Bowers & Wilkins
Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4 2-way Stand-mount Loudspeaker
Best compact speaker for audiophiles seeking high-end precision in smaller spaces.
Experience exceptional audio with the Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4 standmount loudspeaker. As the most compact in the 800 Series Diamond range, it punches above its weight, incorporating advanced technologies like the Diamond dome tweeter and Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top. This speaker proves that impressive sound doesn't require a large footprint. Its design delivers remarkable clarity and precision, making it a beautiful and high-performing addition to any discerning audio enthusiast's setup.
$7000.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
155
/ 6708
#155 in Speakers
Price vs Category Average
+378%
Above average
Frequency Response
42283
/ Hz to kHz (+/-dB from reference axis)
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking absolute clarity and microscopic musical detail
- Design-conscious listeners who value premium materials and exquisite craftsmanship
- Critical listeners prioritizing precise soundstage and accurate instrument placement
Who should skip it
- Budget-focused buyers comparing value against high-end floorstanding alternatives
- Home theater enthusiasts requiring deep, room-shaking low-frequency impact
- Listeners looking for a simple, low-maintenance audio system setup
Performance breakdown
High-Frequency Detail
Diamond dome tweeter delivers unmatched clarity and surgical precision.
Soundstage Imaging
Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top creates an expansive and holographic listening experience.
Cabinet Rigidity
Matrix bracing effectively eliminates unwanted resonance for cleaner output.
Compact Form Factor
Delivers full-scale audio performance without dominating your living space.
Amplification Versatility
Efficient enough for most high-quality amplifiers to drive with ease.
Build Quality
Premium materials and meticulous construction define this luxury bookshelf speaker.
Key Specs
Frequency Response
42Hz to 28kHz (+/-3dB from reference axis)
Sensitivity
88dB (on axis at 2.83Vrms at 1m)
Nominal Impedance
8Ω (minimum 4.6Ω)
Dimensions
9.45 x 17.32 x 14.69 inches
Weight
34.28 lbs each
Recommended Amplifier Power
50W – 120W into 8Ω on unclipped programme
Mounting Type
Freestanding
Speaker Type
Bookshelf
Features
- Features a Diamond dome tweeter for superior high-frequency detail.
- Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top housing ensures an open sound.
- Decoupled tweeter minimizes resonance for pure audio.
- Matrix bracing enhances cabinet rigidity.
- Elongated tweeter housing for an open soundstage.
- Compact design with powerful performance.
- Exceptional clarity and accuracy in sound reproduction.
- Proof that small can deliver big sound.
What customers say
The Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4 is widely regarded as a benchmark for stand mount loudspeaker design, celebrated for its exceptional transparency and holographic imaging, driven by the Diamond dome tweeter. Listeners consistently praise its ability to reproduce intricate musical details without listener fatigue, delivering a truly high fidelity experience. Build quality is universally lauded; the cabinet and luxurious finishes position the speaker as a premium audio component. While the sound reproduction is accurate and deeply engaging, achieving optimal performance necessitates investment in high current amplification and dedicated stands. Despite the substantial price point, those seeking reference grade sound in a smaller footprint agree the 805 D4 offers a world class, emotionally engaging listening experience few rivals can match.
Know before you buy
The Diamond dome tweeter is exceptionally stiff and light, which allows it to reproduce high-frequency details with far greater accuracy and less distortion than conventional materials. This results in a cleaner, more transparent sound that captures subtle nuances in your music.
While they are categorized as bookshelf speakers, their performance is optimized when placed on dedicated, stable stands. Placing them on a bookshelf can introduce unwanted vibrations and reflections that compromise the clarity and soundstage the 805 D4 is designed to deliver.
We recommend an amplifier capable of delivering between 50W and 120W into an 8Ω load. Because these speakers are highly revealing, pairing them with a high-quality, stable amplifier will ensure you get the best dynamics and control, especially at lower volumes.
By housing the tweeter in its own solid aluminum body separate from the main cabinet, the design effectively isolates it from vibrations. This creates a more open, spacious soundstage and prevents the high frequencies from being colored by the resonance of the bass enclosure.
Yes, the 805 D4 is specifically engineered to provide high-end, full-range performance in a compact footprint. Their 42Hz low-frequency extension is impressive for their size, making them an excellent choice for rooms where floor-standing speakers might overwhelm the space.
Matrix bracing acts as an internal skeleton that reinforces the cabinet walls, significantly reducing unwanted resonance and coloration. This ensures that the sound you hear is coming from the drivers themselves rather than the speaker enclosure vibrating, resulting in a tighter and more precise bass response.
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$7000