Bowers & Wilkins DM6
A compact floor-standing loudspeaker system that helped define British hi-fi during the golden age of audio
Overview
The Bowers & Wilkins DM6 is a floor-standing loudspeaker system. Designed to fill the gap between the DM2 and DM70 in B&W’s early lineup, it earned a reputation as a compact yet substantial speaker that redefined expectations for accuracy in British speaker design. Nicknamed the "Pregnant Penguin" for its distinctive curved cabinet, the DM6 was more than just another hi-fi box—it was a statement of intent during the audiophile boom of the late 1970s. It has been used in quadraphonic setups, including paired with DM4s as rear speakers.
Specifications
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 89 dB (1W/1m) |
| Weight | 28.2 kg (62 lbs) per cabinet |
Design
The DM6 features a rigid, time-aligned cabinet with integrated stands, contributing to its acoustic coherence and distinctive profile. It packed KEF’s legendary B110 driver, a hallmark of high-fidelity design in that era.
Context
Launched in 1976, just as the audiophile market surged, the DM6 set a new benchmark for British speaker design. Positioned between the DM2 and DM70, it completed a critical tier in Bowers & Wilkins’ early product range and helped establish the brand’s reputation for innovation and precision.
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