Bowers & Wilkins Series 800 Diamond D5: the new pinnacle of high fidelity

The result of sixty years of experimentation, measurement, and advanced acoustic modeling at the Southwater Research Establishment (SRE, or Bowers & Wilkins' research and development center located in West Sussex, England, next to the manufacturer's factory), this new range of premium loudspeakers embodies the quintessence of the True Sound philosophy defined by John Bowers. Designed and meticulously assembled at the historic Worthing factory in the UK, the D5 series aims to reproduce the original recording with total transparency, without any added coloration from the cabinet, thus targeting the most uncompromising audiophiles as well as the sound engineers of the world's leading studios where Diamond loudspeakers often reign supreme. Space Frame and Enhanced Matrix: the ultimate battle against residual energy. The major, and invisible, evolution of this D5 generation lies in the treatment of the rear wave and the mechanical resonances of the cabinet. The internal frame now incorporates the Space Frame Bracing system, a novel structure composed of parallel aluminum reinforcement rails, locked at regular intervals along the longitudinal and transverse axes. This metal skeleton is directly anchored to the rear of the speaker's internal matrix (see photo below). In parallel, the manufacturer introduces the Enhanced Matrix ecosystem. By using significantly thickened aluminum profiles to encircle and stiffen the critical area at the front of the cabinet (around each speaker port, see photo below) and reinforced by ribs at the rear, Bowers & Wilkins creates a mechanical synergy between the front baffle, the top plate, and the Space Frame. The result is undeniable: it's the most inert and "quiet" cabinet in the brand's history. B&W Series 800 Diamond D5: Tuned mass damping and total mechanical decoupling. The top and bottom of the speakers have undergone an equally drastic redesign. The new aluminum top plate, based on simulations of the 801 D4 Signature, incorporates thicker ribs and additional mechanical mounting points to optimize coupling with the top of the cabinet. It also incorporates revised decoupling brackets to accommodate either the Turbine Head assembly (a large, oblong, teardrop-shaped "ball" balanced atop the wooden cabinet) or the Solid-Body-Tweeter assembly (the long, tapered metal tube shaped like a microphone, a bullet, or a jet engine, perched at the very top – the historic Tweeter-on-Top concept). To eliminate any unwanted resonance, this plate is damped with a composite material derived from the Signature versions and finished with a Connolly leather collar. At its base, all floorstanding models rest on a thoroughly redesigned aluminum plinth, precisely tailored to the geometry of each cabinet. This plinth incorporates a combination of constrained layers and a Tuned Mass Damper system. These masses, individually specified and calibrated for the properties of each speaker, trap and dissipate downward mechanical energy. Also on the mechanical side, the lower edge of the plinth has been extended downwards to elegantly conceal the casters and decoupling spikes, while stabilizers are integrated directly into the plinth.

B&W Series 800 Diamond D5: Aluminum internal casing for the 804 D5 and Signature motors. The 804 D5 floorstanding speaker marks a major technical departure from its predecessor. While retaining a more discreet, traditional, and straight aesthetic, it now incorporates a helical aluminum internal casing specifically designed for its Continuum Cone FST midrange driver. Directly inspired by the rigid structure of the Turbine Head found in the larger models in the range, this capsule completely isolates the midrange transducer from the rear wave of the bass drivers, providing a stable mechanical decoupling point for a freer and more open sound. open.

All seven models in the series benefit from enhancements derived from the Signature versions. The diamond dome tweeters adopt the new mesh grille developed for the 801 D4 Signature, increasing acoustic transparency and optimizing off-axis response (see photo below). All drivers (midrange, mid-woofers, and woofers) incorporate ultra-low distortion drive motors based on Signature components for improved transient response. Finally, the passive crossovers utilize optimized, high-end components and an all-new internal wiring harness. A notable technical feature: on all stereo models, the crossover is mounted on an all-aluminum plate, securely attached to both the cabinet and the Space Frame structure with heavy-duty M8 and M4 fasteners (concealed behind plates). signage), thus actively contributing to the overall structural rigidity of the enclosure (see photo below).

B&W Series 800 Diamond D5: Surgical manufacturing tolerances and finishes. Aesthetically, visible transitions between surfaces have been minimized, physical fixings concealed, and gaps between panels significantly reduced to offer perfect continuity. The range is available in four luxurious finishes with more durable paints: Stealth Black (a homogeneous matte black enhanced with dark metal details), Warm White (a modern white paired with champagne-colored details), Light Walnut (with a matching turbine head and champagne details), and Dark Walnut (inspired by the limited edition 801 Abbey Road, combining dark wood, dark metal, and black Connolly leather). Notably, the DB Series subwoofers also adopt the Stealth Black and Warm White finishes to ensure perfect harmony. Aesthetics.

Availability announced for September 9th. Indicative prices:

• Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5 (3-way floorstanding): €50,000 per pair

• Bowers & Wilkins 802 D5 (3-way floorstanding): €37,000 per pair

• Bowers & Wilkins 803 D5 (3-way floorstanding): €30,000 per pair

• Bowers & Wilkins 804 D5 (3-way floorstanding): €18,000 per pair

• Bowers & Wilkins 805 D5 (2-way bookshelf): €12,000 per pair

• Bowers & Wilkins HTM81 D5 (3-way center channel for 801/802 D5): €12,000 each

• Bowers & Wilkins HTM82 D5 (three-way center speaker for 803/804 D5): €10,000 each (The dedicated FS-805 D5 and FS-HTM D5 stands are priced at €1,800 per pair and €1,300 each, respectively). Key features of the Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5: • Type: 3-way floorstanding speakers • Woofer(s): 25cm x 2 Aerofoil • Midrange: 15cm FST Continuum • Tweeter(s): 25mm diamond dome with aluminum body • Enclosure: Bass-reflex • Non-magnetic: Yes • Sensitivity: 90dB • Impedance: 8 ohms

• Frequency response: 15 Hz-28 kHz

• Cabinet dimensions (W x D x H, mm): 1221 x 447 x 597

• Net weight per unit: 106.4 kg (each)

Key features of the Bowers & Wilkins 802 D5:

• Type: 3-way floorstanding speakers

• Woofer(s): 20 cm x 2 Aerofoil

• Midrange(s): 15 cm FST Continuum

• Tweeter(s): 25 mm diamond dome and aluminum body

• Enclosure: bass-reflex

• Non-magnetic: yes

• Sensitivity: 90 dB

• Impedance: 8 ohms

• Frequency response: 17 Hz-28 KHz

• Cabinet dimensions (W x D x H, mm): 1218 x 413 x 556

• Net weight per unit: 91.4 kg (each)

Key features of the Bowers & Wilkins 803 D5:

• Type: 3-way floorstanding speakers

• Woofer(s): 18 cm x 2 Aerofoil

• Midrange(s): 13 cm FST Continuum

• Tweeter(s): 25 mm diamond dome and aluminum body

• Enclosure: bass-reflex

• Non-magnetic: yes

• Sensitivity: 90 dB

• Impedance: 8 ohms

• Frequency response: 19 Hz-28 kHz

• Cabinet dimensions (W x D x H, mm): 1162 x 359 x 499 mm; • Net weight per unit: 63.7 kg (each); Key features of the Bowers & Wilkins 804 D5: • Type: 3-way floorstanding speakers; • Woofer(s): 2 x 16.5 cm Aerofoil; • Midrange: 13 cm FST Continuum; • Tweeter(s): 25 mm diamond dome with aluminum body; • Enclosure: Bass-reflex; • Non-magnetic: Yes; • Sensitivity: 89 dB; • Impedance: 8 ohms; • Frequency response: 19 Hz–28 kHz; • Cabinet dimensions (W x D x H, mm): 1101 x 308 x 392; • Net weight per unit: 40.3 kg (each); Key features of the Bowers & Wilkins 805 D5: • Type: 2-way bookshelf speakers; • Midrange: 16.5 cm FST Continuum; • Tweeter: 25 mm diamond dome with aluminum body; • Enclosure: bass-reflex; • Non-magnetic: yes; • Sensitivity: 88 dB; • Impedance: 8 ohms; • Frequency response: 42 Hz–28 kHz; • Cabinet dimensions (W x D x H, mm): 439 x 241 x 363; • Net weight per unit: 16.4 kg (each) Bowers & Wilkins HTM81 D5: • Type: 3-way center speaker • Woofer(s): 2 x 20cm Aerofoil • Midrange: 15cm FST Continuum • Tweeter(s): 25mm diamond dome with aluminum body • Enclosure: Bass-reflex • Non-magnetic: Yes • Sensitivity: 90dB • Impedance: 8 ohms • Frequency response: 28Hz-28kHz • Cabinet dimensions (W x D x H, mm): 334 x 846 x 363 • Net weight per unit: 33.4kg Key features of the Bowers & Wilkins HTM82 D5: • Type: Center speaker 3-way; • Woofer(s): 2 x 16.5 cm Aerofoil; • Midrange(s): 13 cm FST Continuum; • Tweeter(s): 25 mm diamond dome with aluminum body; • Enclosure: Bass-reflex; • Non-magnetic: Yes; • Sensitivity: 89 dB; • Impedance: 8 ohms; • Frequency Response: 45 Hz–28 kHz; • Cabinet Dimensions (W x D x H, mm): 289 x 715 x 363; • Net Weight per unit: 21.6 kg