B&W Debuts Three New CASA Models

Active In-Wall Models Extend Firm's Unique Custom-Install System

30-Aug-00

&W Loudspeakers has introduced three additions to its unique CASA family of components for whole-house, custom installation audio systems. The CASA ACM 65 and ACM 80 add two high performance, coaxial round models to the system's active-in-wall lineup, while the new AWM 650 is a rectangular two-way featuring higher power and extended capabilities.The CASA ConceptThe CASA system was conceived to bring high-end sonic performance to the custom installation field. The key concept of CASA's technology is its use of ""active"" architectural speakers, each equipped with its own low voltage on-board power amplifier. Making this possible is the four-zone CASA controller, expandable to up to 32 zones. The controller not only receives instructions from CASA keypads and/or remote controls located in each remote room or zone, it also contains the high-voltage power-supply necessary for each room's active CASA speakers. The individual CASA components are linked via a single, high quality multicore cable (Cat. 5) that carries control signals as well as the low-voltage power supply and audio signals to the speakers. All CASA audio signals are transmitted in electrically ""balanced"" form, the same standard employed over very long runs in professional recording studios and concert venues. This is said to ensure that CASA music signals remain all but entirely immune from interference and distortion, with unexcelled dynamic range. With the CASA loudspeakers there is no need for separate power amplifiers anywhere in the system, which should vastly simplify installation. The CASA system is fully able to integrate with conventional multiroom amplifiers, speakers from other sources and other touch panel home integration systems, should this be necessary.The New CASA ModelsLike all CASA loudspeakers, B&W's three latest additions to the line are all low-voltage active in-wall designs. All three are biamplified with independent amplifier channels for woofer and tweeter on board each speaker. The ACM 65 and ACM 80 are coaxial-round layouts equally suitable for wall or ceiling mounting, while the AWM 650 is a powerful discrete two-way system.The ACM 80 and ACM 65 are for the most part similar, sharing B&W's proprietary 1-inch metal dome tweeter and woven-Kevlarô mid-bass driver technologies. Both units deploy the tweeter in a tilting, ""aimable"" bracket, permitting installers to optimize stereo imaging and coverage regardless of installation position. The ACM 80 employs an 8-inch mid/bass unit while the ACM 65's measures 6.5 inches. Both are capable of bass extension to 36Hz and 50Hz, respectively (-6dB). The ACM 80 bi-amplification consists of two 30-watt channels, with dual 25-watt channels serving the smaller ACM 65. Each new coaxial CASA design also incorporates local-input and subzone capabilities, which permit reproduction of a signal-source, such as a television set or A/V preamp located in the speaker's remote room, without interfering with its full CASA-system function.Both models also offer mono-from-stereo capability, so that an individual speaker can function as a complete zone in non-critical listening areas.The AWM 650 is said to set a standard for audiophile-grade performance from a compact in-wall speaker. Its 1-inch aluminum-dome tweeter employs B&W's acclaimed proprietary Nautilus tapered-tube driver-loading technology. The speaker also features a cast-basket 6.5-inch Kevlar woofer, dual-50-watt biamplified power, and active low-frequency equalization to contribute to bottom-end extension of 42Hz. The AWM 650's ridged cast baffle-frame serves as an effective cooling surface for its substantial amplifiers. As with the new coaxial CASA monitors, the AWM 650 incorporates the local input/subzone capabilities, enabling it to integrate with a remote-room source or system. Additionally it provides an LED indicator to confirm infrared commands from its CASA remote controller. All three new CASA loudspeakers incorporate B&W's rugged, positive-mounting ""swing-out"" fixing method, and can utilize optional pre-mount kits for pre-installation during framing or renovation. All three are manufactured using environmentally rugged, powder-coated metal frames and grilles, finished in paintable matte white.Manufacturers suggested retail prices: CASA ACM 65: $350 each CASA ACM 80: $550 each CASA AWM 650: $750 each All models are now available.