Description
The Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 Signature is an optimized version of our most advanced loudspeaker. It features meticulously evolved technology, carefully crafted design, and unique finishes that culminate in the pinnacle of performance. The 801 D4 Signature tower speaker features optimized technologies, including that all-important Diamond Dome tweeter and Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top, an all-new tweeter grille, and upgraded crossover. This is Bowers & Wilkins’ 800 Series Signature flagship loudspeaker.
The larger model in the new Signature range is the 801 D4 Signature, a powerful three-way floorstanding loudspeaker that builds on the specification of the iconic 801 D4 as found in Abbey Road Studios. Based on the brand’s Diamond Dome tweeter and Continuum Cone FST midrange drive unit, the 801 D4 Signature adds powerful twin 250mm (10”) Aerofoil Cone bass drivers with upgraded and improved magnets to their motor systems relative to the 801 D4 model. It also includes a radically enhanced aluminium top plate beneath its Turbine Head midrange enclosure; this new design uses a new optimized skeletal structure and carefully placed damping material to significantly reduce unwanted resonance from the top of the enclosure. The result is even more midrange transparency and openness to the already outstanding performance of the 801 D4.
The port output on 801 D4 Signature has received similarly significant upgrades; it is now cast from aluminium, creating a stiffer and quieter structure that is less prone to unwanted port noise. In combination with the updated Aerofoil Cone bass drivers, this results in even cleaner, lower distortion and more accurate sounding bass.
As with all Signature models over the years, the 801 D4 Signature benefits from careful upgrades to its crossover aimed at further increasing transparency with new and upgraded bypass capacitors for every element of the assembly. Finally, the 801 D4 Signature introduces a new FEA-optimised design of tweeter grille mesh that builds on the already impressive transparency offered by existing Bowers & Wilkins loudspeakers. The new mesh provides a new superior blend of transparency and stiffness, allowing even more energy from the Diamond Dome tweeter into the room, while guarding the diaphragm against unwanted damage.
Diamond Dome Tweeter. One of our most significant accomplishments over the past two decades, the ultra-stiff, supremely accurate Diamond Dome tweeter is the perfect combination of low mass, exceptional stiffness, and outstanding accuracy. Fifteen years after we introduced it, we haven’t found a better tweeter dome technology.
Solid Body Tweeter. Our Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top housing features an elongated form with a longer tube-loading system and an all-new design of tweeter grille, producing an even more free and open sound with high frequencies.
Upgraded Crossover. Our 801 D4 Signature uses upgraded rear-mounted crossover designs mounted on stiff aluminum spines. This isolates the sensitive capacitors from the unwanted effects of air pressure within the enclosure and makes for a very effective heatsink to ensure optimum performance when in use.
Aluminum Top Plate. Every new 800 Series Signature model has a significantly upgraded cabinet design with an all-new, optimized aluminum top section for even greater stiffness. The same design also provides a perfect mounting point for Leather by Connolly cabinet detailing, with luxurious full-grain blue leather for our Midnight Blue Metallic models and full-grain black leather for our California Burl Gloss models.
Specifications
Description 3-way vented-box system
Drive Units 1x ø25mm (1in) diamond dome high-frequency; 1x ø150mm (6in) Continuum cone FST midrange; 2x ø250mm (10in) Aerofoil cone bass units
Technical Features Diamond tweeter, Solid body Tweeter-on-Top, Continuum cone FST, Anti-Resonance plug, Biomimetic Suspension, Turbine Head, Matrix, Aerofoil cone bass units, Flowport
Frequency range 13Hz to 35kHz
Frequency response (+/-3dB from reference axis) 15Hz to 28kHz
Sensitivity (on axis at 2.83Vrms at 1m) 90dB
Harmonic distortion 2nd and 3rd harmonics (90dB,1m on axis), <1% 30Hz – 20kHz, <0.3% 100Hz – 20kHz
Nominal impedance 8Ω (minimum 3.0Ω)
Recommended amplifier power 50W – 1000W into 8Ω on unclipped programme
Max. recommended cable impedance 0.1Ω
Dimensions x Height: 1221 mm x Width: 451 mm x Depth: 600 mm
Net weight 100.60kg
Finishes California Burl Gloss with Black grille, Midnight Blue Metallic with Black grille
