Bowers & Wilkins B&W DM 7 Mk II loudspeakers

While working on the 801 and after the major development leap introduced by the DM6 'pregnant pinguin' innovations, the decade was definitely successful for Bowers & Wilkins, betting on technology and new approaches in sound rendition. The sales brochure itselfs introduces concepts like "laser", "computer modelling"… when they released the DM7 in 1979.

These are the MkII, probably from 1981/82, that introduced the redesigned filtering. Visually, you will not see the aluminium plate with the "contour" button on the top, the tweeter protection becomes a relay on the crossover, replacing the fuses, while a red led aside the tweeter indicates when you have toggled the circuit protection and reached the "game over" stage. This new setup translated in some arrogant manner in the commercial literature, that recommended an amplifier from 40 watts up to 200 watts, bravely relying on the crossover circuit to tame excessive wattage. From our own opinion, well, in large rooms you will need watts, definitely.

The build quality is above par, the sleek columns show delicate veneer applied on a rock-solid box, front aluminium edges, while the upper tweeter in his metal nest is just delightful to the eye. A sturdy design that translates into nearly 30 kilos per unit.

We can't really say they are not suitable for any kind of music, as they perform very well in most styles.