- Manufacturer & Model
- Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 and 805 D4 Signature Series
- MSRP
- $12,000/pair (805); $50,000/pair (801)
- Highlights
-
Improved tweeter grille, more rigid/damped top plate structure, low-end driver designed for less distortion, aluminum flared port.
- Summary
-
Bowers & Wilkins' Signature upgrade has been applied to two 800 Series speakers, the 805 D4 and teh 801 D4. With quite a few notable changes, not to mention two new gorgeous, finishes, the speakers sound fantastic. What changes and how fantastic? Watch our video review to find out...
Bowers & Wilkins has added two new models to its no-holds-barred Signature approach, injecting its 801 D4 and 805 D4 models with new technologies for better sound. We visited Massimo Consumer Headquarters in Carlsbad, CA to get the inside scoop on what's new in these signature models. We also heard them in action.
Both new speaker models come in two luxurious finishes, a Midnight Blue Metallic and California Burl, which require application processes that are lengthy and complex. But the biggest new factors found on the speakers come in the form of physical and technology changes. Those can be found in the speakers' drivers and, in the case of the 801, the port, but also tweaks to cabinet parts. We dive into specifics about these changes and show you what the new parts look like in the video review. We also discuss how the new speaker sounds and what – if any – identifiable audio characteristics stood out between the older 801 D4 and the new limited 801 D4 Signature.
Click the video above or click here to watch.
805 D4 Signature Specifications
- Dimensions: Height: 440mm (17.3in), Width: 240mm (9.4in), Depth: 373mm (14.7in)
- Net weight: 15.55kg (34.3 lb)
- Drive units: 1x ø25mm (1in) Diamond Dome high-frequency; 1x ø165mm (6.5in) Continuum™ cone bass/midrange
- Frequency range: -6dB 34Hz to 35kHz
- Frequency response: 42Hz to 28kHz ±3dB
- Sensitivity: 88dB spl (2.83Vrms, 1m)
- Harmonic distortion: 2nd and 3rd harmonics (90dB, 1m on axis); <1 % 90Hz - 20kHz; <0.3% 120Hz - 20kHz
- Nominal impedance: 8Ω (minimum 4.6Ω)
- Recommended amplifier power: 50W - 120W into 8Ω on unclipped programme
- Max recommended cable impedance: 0.1Ω
801 D4 Signature Specifications
- Dimensions: Height: 1221mm (48.1in); Width: 451mm (17.8 in); Depth: 600mm (23.6 in)
- Net weight: 100.60kg (221.8 lb)
- Drive units: 1x ø25mm (1in) Diamond Dome high-frequency; 1x ø150mm (6in) Continuum™ cone FST™ midrange; 2x ø250mm (10in) Aerofoil™ Profile bass
- Frequency range: -6dB 13Hz - 35kHz
- Frequency response: 15Hz - 28kHz ±3dB
- Sensitivity: 90dB spl (2.83Vrms, 1m)
- Harmonic distortion: 2nd and 3rd harmonics (90dB, 1m on axis); <1% 30Hz – 20kHz; <0.3% 100Hz – 20kHz
- Nominal impedance: 8Ω (minimum 3.0Ω)
- Recommended amplifier power: 50W - 1,000W into 8Ω on unclipped programme
- Max recommended cable impedance: 0.1Ω
