B&W 201i

 B&W's loudspeakers have long been revered throughout the world by respected audio critics and the professional recording industry alike.  In fact, the acoustic qualities of all loudspeakers have endeared it to more audiophiles over the many years than any other high-end loudspeaker.

Now, we've taken evertything we've learned about the behavior of dynamic loudspeakers and applied it to a series of affordable loudspeakers that are nothing short of remarkable. The application of this knowledge, combined with innovations in driver technology and crossover design, have created two new loudspeakers that provide surprising musical realism and movie soundtrack excitement.

Both the 201i and 202i feature new bass/midrange drivers. For consistent performance, regardless of amplitude, frequency or temperature, these drivers use high temperature voice coils wound on glass reinforced Kapton formers. Special PVC compounds terminate the fibre cones for resonance-free bass fundamentals. High sensitivity tweeters ensure sparkling high frequency response beyond the limits of audibility with liquid cooling for high power handling.  The result is remarkable bass extension and absence of unwanted resonances, particulary in the critical midrange frequencies.

Using B&W's proprietary computer aided crossover optimization program, the frequency dividing networks have been fine tuned for a degree of three-dimensional spatial imaging unheard of in such affordable loudspeakers. The 200i Series enclosures, designed by Kenneth Grange, feature wedgeshaped grilles on acoustically transparent frames to minimize diffraction. With superb visual style,  captivating audio performance, and a surpisingly attractive price, the 201i and 202i carry the B&W tradition into a new arena.

 B&W 201i

Stand-mount/Bookshelf loudspeaker system

Product Summary

The 200 series was deemed as the rarity in the mass consumer hi-fi market – a reasonably priced loudspeaker that provided high sensitivity, extended linear frequency response and pinpoint stereo imaging.

The 201i is a 2-way vented box loudspeaker system. The speaker comprises of a 1in high frequency unit with polyester dome and one 6-in low/mid frequency composite fibre cone.

The B&W wall bracket accessory permits easy, multi-directional positioning on walls.

Technical highlights

The Design incorporates a cabinet profile and wedge shaped grilles on acoustically transparent frames.

The magnetic fluid-cooled voice coils are a B&W hallmark, wound on glass reinforced Kapton® formers, enabling the drivers to take the heat when reproducing modern digital recordings.

In common with all B&W tweeters, the lightweight units incorporate low viscosity magnetic fluids to offer excellent power handling and linearity.

Specifications

Drive Units: 

1 x 25 mm high-frequency with polyester dome

1 x 165 mm low frequency with composite short fibre cone

Frequency Response:  66 Hz – 20 kHz ±3 dB on reference axis

Sensitivity:  90 dB spl(2.83V 1m)

Nominal Impedance:  4 Ω

Power Handling:  Suitable for amplifiers up to 100 W Continuous

Dimensions (H x W x D):  Height: 360 x 225 x 181mm

Finish:  Black ash vinyl