Cover The 801 D4 is shown here in Satin Walnut, the newly launched finish
The 801 D4 is shown here in Satin Walnut, the newly launched finish
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After four decades, the iconic 801 loudspeaker model makes an impressive comeback in Bowers & Wilkins' 800 Series Diamond line
Every diamond needs a little polish sometimes; the ones at Bowers & Wilkins in the revered 800 Series Diamond range are now shining even brighter after an extensive six-year revamp.
Joining the seven models of the range is a new member, the 801 D4, which replaces the 800 D3 and marks the return of one of the brand’s most iconic model names from 1979. Bowers & Wilkins proudly calls it “the loudspeaker that sets the standard all high-end designs will be judged by for years to come”.
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Above The 801 D4 is available in four finishes to suit a variety of interior design styles
Hidden within the sleek cabinet of the 801 D4 are a slew of technological innovations that demonstrate the brand’s engineering prowess. The revolutionary Biomimetic Suspension is a composite suspension system that replaces the fabric spider, which has been used in every conventional loudspeaker cone until now. By doing a better job at reducing unwanted air pressure than a fabric spider, it achieves a midrange transparency that is exceptional.
Further providing improvement to the midrange sound is the Turbine Head, which is all-aluminium, impressively stiff, and decoupled from both the bass enclosure and tweeter body to avoid resonances and give the most realistic sound possible.
Even the iconic Solid Body Tweeter has been given a new look. Now more elongated (almost 30cm), it houses a longer internal tube-loading system and is, again, decoupled—from the speaker body or Turbine Head—in two locations instead of one.
Above A closer look at the turbine head construction of the 800 D4
A closer look at the turbine head construction of the 800 D4
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When it comes to the bass, the magic lies in the new Anti-Resonance Plug, which has been added to the Aerofoil Cone, the composite bass cone. Its role is to brace the voice coil and lower distortion for a cleaner bass.
Surrounding it all is the Matrix, which Bowers & Wilkins has used for more than 30 years. Comprising interlocking panels that braces loudspeaker cabinets from within to provide additional support, it now boasts a stronger solid plywood construction reinforced by aluminium.
Last, but certainly not least, as a floor-standing speaker, the 801 D4 has a downward-firing Flowport that now exits onto a new, stiffer plinth of solid aluminium. Unique to the model is the addition of a steel damping sheet in its base section, which offers an extremely stable foundation that further reduces unwanted resonance.
Above The White finish for the 801 D4 is the perfect match for lighter, minimalist interiors
The White finish for the 801 D4 is the perfect match for lighter, minimalist interiors
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While precision engineering has elevated the functionality, a new finish, Satin Walnut, has done the same for the form. Completing the updated cabinet design is a new top section made from cast aluminium, which is stiffer and eliminates more resonance than its wooden predecessor. The aluminium top is finished in Connolly leather in two colours: black to pair with cabinets in the Gloss Black and Satin Rosenut finishes, and light grey with the White and new Satin Walnut finishes.
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Above For a versatile, timeless look, you can't go wrong with the Gloss Black finish
For a versatile, timeless look, you can't go wrong with the Gloss Black finish
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Besides the 801 D4, the 800 Series Diamond range comprises six other models. They are the 805 D4, a two-way stand-mount speaker; 804 D4, 803 D4, and 802 D4, a trio of three-way floor standing models; and HTM81 D4 and HTM82 D4, a pair of high-performance centre channel speakers for home theatres.
Together, they make up the most advanced range of speakers at Bowers & Wilkins, the speaker company of choice for industry professionals, artists and studios around the world. There’s perhaps no better testament to the quality of the brand’s products than its partnership with London’s renowned Abbey Road Studios, where it enjoys the status of official speaker and headphone partner.
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Above The Zeppelin features two Decoupled Double-Dome tweeters that were originally introduced in Bowers & Wilkins' celebrated 600 Anniversary series
The Zeppelin features two Decoupled Double-Dome tweeters that were originally introduced in Bowers & Wilkins' celebrated 600 Anniversary series
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Zeppelin
First introduced in 2007 as an iPod dock, the latest iteration of the Zeppelin promises to be better sounding, better looking, and smarter than ever. Stream music from a mobile device, tablet, or computer—the Zeppelin has both AirPlay 2 and aptX adaptive Bluetooth to cater to both iOS and Android users. It also comes with Alexa, Spotify Connect, and the Bowers & Wilkins Music App, which gives access to a slew of streaming services, such as Deezer, Soundcloud and TuneIn. Available in two finishes, Midnight Grey and Pearl Grey, the Zeppelin is positioned as a complete stereo system in one component. The dedicated left and right speakers, and minimal material around the driver units ensure outstanding sound dispersion and the best possible acoustic performance.
Above The Formation Suite is the fuss-free way to enjoy quality audio at home
The Formation Suite is the fuss-free way to enjoy quality audio at home
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Formation Suite
Consider the Formation Suite a rebellion against the perception that good sound at home means fussing with cables and complicated installations. Comprising the Formation Bar, Formation Duo, Formation Wedge, Formation Bass and Formation Audio, the suite has all that’s needed to recreate a live music experience at home, wirelessly. The secret lies in Formation Audio, the brand’s patented wireless technology that can transform any traditional passive system into a high fidelity streaming system. Completing the listening experience are the 96/24 bit audio resolution, perfected speaker synchronisation, and the patented robust mesh network, which ensures seamless streaming by covering the whole home without affecting network quality.
Above The Nautilus was born out of founder John Bowers' desire to build the ultimate loudspeaker
The Nautilus was born out of founder John Bowers' desire to build the ultimate loudspeaker
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Nautilus
It wouldn’t be inaccurate to consider the Nautilus the grandfather of all Bowers & Wilkins’ loudspeakers. Launched in 1993 as part of founder John Bowers’ quest to create the perfect loudspeaker, it has managed to remain relevant even after almost three decades on the market. A product of five years of research, its core technologies have formed the basis for many of the brand’s more recent speaker models, including the 800 and 600 series. Originally available in silver, black and midnight blue, the Nautilus can now be customised to any colour desired via a special service.
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Images: Bowers & Wilkins
