(August 26, 2021) Harnessing the passions and knowledge of more than five decades of audio excellence, engineers at Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) have spent the last six years reimagining every aspect of its vaunted 800 Series. The result is the 800 Series Diamond, an advanced collection of seven models (four floor-standers, two center channels, and one standpoint loudspeaker) loaded with spectacular levels of refinement.
Audio fanatics are destined to love several advancements in the driver department, beginning with an all-new composite “Biometric Suspension” that replaces the traditional fabric spider. When paired with B&W’s proprietary Continuum Cone – used in midrange and mid/bass drivers – and a polymer ring Fixed Suspension Transducer, the Biometric Suspension reduces unwanted air pressure and unpredictable, non-linear effects. The result, according to B&W, is greater transparency and realism.
B&W’s eye-catching solid body tweeter has also received a refresh and is now decoupled from the cabinet or Turbine Head in two locations. While it’s still crafted from a solid piece of aluminum, B&W’s engineers have elongated its form factor with a longer internal tube-loading system for a more spacious and open sound.
And, lastly, B&W has incorporated an “Aerofoil Cone,” a composite bass cone with a carbon-fiber skin and light syntactic foam core. The cone has varying thicknesses to provide maximum stiffness where it’s needed most, and is mated with a new foam Anti-Resonance Plug that gently braces the voice coil and lowers distortion as the cone is paced through its operating range.
All four three-way models feature midrange drive units with a stiff, all-aluminum chassis and Tuned Mass Dampers to suppress resonance. These units are further isolated on sprung-mounted decoupling mounts that limit the flow of vibration into the assembly. Mid-range drive units on the 803 D4, 802 D4, and 801 D4 floor standing models have an all-aluminum Turbine Head enclosure. This structure provides some outwardly visible eye-candy, while functianlly delivering additional levels of decoupling and isolation. While not visible, the HTM81 D4 and HTM82 D4 center channels benefit from a similar technology buried out of sight, inside their cabinets.
The fourth-largest tower in the series, the 804 D4, joins the 801 D4, 802 D4, and 803 D4 in offering a downward-firing Flowport bass port along with a new, stiffer solid aluminum plinth with a constrained layer steel damping sheet. The 804 has also received new kicks in the form of upgraded M12 spikes and feet. B&W says the 801-803 model range retains the same wheel-plus-spike configuration first unveiled six years ago.
Physically, the entire 800 Series Diamond is dressed for success, available in Satin Walnut, Gloss Black, White, and Satin Rosenut finishes, and loaded with gorgeous fine details. Internally, new levels of rigidity are delivered by B&W’s Matrix technology (a series of panels that brace the loudspeaker in all directions) and an all-new cast aluminum top section that kicks wood to the curb in the name of stifness and improved cabinet quietness . The 805 D4 and 804 D4 have also adopted the reverse wrap speaker cabinet previously reserved for larger floor standing 800 Series Diamond models.
Pricing ranges from expensive to extremely expensive, with the flagship 801 D4 landing at a hefty $35,000. Other floor-standing models, including the 802 D4, 803 D4 and 804 D4, land at $26,000, $20,000, and $12,500 respectively. The Series’ center speakers cost $7,500 (HTM81 D4) and $5,500 (HTM82 D4), while the 805 D4 standpoint loudspeaker costs $8,000 (the custom FS-805 stands cost an extra $1,200). Shipping for all models is scheduled to begin September 1, 2021.
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