Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 - Floor Standing Speakers
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Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4

9.9
Brilliant
From $18,000 (pair)
language

description Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 Overview

The 801 D4 is the flagship of the Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series, widely regarded as the industry standard for recording studios and high-end home systems alike. It features the signature Diamond Dome tweeter and a Continuum cone midrange, delivering unparalleled detail and natural vocal reproduction. The 'Turbine Head' housing isolates the midrange from the bass cabinet, ensuring zero coloration. It is a powerhouse speaker that combines technical precision with a luxurious aesthetic, making it the definitive choice for those who want to hear their music exactly as the artist intended.

recommend Ideal para: The Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 is ideal for discerning audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts who demand the highest levels of sonic accuracy, detail, and performance and are willing to invest in a premium audio system.

info Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 Specifications

balance Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 Pros & Contras

thumb_up Pros
  • check Exceptional Detail Retrieval: The Diamond Dome tweeter delivers incredibly detailed and accurate high-frequency reproduction, revealing nuances often missed by lesser speakers.
  • check Natural Vocal Reproduction: The Continuum cone midrange driver provides remarkably natural and lifelike vocal reproduction, minimizing coloration and distortion.
  • check Powerful and Controlled Bass: The Turbine Technology bass drivers offer deep, powerful, and well-controlled bass response, minimizing distortion even at high volumes.
  • check Advanced Matrix System: The rigid Matrix bracing system significantly reduces cabinet resonance and vibrations, ensuring a cleaner and more accurate sound.
  • check Optimized Bi-Amping: The dedicated amplifier sections for the tweeter and midrange/bass drivers ensure optimal power delivery and performance across the frequency spectrum.
  • check Premium Build Quality: Constructed with high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship, the 801 D4 exudes a sense of luxury and durability.
thumb_down Contras
  • close High Cost: The 801 D4 represents a significant investment, placing it out of reach for many audio enthusiasts.
  • close Requires Powerful Amplification: To fully realize its potential, the 801 D4 requires a high-quality and powerful amplifier, adding to the overall system cost.
  • close Placement Sensitivity: Optimal performance is highly dependent on room acoustics and speaker placement, requiring careful setup and experimentation.
  • close Size and Weight: The substantial size and weight of the speakers can be challenging to accommodate in smaller rooms and require careful handling.
  • close May Reveal Flaws in Source Material: The exceptional detail retrieval can highlight imperfections in poorly recorded or compressed audio files.

help Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 FAQ

What is the difference between the 801 D4 and the 800 D3?

The D4 features a redesigned Diamond Dome tweeter with improved stiffness and a new Continuum cone midrange, resulting in enhanced clarity, detail, and a more natural soundstage compared to the D3.

What kind of amplifier is recommended for the 801 D4?

Bowers & Wilkins recommends a high-quality power amplifier with a minimum output of 200 watts per channel. Integrated amplifiers or separate power amplifiers from reputable brands are suitable options.

How do I best position the 801 D4 speakers in my room?

Experiment with speaker placement, ensuring they are equidistant from the listening position and away from walls to minimize bass buildup. Toe-in can be adjusted to fine-tune the soundstage and imaging.

What is Turbine Technology and how does it benefit the sound?

Turbine Technology utilizes a flared bass port design to reduce turbulence and distortion, resulting in a cleaner, more powerful, and more accurate bass response with improved transient performance.

What is Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4?
The 801 D4 is the flagship of the Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series, widely regarded as the industry standard for recording studios and high-end home systems alike. It features the signature Diamond Dome tweeter and a Continuum cone midrange, delivering unparalleled detail and natural vocal reproduction. The 'Turbine Head' housing isolates the midrange from the bass cabinet, ensuring zero coloration. It is a powerhouse speaker that combines technical precision with a luxurious aesthetic, making it the definitive choice for those who want to hear their music exactly as the artist intended.
How good is Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4?
Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 scores 9.9/10 (Brilliant) on Lunoo, making it one of the highest-rated options in the Floor Standing Speakers category. The 801 D4 earns a remarkable 9.9/10 due to its unparalleled sonic performance, exceptional detail retrieval, and premium build quality. While the hig...
How much does Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 cost?
From $18,000 (pair). Visit the official website for the most up-to-date pricing.
What are the best alternatives to Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4?
See our alternatives page for Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 for a ranked list with scores. Top alternatives include: KEF Blade One Meta, Focal Sopra No.3, KEF Reference 5 Meta.
What is Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 best for?

The Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 is ideal for discerning audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts who demand the highest levels of sonic accuracy, detail, and performance and are willing to invest in a premium audio system.

How does Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 compare to KEF Blade One Meta?
See our detailed comparison of Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 vs KEF Blade One Meta with scores, features, and an AI-powered verdict.
Is Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 worth it in 2026?
With a score of 9.9/10, Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 is highly rated in Floor Standing Speakers. See all Floor Standing Speakers ranked.
What are the key specifications of Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4?
  • Type: Floorstanding Loudspeaker
  • Weight: 29.5 kg (each)
  • Tweeter: 25mm Diamond Dome
  • Midrange: 150mm Continuum Cone
  • Impedance: 8 Ohms (Nominal)
  • Sensitivity: 90 dB SPL (2.83V/1m)

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