B&W LM1 Bookshelf Speakers

B&W LM1 Bookshelf Speakers 

DESCRIPTION

2-Way 4th-Order Vented-Box System - 5" Bass/Mid, 1" High-Frequency - Recommended amplifier power: 25W - 100W continuous into 8 ohms on unclipped programme. Available in 5 colors: Burgundy, white, grey, turquoise, and black.

USER REVIEWS

Showing 11-20 of 42  
[Nov 14, 2000]
Clodel Gosuico
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Midrange, tweeters, flexibility of positioning, and they're really pretty to look at.

Weakness:

Lacks bass, but what can you expect; it's a bookshelf speaker.

Great midrange and tweaters. I use them to drop needed highs and midrange from the corners of a loft that's 25'x50' with 18' ceilings. They work well with Mirages to fill the voluminous space with sound from above; perfect for dancing in the living room. As the Mirages already pump out plenty of bass, I really didn't need speakers that would bring more bass to the space. I also use another pair of the LM1's as monitors for my dj equipment, and work really well to direct sounds to my ears as I am spinning.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Sep 25, 2000]
Steve
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Modern looks, solid build, good sound clarity

Weakness:

Bass, price on the high side

Many reviews here critize this speaker for its lack of bass; however, I'm using it as a surround speaker in a HT setup with a subwoofer so base is not critical here.

As a surround speaker, the LM has passed with flying colors. I like that you can attach the base to the wall, and you can adjust the position almost 180 degrees.

Overall, as a surround speaker, I would definitely recommend it.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
4
[Apr 11, 2000]
Anthony Man
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Good looks,easy to drive,hook up anywhere and very loud too.

Weakness:

Weak bass, image can be better.

Please don't compare LM1 with HiFi speakers. That is not what it is for. I used two pairs in my club and they sounded great. Much better than the Tannoys and looks much better than anything else on the market in this price range.

Similar Products Used:

KEF K15, Tannoy M2

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
3
[Mar 03, 2001]
Rob Schoonbeek
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Subliem sound quality for this small (bookshelf) speakers.

Weakness:

Bass. But that is no problem because I use a Rel Quake Subwoofer.

Especially in wintertime I like to listen to (good) music.
Allthough I don't want to spend to much money for this hobby, I try to find a good mixture of equipment.
In december 2000, I heard the B&W LM1's and I was very surprised for their good sound quality.
It is clear that the bass fundament is poor. But nevertheless, in combination with the (rather small) REL Quake subwoofer it is a very nice triple.
I had not that bad Technics speakers, but now I am exploring all my music again and I am very pleased with my small B&W's.
I think they look nice too.

Rest of equipment:
Arcam 7 integrated amplifier
Technics SLP777 CD-player (18 bit) and modified
Van de Hull (silvered copper) LS-cable
Selfmade silverwire interlinks
REL Quake subwoofer

Similar Products Used:

Technics SMB-20

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Feb 26, 2000]
Erik
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Compact, stylish, flexible auxilliary speaker, B&W quality

Weakness:

Assuming not intended as a "full-range" main, no apparent weaknesses to date, other than price at MSRP $350pr

These stylish speakers(I got the crystal white) are working well as the rear channel speakers in my home theater system in my medium size 18ft x 15ft listening room. I appreciate the flexible mounting which allows positioning the speakers to best advantage. Would have rated it higher if it were less expensive.

Similar Products Used:

Used as rear channel speakers w/ 602S2 mains, CC6S2 center and ASW 1000 sub

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Feb 27, 2000]
John Roe
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Good flexibility, decent sound quality, good rear speakers

Weakness:

not as good bass as the 601's, poor grill design

I use these as my rear speakers. . . right now im running B&W 602 s2 for my front, atlantic tech 352pbm sub, nad 515 cd changer, carver 885.1 receiver, sony 530 Dvd player.

These speakers are extremely versatile and you can mount them with ease almost anywhere in the room. The mid to highs are decent but the bass is lacking considerably.

It seems B&W made an design flaw on the grill of the speaker. . . when there is more bass added to the signal at higher volumes . . the ported woofer shoots air very quickly through the metal grille which sometimes creates a little whistle-like sound. Quite annoying if you were going to use these as primary speakers. Since I am using it strictly for my rear speakers and not using it for any bass (most is coming from the at 352 . . . which is awesome for the price btw). . it works well for me.

If you are going to buy these speakers, don't plan on getting much bass . . . but otherwise a great speaker. Like all the different colors and mounting positions.

OVERALL
RATING
3
VALUE
RATING
3
[Jul 30, 2001]
Jose Ferrer

Strength:

Absolutely crisp and clear sound, particularly the mid-ranges.

Weakness:

None.

I am using the speakers as my main channel speakers in a home theater system. The sound is absolutely clear and crisp. Although the lack of bass is noticeable, the speakers beat the pants off the competition in their price range (i.e., Bose surround sound speakers)in sound and quality. The bass deficiency can be easily overcome with a powered subwoofer.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Nov 04, 2001]
Neil
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Style, built in stand

Weakness:

kind of directional

Im using them as surrounds in my HT setup with B&W 602 s2's up front and matching CC6 center and they easily match their sound. I went shopping with the intent of buying Bose Di-pole speakers to fill the rear, but after hearing these at my dealer as mains I didnt even need to hear the bose. I was hooked. Even without a sub they sounded suprisingly very well imaged and clear, and I figured they would more than adequatly fit the bill as surrounds. They definatly do a good job as such.

I also really like the swivel base, allowing you to mount them on a wall without having to buy brackets. It even comes with the allen wrench to switch the base position, stored in a little compartment under each speaker. This is nice for me, because it will allow me to mount them where I want when I move out of my non-permanant living situation. As for right now they do draw a little attention to themselves, but im sure that comes from the odd-shaped room my HT system is in, their 'improper' placement (below ear level [yeah i know] and unequal distance) and lack of a subwoofer.

If youre looking for small, excellent sounding speakers for music, or to even make your TV sound better, these are what youre looking for. I would be extremely pleased if someone purchased LM1's for a restauraunt or quiet bar or CD store or something.

Similar Products Used:

my old circa 1990 Polk's (waste), energy

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
4
[Dec 31, 2001]
Jeff
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Nice soundstage/imaging, build quality, very detailed for the size/price.

Weakness:

None for it's intended use as surround speakers in my system. Defecient in the bass reproduction

I haven'y had a chance to use the LM1's as my surround speakers as my home theater room is still under construction. I have played around with them using my Marantz PM7000 and am very impressed with the quality sound that come out of these speakers. They have a very nice soundstage and the music blends seamlessly between the speakers. When properly adjusted and once you have soundthe sweet spot between the speakers, it feels like you are siting in front of a symphony. Although impractical, I have found that these speakers sound best when I set them on my hardwood floor, angle them up slightly, and sit 10 feet or so away from them. The LM1's have great bass response in this position, but how many people are going to set a pair of these and keep them on the floor permanently?

Aside from their great sound quality, the LM1 is equipped with rotating mounting brackets/stands. They also have nice eye appeal.

The B&W LM1's would be a nice pair of main speakers for the person who has limited space and budget. Their compact size and brackets/stands make them an obvious choice for the person with limited space or for the person who wants a nice pair of surround speakers. They are a great pair of speakers in the under $500 range.

Similar Products Used:

B&W 602 S2

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
[Nov 29, 2001]
gusti
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

mid range clarity, imaging, reasonable soundstage

Weakness:

bass below 60Hz, (compensate with subwoofer), depth

I bought these for casual listening, with other speakers like the DM602's used for critical listening / HT mains. However coupled with a middle-weight subwoofer, after some minimal tweaking, these provide very good and clear performance for casual or background sound. If you are looking at using them for mains I would recommend a look also at B&W's DM 303's which are a very good option for a few dollars more ( they even rival the venerable 602's from the same manufacturer for accuracy and clarity, with in my opinion a better midrange).

But back to the LM1's they are versatile, with both looks and options in mounting, to be used in different rooms or situations which means I'll be hanging on to these for a long time. They are also highly sensitive which allows them to be used with a variety of equipment including things like "mini HiFi" equipment, which generally suffer from poor speaker quality. They are also idela for small room / dorm type locations, even a low key Ht set up. Incidentally they are cheaper, and a much better option, than Bose's cube speakers. Check 'em out!

Similar Products Used:

B&W DM303, B&W 602, Tannoy

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
3
Showing 11-20 of 42  

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