange and a 1” Carbon Dome tweeter. Watch for: The on-axis response is uneven (1.66 average deviation) in Erin’s measurements.
The Focal 1000 IWLCR6 is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. A three-way in-wall left, center or right speaker from Focal’s 1000 line with two 6.5” woofers, a midrange and an inverted dome tweeter. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 3.08 against 2.57 for the Bowers & Wilkins CWM7.3 S2. Its bass reaches about 51.3Hz before falling 3dB, against 63Hz for the Bowers & Wilkins CWM7.3 S2. Watch for: The on-axis response is uneven (1.78 average deviation).
Buy the Focal 1000 IWLCR6. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $200 less than the Bowers & Wilkins CWM7.3 S2.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bowers & Wilkins CWM7.3 S2 | Focal 1000 IWLCR6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,600 per pair | $5,400 per pair |
| Ranked | #22 of 28 in In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers | #21 of 28 in In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (manufacturer specified) | 91dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 29”H x 10.9”W x 4”D (736 x 276 x 102 mm) | 29.7”H x 12”W x 4”D (755 x 305 x 102 mm) |
| Weight | 27.3 lbs (12.4 kg) | 24.1 lbs (10.95 kg) |
| Drivers | 2x 6” Aerofoil bass drivers, 4” Continuum midrange, 1” Carbon Dome tweeter | 2x 6.5” woofers, midrange, inverted dome tweeter |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 51.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 43.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | about 38.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.57 | 3.08 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.36 | 5.44 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared.
Measurement data: Bowers & Wilkins CWM7.3 S2 (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) and Focal 1000 IWLCR6 (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner), via spinorama.org.
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Focal 1000 IWLCR6:
- Miller & Kreisel IW150 vs Focal 1000 IWLCR6
- Focal 1000 IWLCR6 vs MartinLogan Tribute 5XW
- Miller & Kreisel IW150 vs Bowers & Wilkins CWM7.3 S2
- Bowers & Wilkins CWM7.3 S2 vs MartinLogan Tribute 5XW
- Revel W990 vs MartinLogan Tribute 5XW
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Bowers & Wilkins CWM7.3 S2: $5,600 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Bowers & Wilkins CWM 7.5 S2 (smaller in-wall, ranked lower, estimated 3/5). See every Bowers & Wilkins CWM In-Wall generation.
Pros: A three-way in-wall speaker from B&W’s Reference series with two 6” Aerofoil bass drivers, a 4” Continuum midrange and a 1” Carbon Dome tweeter. Erin measured a preference score of 2.57 that reaches 5.36 with an ideal subwoofer, with 0.59 listening window deviation. Measured bass extension of 63.0Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The on-axis response is uneven (1.66 average deviation) in Erin’s measurements. Bass reaches 63.0Hz (-3dB) and about 43Hz (-10dB).
Full Bowers & Wilkins CWM7.3 S2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2019 (7 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 43.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 29”H x 10.9”W x 4”D (736 x 276 x 102 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 6” Aerofoil bass drivers, 4” Continuum midrange, 1” Carbon Dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.57 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.36 |
| Weight | 27.3 lbs (12.4 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Focal 1000 IWLCR6: $5,400 per pair Focal eBay
Pros: A three-way in-wall left, center or right speaker from Focal’s 1000 line with two 6.5” woofers, a midrange and an inverted dome tweeter. Erin measured a preference score of 3.08 that reaches 5.44 with an ideal subwoofer, with 0.50 listening window deviation. Measured bass extension of 51.3Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The on-axis response is uneven (1.78 average deviation). Bass reaches 51.3Hz (-3dB) and about 39Hz (-10dB).
Full Focal 1000 IWLCR6 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 38.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 51.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 29.7”H x 12”W x 4”D (755 x 305 x 102 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 6.5” woofers, midrange, inverted dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 91dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.08 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.44 |
| Weight | 24.1 lbs (10.95 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons