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Bowers & Wilkins AM-1 Architectural Monitor Weather-Resistant Loudspeaker for Patio, Garden, or Poolside, 1" Aluminum-Dome Tweeter, 5" Glassfibre Cone Midrange & Auxiliary Bass Radiator (Pair, White)
Product Information
AM 1: Redefining Outdoor Audio with Premium Sound and Endurance
A New Era in Outdoor Sound
There’s nothing quite like enjoying your favorite music outdoors—whether it’s a summer barbecue, an evening by the pool, or a cozy patio dinner. However, most outdoor speakers struggle to balance durability and sound quality. The am 1 from Bowers & Wilkins changes that completely.
The am 1 isn’t just designed to survive the outdoors—it’s built to perform with excellence. Engineered for rich, detailed audio, this all-weather loudspeaker delivers the same immersive experience you’d expect from high-end indoor speakers. Whether mounted on a garden wall, under a terrace roof, or near a pool, the am 1 ensures exceptional clarity and depth.
Unlike ordinary outdoor models, the am 1 fuses minimalist design with advanced sound engineering. It’s proof that true audio quality doesn’t need to compromise on durability.
Bowers & Wilkins has a long-standing reputation for combining form and function—and the am 1 embodies this philosophy perfectly. Its sleek, modern lines and neutral color options (black or white) make it easy to integrate into any environment. Whether it’s a private backyard or a chic restaurant terrace, the am 1 complements the setting effortlessly.
Weatherproof Build for Real-World Environments
The am 1 is crafted from glass-filled ABS plastic and finished with a rust-proof aluminum grille, providing unmatched resistance to UV rays, humidity, and extreme temperatures. Every unit undergoes rigorous environmental testing, ensuring it maintains consistent performance through rain, sun, or snow.
Unlike many speakers that trade sound quality for resilience, the am 1 delivers both. Its sealed enclosure prevents moisture and dust ingress, while its rear-mounted Auxiliary Bass Radiator (ABR) enhances low-frequency response without needing traditional ports.
State-of-the-Art Acoustic Engineering
When you hear the am 1, you immediately recognize that it’s no ordinary outdoor speaker. Inside its compact frame lies a wealth of advanced sound technology that produces crisp highs, warm mids, and deep, controlled bass.
High-Frequency Brilliance
At its core, the am 1 features a 1-inch Nautilus™ tube-loaded aluminum dome tweeter. This design, borrowed from Bowers & Wilkins’ high-end studio monitors, absorbs unwanted resonances, ensuring that the treble remains clear and smooth even at higher volumes.
Powerful Midrange and Bass
Beneath the tweeter sits a 5-inch glass-fiber cone bass/midrange driver, which handles vocals and instrumentation with remarkable precision. The inclusion of an Auxiliary Bass Radiator further enhances the low end, giving the am 1 a depth and warmth rarely found in weatherproof speakers.
Seamless Sound Dispersion
Thanks to its forward-facing architecture and optimized crossover design, the am 1 delivers evenly dispersed sound that remains detailed across wide spaces. This ensures every listener—no matter where they’re standing—experiences balanced, natural audio.
Installation: Smart Design for Maximum Flexibility
Ease of installation is one of the most underrated aspects of the am 1, and Bowers & Wilkins got it right.
Ingenious Mounting System
Each am 1 comes with a cast aluminum wall bracket featuring a single-plug mounting mechanism. This system makes installation simple, safe, and secure. Once mounted, the am 1 can rotate 110 degrees in either direction, allowing you to aim the sound precisely where it’s needed.
Portrait or Landscape Mounting
Whether you prefer a horizontal or vertical orientation, the am 1 accommodates both. This flexibility makes it ideal for various architectural settings—whether aligned under eaves, beside windows, or on feature walls.
Efficient Wiring and Setup
Because it’s a passive speaker, the am 1 requires an external amplifier to power it. This allows customization of your sound system—pairing it with amplifiers or receivers that match your desired performance level.
Indoor Versatility: Not Just for the Outdoors
Although the am 1 was built for outdoor conditions, its premium sound and elegant styling make it equally suitable for indoor spaces.
Perfect for Commercial and Hospitality Environments
Bars, restaurants, hotels and cafes love the am 1 because it delivers background music that feels full and immersive, yet never intrusive. Its slim profile and understated aesthetic integrate effortlessly into modern interiors.
Ideal for Home Installations
Inside the home, the am 1 excels in rooms that demand durability and performance—like kitchens, conservatories, and enclosed patios. Its sound signature remains consistent, ensuring music sounds lively and rich no matter where you’re listening.
Performance: Powerful, Clear and Refined
Performance defines the am 1 experience. Even in open spaces where acoustics can be challenging, it delivers audio that’s both dynamic and accurate.
Rich, Balanced Audio
From acoustic sessions to orchestral recordings, the am 1 reproduces sound with a natural balance between bass, midrange, and treble. Its sealed cabinet design eliminates distortion while maintaining tight control over low frequencies.
Volume Without Distortion
Unlike cheaper outdoor speakers that distort when pushed, the am 1 maintains composure at high volumes. Its sophisticated driver configuration ensures sound remains clean and detailed—whether you’re playing soft background music or filling a large outdoor area.
True Hi-Fi Outdoors
The am 1 breaks the myth that outdoor speakers can’t deliver true hi-fi sound. It performs like a premium indoor speaker but thrives in any weather condition.
Maintenance and Longevity: Built for Years of Performance
Durability isn’t just about surviving rain—it’s about maintaining excellence year after year. The am 1 was designed for longevity, with materials that resist corrosion, fading, and mechanical wear.
Low Maintenance Design
The am 1’s sealed architecture and aluminum grille require minimal upkeep. A quick wipe-down with a soft cloth is usually enough to keep it clean, even in coastal or dusty environments.
Weather Testing and Quality Assurance
Before reaching customers, each am 1 undergoes extensive testing to simulate extreme weather exposure. From intense heat to freezing temperatures, these tests ensure reliability in all conditions.
Built with Purpose
Bowers & Wilkins didn’t create the am 1 as a temporary solution—it’s a long-term investment in sound quality. Every component, from its drivers to its bracket system, is engineered for endurance.
Comparing AM 1 with Other Outdoor Speakers
When evaluating premium outdoor speakers, the am 1 consistently rises above its competition.
Superior Engineering
Where most outdoor speakers emphasize loudness, the am 1 emphasizes fidelity. Its detailed tonal balance makes it more refined than typical waterproof models that focus solely on volume.
Architectural Elegance
The am 1 also wins in aesthetics. Its slim profile and subtle branding allow it to blend with modern architecture, unlike bulkier designs that stand out awkwardly.
Value for Performance
Given its build quality, weather resistance, and sound performance, the am 1 offers excellent long-term value. It’s a speaker designed not only to impress but to endure.
🎧 Why These Specifications Matter
The technical details of the am 1 are more than just numbers—they define the speaker’s real-world performance. Its wide frequency range (51Hz–22kHz) ensures you hear every note clearly, from deep bass to crisp highs. The Auxiliary Bass Radiator enhances low-end warmth, while the Nautilus™ tweeter delivers studio-level clarity outdoors.
Meanwhile, the 8-ohm impedance and amplifier compatibility (20W–100W) make the am 1 easy to integrate with most home or professional systems. Its sealed, weatherproof cabinet ensures years of flawless operation—even in extreme environments.
🔍 Comparison Table: AM 1 vs Sonos Outdoor vs Bose 251
| Feature | Bowers & Wilkins AM 1 | Sonos Outdoor (by Sonance) | Bose 251 Environmental |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intended Use / Positioning | Architectural, weatherproof outdoor/in-outdoor | Architectural passive outdoor speakers for use with Sonos Amp | Environmental / landscape outdoor speaker |
| Driver Configuration | 1″ Nautilus™ tube-loaded aluminum dome tweeter + 5″ glass-fiber cone mid/bass + Auxiliary Bass Radiator (ABR) | 1″ tweeter + high-excursion woofer (pivoting) | 2.5″ full-range drivers + 5.25″ woofer, using Bose’s Articulated Array® design (Bose Latam) |
| Enclosure / Weather Resistance | Sealed, rust-proof aluminum grille, UV and moisture resistant | Sealed enclosure, weatherproof up to IP66 (dust- and water-resistant) (Sonos) | Weather-resistant, built to endure sun, humidity, salt spray, extreme temperatures (–40°F to 158°F) (Bose) |
| Mounting & Orientation | Landscape or portrait mounting; bracket allows 110° rotation either side | Usually wall or surface mounting; optimized for use with Sonos Amp | Vertical mounting only (not designed for horizontal orientation) (Bose) |
| Power / Amplification | Passive — requires external amplifier matched to speaker | Passive — requires Sonos Amp (or other suitable amplifier) | Passive — requires external amplifier or receiver |
| Frequency Response / Sensitivity / Impedance | (From manufacturer specs you’d include expected) | From Best Buy listing: 55 Hz – 20 kHz, impedance 8 Ω, sensitivity ~89 dB (Best Buy) | Bose claims wide sound field and minimized distortion; power handling up to ~100 W RMS, impedance 8 Ω (Best Buy) |
| Strengths / Differentiators | High-fidelity tuning, architectural flexibility, ABR for deep bass in sealed design, robust weather tolerance | Seamless integration with Sonos ecosystem, DSP via Sonos Amp, solid weatherproof design | Wide dispersion using Articulated Array®, strong outdoor durability, established brand acceptance |
| Limitations / Trade-Offs | Requires careful amplification choice; premium cost | Dependency on Sonos ecosystem; passive design (needs external amp) | Vertical-only mounting; less “audiophile” tuning compared to high-end architectural designs |
| Warranty / Support | (Depends on B&W’s warranty in your region) | Typically 2-year warranty (Crutchfield) | 5-year limited warranty in many markets (Bose) |
📈 Analysis & Use Cases
When AM 1 is a strong choice
You prioritize reference-grade audio outdoors and don’t want to compromise fidelity.
You need rotational mounting flexibility (landscape/portrait) and precise aim control.
You want a design that blends architecturally with spaces while still delivering serious performance.
You have or plan for a high-quality external amplifier to pair with it.
When Sonos Outdoor might be better
You already use Sonos and prefer tight integration (streaming, app, grouping).
You want DSP-tailored tuning (via Sonos Amp) to protect the speakers in outdoor conditions.
You prefer simpler ecosystem control over raw performance.
When Bose 251 fits the bill
You need broad sound coverage and don’t need ultra-precise tuning. The Articulated Array design gives wide dispersion outdoors. Bose Latam+1
You’re willing to mount vertically and accept the trade-offs in mounting flexibility.
You prioritize ruggedness and brand familiarity, especially for installations where longevity and resilience matter most.
🎯 Comparison Analysis: Why the AM 1 Leads the Outdoor Audio Class
When comparing premium outdoor loudspeakers, three models dominate the conversation: the Bowers & Wilkins am 1, the Sonos Outdoor by Sonance, and the Bose 251 Environmental Speakers. While each delivers reliable performance and weather resistance, the am 1 clearly distinguishes itself through refined engineering, architectural flexibility, and sonic precision.
The am 1 is designed for listeners who expect studio-grade clarity in every note, even outdoors. Its combination of a Nautilus™ aluminum dome tweeter, glass-fiber mid-bass driver, and Auxiliary Bass Radiator (ABR) creates a full, balanced soundstage that feels alive—something most outdoor speakers rarely achieve. The sealed, rust-proof enclosure ensures years of operation without distortion or deterioration, making the am 1 not just a purchase, but an investment in sound quality.
In contrast, the Sonos Outdoor excels in convenience. It integrates seamlessly into the Sonos ecosystem, offering effortless multiroom control and smart DSP tuning when paired with the Sonos Amp. For users already immersed in the Sonos network, it’s a logical and capable option. However, its dependency on proprietary amplification limits flexibility for diverse setups.
Meanwhile, the Bose 251 focuses on wide dispersion and long-term durability. It’s ideal for users prioritizing simple installation and consistent coverage across larger spaces, though its vertical mounting and limited tonal accuracy place it behind the am 1 in refined sound performance.
Ultimately, the am 1 reigns supreme for those seeking true high-fidelity sound outdoors. It blends elegant design, engineering excellence, and uncompromising durability, reaffirming Bowers & Wilkins’ legacy as one of the most respected names in audio.
🛒 Where to Buy the Bowers & Wilkins AM 1
If you’re ready to elevate your outdoor listening experience, the Bowers & Wilkins am 1 is available through authorized retailers and trusted online stores. Whether you’re enhancing your home patio, upgrading a restaurant sound system, or creating a luxurious poolside ambiance, the am 1 delivers unmatched clarity, balance, and reliability.
Before purchasing, ensure your amplifier or receiver matches the recommended output (20W–100W at 8Ω) for optimal performance. Investing in the am 1 means choosing a product engineered for both endurance and elegance—an audio solution that performs beautifully year after year.
You can find the am 1 at:
Official Bowers & Wilkins Website – for direct warranty and product authenticity.
Authorized Audio Retailers – offering installation support and expert guidance.
Trusted Online Platforms (e.g., Amazon, Crutchfield, Best Buy) – for convenient purchase and verified reviews.
Whichever platform you choose, make sure the seller is authorized to guarantee genuine components and full warranty coverage.
🎶 Final Thoughts: The Sound That Defies the Elements
The am 1 isn’t just another outdoor loudspeaker—it’s an extension of the Bowers & Wilkins legacy. From its precision acoustic design to its robust weatherproof construction, every detail is crafted to deliver an authentic, emotional listening experience.
If you value sound that stays pure in any environment, the am 1 is the intelligent choice. Bring your outdoor spaces to life with a speaker that doesn’t just play music—it transforms the way you hear it.
Final Verdict: The AM 1 is Outdoor Audio Perfection
The am 1 by Bowers & Wilkins isn’t merely weatherproof—it’s futureproof. With its blend of high-fidelity performance, architectural elegance, and unmatched durability, it delivers more than sound—it delivers emotion.
Every design choice reflects purpose: the sealed cabinet ensures purity, the aluminum dome tweeter delivers brilliance, and the ABR enhances bass richness. Together, they create a sonic experience that’s immersive, balanced, and deeply satisfying.
If you want a speaker that performs beautifully in any environment and lasts for years, the am 1 is the ultimate choice. It’s more than a loudspeaker—it’s a statement of excellence.
