[Mark Hodgkinson]

Bowers & Wilkins says their Mini Theatre series has been one of the ‘major success stories in the world of home cinema’ since launching six years ago but B&W aren’t resting on their laurels and have announced the new Mini Theatre series that they promise will take performance to a whole new level.

The new updated and upgraded Mini Theatre series comprises two systems: MT-60D and MT-50. B&W say they’ve made significant improvements in key elements that result in a dramatic uplift in performance, including improved detail, better bass performance, and significantly enhanced integration between the subwoofers and the satellite speakers.

The Manufacturers say both systems offer excellent performance, but the MT-60D sets new standards for what can be expected from a compact, stylish speaker package. This jump in quality is a result of partnering an up-graded M-1 loudspeaker, with the new and improved PV1D, a ‘dramatically updated version of the ground-breaking’, opposed-drive-unit subwoofer. The MT-50 is a direct replacement for the MT-25 system, and sees the new M-1s partnered with the ASW608 subwoofer.

The M-1 loudspeaker is a key feature in both packages, acting as all five speakers in a surround set up. But B&W reckon it’s also a great stereo solution, as they say one of the most dramatic upgrades from the out-going M-1 is this speaker’s full range performance: it now offers a stereo performance comparable to Bowers & Wilkins bookshelf speakers.
In order to achieve these improvements the M-1 has been completely redesigned internally, although only subtle styling differences are visible externally. It features all new drive units, including an in-house designed tweeter, and a bass/mid-range driver that uses the new Anti-Resonance Plug first seen on the high-end PM1 loudspeaker.

As well as these acoustic improvements, the mechanics of the M-1 have been updated, with improved speaker cable terminations and a more robust connection to the stands – a table-top stand and wall bracket are supplied in the box, while a floor stand is available as an optional extra.

The PV1D sees what is easily the most successful Bowers & Wilkins subwoofer get a dramatic update. While it retains its shape, the PV1D now moves to the digital platform developed for the flagship Bowers & Wilkins DB1 subwoofer and they claim it delivers deeper and faster bass than the previous model, and is equally at home with music and movies.

A new OLED display and touch button array provide easy access to a number of pre-sets and tuning options, while a custom version of the SubApp™ PC software provides more advanced set-up options.
The third element in the Mini Theatre series is the ASW608 subwoofer. While this model remains the same acoustically, it is now available in the same Matte White finish as the M-1 loudspeakers.

Mini Theatre is available from March 2012 and costs:

MT-50 - £1,094
MT-60D - £1,945
M-1 (each) - £150
PV1D - £1,200
ASW608 - £349
M-1 stands (pair) - £199