Unveiling the Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamond: A Sound Experience for the Elite
In the world of high-end audio, Bowers & Wilkins has just raised the bar with their fifth-generation 800 Series Diamond. This flagship collection, spanning seven models, promises an immersive auditory journey for those with discerning tastes and deep pockets.
The Flagship: 801 D5
The 801 D5 stands tall as the pinnacle of this series. Its three-way design seamlessly integrates a Diamond Dome tweeter and a 6" Continuum Cone FST midrange driver, housed in the iconic Turbine Head enclosure. The bass is handled by a pair of 10" Aerofoil cone drivers, ensuring a powerful and controlled low-end response. What makes this model particularly fascinating is the introduction of Space Frame Bracing, a system designed to minimize vibrations and cabinet resonance, resulting in a purer sound.
Proportional Elegance: 802 D5
Sharing the Turbine Head layout and midrange driver with the 801, the 802 D5 offers a more affordable option without compromising on quality. Its use of 8" Aerofoil bass drivers provides a balanced soundstage, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a proportional sibling to the flagship model.
Compact Power: 803 D5
The smallest of the Turbine Head floorstanders, the 803 D5 packs a punch with its three-way design. Featuring a 6" Continuum Cone FST midrange and two 6.5" Aerofoil bass drivers, this model offers a compact yet powerful performance, perfect for those with space constraints.
Architectural Innovation: 804 D5
Here's where Bowers & Wilkins really showcases their innovation. The 804 D5 adopts a more conventional cabinet layout but introduces an internal aluminum enclosure for the midrange assembly, inspired by the Turbine Head principle. This design choice brings the 804 D5 closer in performance to its headed counterparts, while maintaining a lower-profile appearance. Personally, I find this model's architectural ingenuity particularly intriguing.
Standmount Excellence: 805 D5
The 805 D5 is a two-way standmount speaker that pairs a Diamond Dome tweeter with a 6.5" Continuum Cone bass/midrange driver. While it doesn't feature the Space Frame Bracing of the floorstanders, it still benefits from upgraded crossover components and a new wiring harness, ensuring a high-quality listening experience.
Shared Enhancements
Every model in the D5 range benefits from Enhanced Matrix bracing, which stiffens the front baffle around each drive unit aperture. The crossovers have been upgraded with components derived from the Signature loudspeakers, and the wiring harnesses use higher-quality cabling throughout. This attention to detail ensures a consistent and improved sound across the entire range.
Completing the Experience
The 800 Series Diamond range is further complemented by two center channel loudspeakers for home theater setups and dedicated speaker stands. These additions ensure that listeners can create a fully immersive audio environment tailored to their preferences.
Pricing and Availability
The Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamond is now available for shipping, with prices ranging from €12,000 to €50,000 per pair. While these prices may be out of reach for many, they reflect the exceptional craftsmanship and audio performance that this series offers.
Final Thoughts
The Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamond is a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation and audio excellence. With each model offering unique features and sound characteristics, this series caters to a diverse range of audiophiles. While the price tag may be a barrier for some, the experience these speakers offer is undoubtedly a privilege for those who can afford it. As an audiophile myself, I can't wait to get my hands on one of these models and immerse myself in the world of high-end audio.
