5 Reasons to Avoid a Bowers & Wilkins M-1 Satellite Speaker at All Costs

What are the best reasons to avoid a Bowers & Wilkins M-1? These bookshelf speakers have received their fair share of acclaim. When it comes to surround sound systems, there are a few different approaches you can take for the best possible sound. The M-1 speakers are certainly capable of being integrated into a surround sound setup.

However, as you’ll see through the course of this review, they aren’t an ideal fit for surround sound. While these might seem like a fantastic buy at first glance, especially given the name brand and associated reputation, the M-1 speakers might be a poor fit.

What Is the Bowers & Wilkins M-1 Satellite Speaker?

The Bowers & Wilkins M-1 is a satellite speaker that can be used as a stereo pair or as part of a larger surround sound setup. The speakers themselves are on the smaller side, fitting well within the bookshelf form factor. Overall volume is average, especially for a speaker this size. Generally speaking, you don’t want to make a quintet of bookshelf speakers the center of your surround sound setup.

Reasons to Avoid a Bowers & Wilkins M-1

If you’re not sold on a Bowers & Wilkins M-1, here are a few good reasons why you should give it a miss.

The Lack of Volume

The recurring theme you’ll see with the Bowers & Wilkins M-1 relates to their relative size. These are small speakers. In fact, one of the biggest reasons to avoid a Bowers & Wilkins M-1 relates solely to the effective volume. You might have a powerful amplifier or receiver to drive these speakers, but even at top volume, they’re going to struggle to fill a room with sound.

There really isn’t room for these speakers to deliver a more powerful sound as it is. They’re much smaller than a pair of freestanding floor speakers or dedicated wall-mounted drivers. While the driver size is fairly impressive, it leaves something to be desired when actually putting sound out through the air.

The Flimsy Wall Mount

You can wall mount the M-1, but you might not want to. One of the recurring complaints about the M-1 relates to the included wall mount. This does give the speaker a bit of flexibility, but it leaves something to be desired. Numerous customers have noted issues with the installation process, rendering the speaker inoperable due to using a bit too much force.

The finicky wall mount is one of the stronger reasons to avoid a Bowers & Wilkins M-1. When looking at the various ways to install the speakers, the wall mount ends up being one of the poorer options. You’d honestly be better off just throwing them up on a shelf if available.

They’re Expensive

Getting better sound out of your home audio solution is always going to be a bit of a spend. However, when you look at the raw cost of these speakers, you’re going to be in for a bit of sticker shock. A single Bower & Wilkins M-1 is going to run you a retail price of $250.

The overall cost is just one major consideration to keep in mind when looking at the M-1s. While they perform admirably given their general size, there are multiple bookshelf speakers you can purchase at a similar price point with more power to bring to your home theater.

You’ll Need a Sub to Make the Most of It

While the Bowers & Wilkins M-1 has plenty of range, it is a little more anemic in bass frequencies. As such, you’ll need to invest in a sub to get a more even picture as far as your frequency response goes. The mids and highs are well accounted for since smaller speakers rarely have issues with those.

Instead, one of the biggest reasons to avoid the Bowers & Wilkins M-1 just comes down to it being an incomplete solution. You’ll have to buy a pair of speakers and a sub just to get a full picture in terms of stereo imaging.

Going for Full Surround Is Expensive

This is another natural extension of the price issue, but going for a full surround setup with the M-1s is going to be extremely costly. Not counting the receiver, you’ll need at least five M-1s and a subwoofer of some sort to go for a full surround sound setup.

Just doing the simple math, you’re going to be looking at $1250 for just the speakers alone, and the recommended Bowers & Wilkins sub runs for $1700 on its own. So you’re spending $2950 on a surround sound setup that doesn’t have enough raw power to fill up a room.

Alternatives to the Bower & Wilkins M-1

Here are three favorite alternatives to the Bowers & Wilkins M-1 satellite speaker.

Mission LX-3 MKII

Great Frequency Response

Mission LX-3 MKII Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)

• 2-way bookshelf speakers
• 6.5-inch bass driver
• 1-inch soft dome treble unit
• Recommended amp power 20-120W
• Frequency response 45Hz ~ 20kHz, extended bass response to 40Hz

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If you’re looking for a bookshelf speaker that can reach down low, the LX-3 MKII from Mission might be the best fit. These are more expensive than the Bowers & Wilkins M-1, but they have a bit more power to them. The frequency response is great on these speakers, reaching down to 40Hz on their own.

You could add a sub for a surround sound setup, but as a stereo pair, you’ll be perfectly with them as is. Simply said, you’re getting a pair of excellent speakers for a little bit more than you’d spend on the M-1. They also readily integrate into your home audio listening solutions, providing clear bass and good directionality for the sound.

Polk Audio OWM3

Fantastic Pick for Movie Buffs

Polk Audio OWM3 Wall and Bookshelf Speakers

$150.46

• 4.5-inch mid/woofer
• 1-inch tweeter
• 100 watts maximum output
• Capacitive Coupling Technology limits distortion and delivers extended dynamic range
• Frequency response 80 Hz - 25 Hz

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11/30/2023 12:54 am GMT

Movie buffs on the hunt for a versatile speaker would do well with the OWM3. This is also a bookshelf speaker. However, these are also intended for wall mounting. These have reliefs on the back that make wall mounting a cinch, and the mounting surface is far more robust.

In terms of overall performance, these perform quite admirably. The OWM3 readily integrates into a surround sound setup, and you’d just need a subwoofer to get things rolling for the whole kit. Polk Audio’s OWM3 runs for $179 per speaker, meaning you’re going to spend considerably less to get the sound you want.

Klipsch R-40M

Fantastic Bass Response

Klipsch Reference Next-Generation R-40M Horn-Loaded Bookshelf Speakers

$244.95

• 90° x 90° TRACTRIX horn
• 1-inch linear travel suspension tweeter
• 4-inch woofers
• 200 watts maximum output
• Frequency response 71Hz - 21kHz +/- 3dB

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11/30/2023 12:48 am GMT

Klipsch is the company to beat when it comes to solid home audio. The R-40Ms are no exception and bring a massive amount of power and clarity. These bookshelf speakers use a horn to direct sound, and the drivers inside are bright and clear for any media.

The R-40ms do run a bit more than the M-1s, but you’re getting an overall better speaker. The bass response on these is absolutely fantastic, and you could pair it up with a subwoofer and receiver to get one of the most stunning surround sound setups on the market today.

Closing Thoughts

The Bowers & Wilkins M-1 speakers are close to greatness. Unfortunately, they are held back by a few curious design decisions and the overall cost. They would certainly make a great addition to a Dolby Atmos setup, working well as a positional speaker for height. However, as the main driver for a surround sound system, they lack the power needed to really wow you.

That said, if you happen to get them on a decent sale, they could be worth considering. Do keep in mind that you’ll need at least two for stereo sound, and these are sold individually.

Alternatives to the Bowers & Wilkins M-1 Satellite Speaker

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