Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 Arrives at Pearl Audio

  • 4 min read

Greetings fellow music lovers! We have exciting news to share - the highly-anticipated Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 Loudspeakers have finally arrived at Pearl Audio! But before we dive into the juicy details of this pristine speaker, let's take a quick trip down memory lane and revisit some of the highlights of the famed Bowers & Wilkins 800 series.

Bowers & Wilkins (or "B&W" as they're affectionately known) has been a respected name in the audio industry since the 1960s. Their flagship 800 series was introduced in the mid-1970s and has been evolving ever since. From the iconic yellow Kevlar cones to the diamond tweeters, the 800 series has always pushed the boundaries of audio innovation.

Bowers & Wilkins original 800 series loudspeaker

The Bowers & Wilkins 800 series speakers have made a name for themselves as some of the best in the business, earning the respect and admiration of musicians, audiophiles, and engineers around the world. One place where these speakers are particularly revered is at Abbey Road Studios, one of the most iconic recording studios in the music industry. In fact, Abbey Road is home to several pairs of Bowers & Wilkins 800 series speakers, which are used to help ensure that the music produced in the studio is as accurate and faithful to the original recordings as possible. Whether it's the crisp clarity of the diamond tweeters or the smooth tonal balance of the Continuum cones, these speakers play a critical role in helping to create the incredible music that has come out of Abbey Road Studios over the years.

Bowers & Wilkins Recording Studio

But who was the mastermind behind this audio empire? None other than John Bowers, a man with a passion for audio and a talent for engineering. Originally an electrical engineer, Bowers started his own audio company in 1966 with a focus on creating high-quality loudspeakers. He passed away in 1987, but his legacy lives on through the audio innovations of Bowers & Wilkins.

Bowers & Wilkins John Bowers

Now, let's get back to the present and talk about the newest addition to the 800 series - the 801 D4 Loudspeakers, still designed and manufactured at the Bowers & Wilkins factory in Worthing England. These speakers embody everything that B&W stands for: excellence, innovation, and a commitment to providing the best possible audio experience.


Bowers & Wilkins Factory

One of the most striking features of the 801 D4 is its Sculpted Surround technology, which uses computer modeling to create a more precise shape for the surround, resulting in higher output levels with lower distortion. This is just one example of the meticulous attention to detail that B&W puts into every aspect of their speakers.


Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 Sculpted Surround
Another key feature of the 801 D4 is the Continuum cone, made from a composite material that B&W developed themselves. This unique material strikes a perfect balance between rigidity and flexibility, resulting in a more accurate sound with fewer resonances.

Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 Continuum Cone


But let's not forget about those diamond tweeters - a hallmark of the 800 series. The 801 D4 features an improved version of this iconic technology, which uses an even purer diamond material to create a more detailed high-frequency response.

Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Tweeters

Ah, the Matrix! No, not the movie - we're talking about the Matrix Enclosure technology featured in the Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 loudspeakers. This innovative design uses internal bracing and strategic placement of materials to help reduce unwanted resonance and vibration within the speaker cabinet. Think of it as a sort of sonic exoskeleton that helps keep everything tight and under control, creating a more accurate and detailed sound. And like the Matrix itself, this technology is complex and highly effective - it's the result of years of research and experimentation by Bowers & Wilkins' team of engineers. So while you may not be dodging bullets or stopping time with these speakers, you'll definitely be hearing your music in a whole new way thanks to the advanced Matrix Enclosure technology.

Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 Matrix Enclosure
Visually, the 801 D4 is a stunning piece of audio equipment. The speaker is available in a range of finishes, including satin walnut, satin white, satin black, and rosenut. The curved design of the cabinet is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also helps to reduce internal standing waves and minimize cabinet vibration.

Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 Side View


Of course, we can't neglect to talk about the sound quality of these speakers. With a frequency range of 18Hz to 35kHz, the 801 D4 is capable of reproducing a wide range of audio with stunning accuracy. From the subtlest nuances to the most thunderous bass notes, these speakers deliver a truly immersive audio experience.

Call us crazy, but we think there's nothing more exhilarating than the deep, earth-shaking rumble of a great bass driver. And the Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 is here to deliver just that. These speakers feature dual-Aerofoil cone bass drivers, which use a unique tapered shape to move air more efficiently and create a more powerful bass response. It's like strapping a rocket booster onto your music - you'll feel the impact of every bass note with astonishing clarity and precision. But don't worry, these speakers aren't just about the boom - they're also designed to deliver a balanced and nuanced sound across the entire frequency range. So go ahead, crank up the volume and let that bass driver do its thing. Your music (and your feet) will thank you.

Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 Bass Driver

What do the new 801 D4's sound like?

Well, my dear inquisitive friend, describing the sound of Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 loudspeakers is like trying to capture the essence of a wild stallion in a perfume bottle. It's a complex euphoria that powerfully captures your senses with a melodic mastery that can only be described as ethereal. If I had to put it into words, it's like angels singing with a sprinkle of thunder in the background. Every note strikes with an impact that rattles your bones and stirs your soul. It's a sound that is both rich and delicate, composed of highs and lows interlaced with a heavenly clarity that will make your heart sing. And that, my friend, is the sound of Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 loudspeakers - a rare fusion of humor, charm, and auditory perfection.

801 D4's playing in Pearl's big sound room. 

Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 at Pearl Audio Video Portland OR

So what are you waiting for? If you're as excited about the Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 Loudspeakers as we are, give us a call at (503) 222-2599 to schedule a private audition at Pearl Audio. We can't wait to hear what you think of these amazing speakers!

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