THERE’S a reason why a number of well-known hi-fi and home theatre speaker manufacturers make “architectural” models … speakers you can mount on your ceiling or wall (or in-wall), or even place in your porch or garden. Good sound always has a place, at home, in a restaurant or out in the open, no matter the weather. Well, maybe not in outer space …
Thus, the Bowers & Wilkins weather-proof AM-1 Architectural Monitor, which the venerable Brit company declares is the most durable loudspeaker it has ever made. It combines high-quality sonic performance and flexibility, makes no compromise and purportedly delivers the traditional Bowers & Wilkins sound.
The two-way design features an inverted drive unit configuration, with a 25mm aluminium-dome tweeter mounted below a five-inch glass-fibre mid-bass unit. This is to ensure optimal performance when wall-mounted.
Bass output is boosted by a rear-mounted auxiliary bass radiator, instead of a reflex port. No vent also means the AM-1 has a continual seal against the elements.
The frequency range is quoted at 51Hz to 22kH, along with a sensitivity of 86dB and impedance of eight ohms – recommended amp power is 20-200 watts.
The AM-1 can be positioned in either landscape or portrait mode, and combines a rust-proof aluminium grille with a rigid cabinet made of glass-filled plastics. The company says this makes the speaker extremely resistant to dust, moisture and UV exposure.
The stylish lines, along with white or black finish options, also mean the AM-1 won’t offend the eye, wherever it is mounted. At 4kg, it is also relatively light (in case it falls off its mount … just saying …).
