It isn't that new, but B&W's downsized Mini Theatre system will start its life throughout Europe soon. It's built around the tiny, compact satellite "M1 " concept. The M1 is a two-way speaker that can be combined with three different sub-woofers, to form a series of multi-channel loudspeakers.
The M1is rigid and non-resonant, thanks to its two pieces: a glass loaded composite from the top to the bottom, and cast aluminium at the rear and on each side. It is a curvy cabinet that provides enough space -internal volume- to alow a quite extended response. Its tweeter is inspired from B&W's flagship Nautilus; it's a 1-inch (2.54 cm) tapered metal dome driver, while the 4-inch (about 10 cm) bass/mid-frequencies uses the glass-fiber diaphragm with resin filled slots. B&W claims that this construction eliminates internal reflection.
The M1 satellite speaker in floorstanding configuration
An elegant plinth can be adapted to horizontal or vertical placement. There's a wall bracket too, and an optional floorstand system is available as well. But to us, this system is really for the wall or bookshelf use. Wires are hardly visible, they enter the speaker through the stand or the wall bracket.
You can buy the M1 separately but B&W offers three combinations for its Mini Theatre system, the Mini Theater 10, 20, and 30. With the MT10 proposal come five M1s, and the 15-inch (38 cm) AS1 sub, which can provide a rather good bass. The MT20 comes with the AS2 sub, which is equipped with a 150 Watt amplified 10-inch (25 cm) driver.
The Mini Theatre MT30 combination
But the most interesting combination is undoubdtedly the MT30, because it comes with the PV1 (see our description here) subwoofer, a wonderfully looking and widely praised spheroid device that goes down to 18Hz (!) with its two latest-generation aluminium-coated dual 8-inch (20 cm) mica cones transducers which are mounted back-to-back and driven by an advanced 500 Watt amplifier.
Specs (M1 satellite -source: B&W)
Technical specifications
M1 satellite speaker
Description
2-way vented-box system
Dimensions
Height: 243mm (9.6 in)
Width: 114mm (4.5 in)
Depth: 172mm (6.8 in)
When mounted on table stand
Net weight
2.7 kg (6 lb) including table stand
Frequency response
80Hz - 23kHz ±3dB on reference axis
Frequency range
-6dB at 72Hz and 50kHz
Sensitivity
85dB spl (2.83V, 1m)
Normal impedance
8 Ohms (minimum 4.8 Ohms)
Power handling
20W - 100W into 8 ohms on unclipped programme
Drive units Unit 1: 1x 25mm (1 in) metal dome high-frequencyUnit 2: 1x 100mm (4 in) woven glass fibre cone bass / midrange Finish
Black, silver or white paint
with matching perforated metal mesh grille
Horizontal: over 60º arc
Vertical: over 10º arc
<1% 120Hz - 30kHz
<0.5% 250Hz - 22kHz Cross-over frequency 4kHz Maximum recommended cable impedance 0.2 Ohms
Prices from £850 for the MT10 package, and about £1575 for the MT30 with the fantastic PV1 sub.