TechOfficeBowers & Wilkins 801 D5: Exclusive First Impressions After the High-End Audio Event
Bowers & Wilkins Unveils Revolutionary 801 D5 Speakers: A Comprehensive Review from High End Vienna
The world of high-end audio was recently treated to an extraordinary showcase as Bowers & Wilkins, the renowned British loudspeaker manufacturer, unveiled its latest masterpiece: the 801 D5. Having had the privilege of experiencing these exceptional speakers at the prestigious High End Vienna exhibition, I can attest that this new flagship model represents a significant leap forward in audio engineering and performance.
A Legacy of Excellence
Bowers & Wilkins has long been synonymous with audiophile-grade speakers, with the 800 Series standing as the pinnacle of their engineering achievements. The 801 model, in particular, has a storied history dating back to its introduction in the late 1970s. The D5 iteration represents the fifth major revision of this iconic speaker, marking nearly four decades of continuous refinement and innovation.
At High End Vienna, Bowers & Wilkins created an immersive listening environment that allowed attendees to appreciate the full capabilities of the 801 D5. The demonstration featured a carefully curated selection of high-resolution audio tracks, spanning from classical orchestral performances to contemporary rock and electronic music, all played through top-tier associated components.
Design and Engineering Excellence
The 801 D5 immediately impresses with its imposing yet elegant presence. Standing at approximately 1.2 meters tall, these floor-standing speakers command attention without overwhelming their surroundings. The cabinet features Bowers & Wilkins' signature brushed aluminum finishes, available in several sophisticated color options.
Several key design elements distinguish the 801 D5 from its predecessors:
- Continuum Cone Technology: The midrange driver features Bowers & Wilkins' proprietary Continuum cone, which significantly reduces unwanted resonances compared to the previous generation's aluminum dome.
- Decoupled Double Dome Tweeter: The high-frequency unit employs a double dome construction with a decoupled outer dome, extending frequency response while maintaining exceptional clarity.
- Massive Aluminum Dome Bass Drivers: The three 165mm bass drivers utilize Bowers & Wilkins' Aluminum Dome technology for deep, controlled bass extension.
- Matrix Cabinet Construction: The cabinet features the company's renowned Matrix bracing, which minimizes cabinet vibrations and ensures sonic accuracy.
- Aerofoil Profile Bass Units: The bass drivers employ an innovative Aerofoil profile that optimizes cone stiffness for reduced distortion.
Technical Specifications
The 801 D5 incorporates cutting-edge audio technology that places it at the forefront of high-fidelity reproduction. Key specifications include:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Frequency Response | 28Hz - 28kHz ±3dB |
| Crossover Frequency | 500Hz, 4kHz |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (2.83V/1m) |
| Minimum Impedance | 3.7 ohms |
| Crossover Order | 4th order (acoustic) |
| Recommended Amplification | 50-500W |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 1165 × 457 × 457mm |
| Weight | 48.5kg each |
Listening Experience: Sonic Excellence
The most striking aspect of the 801 D5 is its extraordinary sonic performance. During the High End Vienna demonstration, these speakers delivered an experience that transcended mere playback, offering instead a window into the original musical performance.
Soundstage and Imaging
The 801 D5 creates an expansive, three-dimensional soundstage with remarkable precision. Instruments and vocalists are rendered with pinpoint accuracy, their placement within the acoustic space clearly defined. The width and depth of the soundstage extended well beyond the physical boundaries of the speakers, creating an immersive experience that belies the fact that one is listening to a two-channel system.
Frequency Response
The frequency response of the 801 D5 is exceptionally well-balanced across the entire audible spectrum. The bass extends deep with controlled articulation, never becoming bloated or overwhelming. The midrange is perhaps the most impressive aspect, offering unparalleled clarity and natural timbre. Vocals and acoustic instruments sound remarkably lifelike, with the Continuum cone technology proving its worth in eliminating the coloration that often plagues midrange drivers. The high frequencies are extended yet smooth, providing detail without ever becoming harsh or fatiguing.
Dynamic Range
These speakers excel at reproducing both the delicate nuances and explosive power of music. During complex orchestral passages, the 801 D5 maintained composure, effortlessly handling the dynamic shifts from whisper-quiet passages to thunderous crescendos. The control and precision at both ends of the dynamic spectrum are truly remarkable.
Technological Innovations
Beyond the visible components, the 801 D5 incorporates several technological innovations that contribute to its exceptional performance:
- Turbulence-Reducing Ports: The rear-mounted bass reflex ports feature Bowers & Wilkins' Turbulence-Reducing Port technology, which minimizes air turbulence for cleaner bass reproduction.
- Improved Crossover Design: The crossover network has been completely redesigned for the D5, featuring premium components and optimized circuit topology for improved signal purity.
- Enhanced Cabinet Damping: Additional damping materials have been incorporated into the cabinet to further reduce unwanted resonances.
- Refined Internal Wiring: The internal wiring employs high-quality conductors optimized for minimal signal degradation.
Comparative Analysis
When compared to its predecessor, the 801 D4, the new model demonstrates clear improvements across multiple performance parameters:
| Performance Aspect | 801 D4 | 801 D5 | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midrange Clarity | Excellent | Exceptional | Reduced resonance and coloration |
| High-Frequency Detail | Very Good | Outstanding | Improved extension and smoothness |
| Bass Control | Very Good | Excellent | |
| Dynamic Range | Very Good | ||
| Soundstage Width | Impressive |
Market Position and Target Audience
The 801 D5 occupies the upper echelon of the high-end loudspeaker market, positioned for discerning audiophiles who demand the absolute best in sound reproduction. With a price point that reflects its premium status and technological sophistication, these speakers represent a significant investment in audio excellence.
The ideal environment for the 801 D5 would be a dedicated listening room with appropriate acoustics and sufficient space to allow these speakers to breathe. Their performance is best realized with high-quality amplification, preferably from Bowers & Wilkins' own matching amplifiers or other high-end brands capable of driving their relatively low impedance with control and finesse.
Conclusion: A New Benchmark in High-End Audio
Having experienced the Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5 at High End Vienna, it's clear that this new flagship represents a significant evolution in high-fidelity loudspeaker design. The combination of innovative technologies, meticulous engineering, and exceptional build quality results in a speaker that delivers not just sound, but music in its most authentic and compelling form.
The 801 D5 transcends the technical specifications and measurements that often dominate audio discussions. Instead, it offers an emotional connection to music that few speakers can achieve. Whether you're an audiophile seeking the ultimate listening experience or a music lover who simply wants to hear your favorite recordings as they were intended, these speakers deliver in a way that is both immediately apparent and increasingly rewarding over time.
Bowers & Wilkins has once again raised the bar for what's possible in high-end audio reproduction, and the 801 D5 stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to sonic excellence. For those who can afford the investment, these speakers offer not just a component in a hi-fi system, but a portal into the very soul of music itself.
Bowers & Wilkins just blew me away with its new 801 D5 speakers — here’s what I made of the model after attending a demo at at High End Vienna https://www.techradar.com/audio/speakers/bowers-and-wilkins-just-blew-me-away-with-its-new-801-d5-speakers-heres-what-i-made-of-the-model-after-attending-a-demo-at-at-high-end-vienna Bowers & Wilkins just blew me away with its new 801 D5 speakers — here’s what I made of the model after attending a demo at at High End Vienna https://www.techradar.com/audio/speakers/bowers-and-wilkins-just-blew-me-away-with-its-new-801-d5-speakers-heres-what-i-made-of-the-model-after-attending-a-demo-at-at-high-end-vienna
