Bowers & Wilkins
Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4 Series Signature
Best compact bookshelf speaker for audiophiles seeking uncompromising high-fidelity sound.
The 805 D4 Signature stand-mount loudspeaker is a powerful yet compact design, showcasing fully optimized technologies like the Diamond Dome tweeter and Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top. It’s a perfect example that small can be beautiful, delivering remarkable performance in a refined, space-conscious package. The Diamond Dome tweeter stands as one of our most significant achievements over the last two decades. Its ultra-stiff, low-mass construction ensures exceptional accuracy, offering unmatched clarity in high frequencies. Fifteen years after its introduction, we’ve yet to find a better tweeter dome technology. The 805 D4 Signature also features an all-new, elongated Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top housing with a longer tube-loading system and redesigned tweeter grille. This design enhances the high-frequency output, producing a sound that’s even more open and free. The upgraded crossover, mounted on rigid aluminum spines, is engineered to isolate sensitive capacitors from air pressure within the enclosure, effectively acting as a heatsink for optimal performance during use. Finally, the Continuum™ Cone ensures a more open, neutral sound. Its composite construction eliminates abrupt transitions found in conventional drive units, allowing for precision and transparency in the reproduction of voices and instruments. The 805 D4 Signature delivers a listening experience that’s as true and immersive as it is beautiful.
$14000.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
20
/ 6888
#20 in Speakers
Price vs Category Average
+857%
Above average
Drive Units
125111656.5
/ x ømm (in) Diamond Dome high-frequency, x ømm (in) Continuum™ cone bass/midrange
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking absolute transparency and musical realism
- Design-conscious homeowners prioritizing high-end aesthetics
- Listeners demanding state-of-the-art acoustic engineering
Who should skip it
- Budget-focused buyers seeking entry-level pricing
- Minimalists wanting a simple, plug-and-play audio setup
- Casual listeners with limited space or acoustic flexibility
Performance breakdown
High-Frequency Clarity
Diamond Dome technology delivers unmatched precision and detail in the upper registers.
Midrange Transparency
Continuum cone construction ensures voices and instruments sound remarkably open and neutral.
Build Integrity
Rigid aluminum spines and solid housing minimize resonance for a cleaner output.
Spatial Imaging
Tweeter-on-top design creates an expansive, immersive soundstage despite the compact footprint.
Form Factor Efficiency
Delivers high-end acoustic performance in a footprint perfect for smaller listening rooms.
Amplification Versatility
Requires quality power to fully unlock the potential of these premium drivers.
Key Specs
Drive Units
1x ø25mm (1in) Diamond Dome high-frequency, 1x ø165mm (6.5in) Continuum™ cone bass/midrange
Recommended Amplifier Power
50W - 120W into 8Ω on unclipped programme
Depth
14.7in
Height
17.3in
Impedance
8Ω (minimum 4.6Ω)
Width
9.4in
Product Weight
221.8 lbs
Features
- Compact design with impressive power
- Features the renowned Diamond Dome tweeter for exceptional accuracy and clarity
- Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top housing enhances high-frequency output for an open sound
- Upgraded crossover mounted on rigid aluminum spines for optimal performance
- Continuum™ Cone ensures a more open, neutral sound with precision and transparency
- Delivers a true and immersive listening experience
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4 Series Signature for its unparalleled sound quality and exquisite design. Reviewers frequently highlight the speaker's ability to deliver an incredibly detailed and immersive audio experience, making every listening session a true pleasure. The craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal are also recurring themes, with many appreciating the luxurious materials and elegant finish that elevate any living space. While a significant investment, the consensus points to an exceptional product for discerning audiophiles.
Know before you buy
The 805 D4 Signature performs best with an amplifier rated between 50W and 120W into 8Ω. Because they are high-performance speakers, using a high-quality amplifier will ensure you get the most out of their clarity and dynamic range.
By housing the Diamond Dome tweeter in its own isolated, elongated solid aluminum body, the design prevents cabinet vibrations from coloring the high-frequency output. This results in a more open, spacious, and precise soundstage compared to traditional integrated tweeter designs.
Yes, their compact stand-mount footprint makes them an excellent choice for smaller spaces where you don't want to sacrifice audio quality. They provide a full-bodied, immersive sound that punches well above their physical size.
The Continuum Cone is a composite material that avoids the abrupt transitions in sound often found in conventional drive units. It provides a more neutral, transparent reproduction of vocals and instruments, allowing for a more natural listening experience.
Mounting the crossover on rigid aluminum spines isolates sensitive components from internal air pressure and acts as a heatsink. This ensures the electrical signal remains stable and clean, even during demanding listening sessions.
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$14000