Today we're diving deep into the Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Signature loudspeaker line, a series that has been a titan in the audio industry since its inception. It's been 22 years since Bowers & Wilkins last introduced new models to this line, but the wait has been worth it. The 801 D4 Signature floorstanding speaker and the 805 D4 Signature bookshelf speakers are not just new additions, they're game changers.
The Legacy of Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series
The moment you press play, you can tell that these aren't your average speakers. The 801D4 Signature is, without a doubt, the best 800 series model we've ever heard from Bowers & Wilkins. That's not faint praise coming from someone who's been intimately familiar with their products since 1996.
The 800 Series Signature speakers are based on the 801 D4 and 805 D4 models, which were introduced in 2021. If you're not familiar with Bowers & Wilkins, just know that their 800 series speakers are a common sight in major recording and post-production studios. They're lauded for their extremely accurate sound reproduction and low distortion and colorations.
Unleashing The Power of Technology: Inside the 800 Series Signature
One of the things that sets the 800 Series apart is the tech that goes into each model. Bowers & Wilkins' Diamond Tweeter, introduced in 2005, is a real standout. Made from diamond dust, it's not cheap to produce, but its responsiveness is extremely linear, beyond the range of human hearing.
Another notable feature is the aluminum turbine head, a distinctive feature of all 800 series models. The 801D4, 802D4, and 803D4 all have a second turbine head for the midrange driver. The 800 Series Diamond D4 also saw the introduction of the Biomimetic Suspension system. This was a breakthrough that took 15 years to develop and significantly improved midrange clarity.
And there's more. The 800 Series Diamond D4 models were also the first to move to external crossovers, which serve three primary purposes: reducing the chance of air pressure disturbing the sensitive electronic parts on the crossover, giving engineers more internal cabinet space for the woofers, and acting as a heat sink for the crossover components.
What really sets the 800 Series Signature speakers apart, though, are the many upgrades they feature. These include brand-new drivers unique to the Signature series. Just five minutes with the 801 D4 Signature floorstanding speaker will tell you that these are speakers like no other.
Listening Experience with the 801 D4 and 805 D4 Signature Speakers
In terms of the sound quality, the new 800 Signature series shows an impressive combination of clarity, precision, and warmth. The highs are incredibly crisp, the mids are rich and full-bodied, and the lows are deep and textured. The speakers' ability to deliver such a comprehensive soundstage is nothing short of remarkable.
While we have been able to gather a great deal of technical information about the Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Signature, we are still searching for more detailed information on the specific design changes and upgrades made in the new Signature series. We'll continue to dig deeper and keep you posted on our findings.
Further Exploration: What's Next for the 800 Series Signature?
In the quest for continuous improvement, Bowers & Wilkins have pioneered many new techniques for measuring how a speaker performs. Their commitment to progress is certainly evident in the 800 Series, with eight iterations since the introduction of the first 801 model in 1979.
The new 800 Series Signature speakers are an indication that Bowers & Wilkins is not resting on its laurels. Indeed, these two new models are a testament to the company's dedication to innovation, performance, and most importantly, sound excellence.
We eagerly look forward to what's next for the 800 Series Signature. For now, though, we can confidently say that the 801 D4 Signature floorstanding speaker and the 805 D4 Signature bookshelf speakers are a brilliant testament to the legacy and future of the Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series.