From the heart of British Hi-End audio innovation, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) introduces its flagship masterpieces — the 801 D4 Signature and the elegantly balanced 802 D4. These two loudspeakers not only represent the pinnacle of the brand’s technological prowess and craftsmanship, but also embody the dream setup for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike.
Handcrafted Perfection — Collectible and Functional
Each 801 D4 CK is meticulously handcrafted in B&W’s UK factory, featuring individual serial numbers and limited-edition finishes such as Midnight Blue Metallic and California Burl Gloss — a harmonious blend of engineering precision and artistic expression.
The 802 D4, as the sibling to the 801, features dual 8″ bass drivers (compared to the 801’s dual 10″), offering faster low-frequency response and tighter control. Its more compact footprint is ideal for medium to large residential spaces without compromising on sonic authority.
Musical Detail and Expansive Soundstage
The 801 D4 CK incorporates B&W’s signature Tweeter-on-Top design using a solid aluminum CNC-milled housing, significantly reducing distortion and diffraction to produce sparkling high-frequency detail and airiness.
The 802 D4 shares these innovations, featuring a decoupled Continuum midrange driver and reinforced aluminum top plate, ensuring balanced frequency distribution and lifelike imaging across vocals and instruments.
Both models include independent midrange chambers and a refined cabinet structure, making them ideal for reproducing high-resolution audio including jazz, classical, orchestral, and live recordings — a dream come true for any two-channel enthusiast.
Home Theater Integration — Dynamic Impact Meets Space Efficiency
Whether the 801 D4 CK or the 802 D4, both are perfectly suited to serve as the acoustic cornerstone of a premium home theater system. Paired with B&W’s center and surround speakers, they create a full Dolby Atmos or DTS:X experience with cinematic-level spatial sound.
The 802 D4, with its excellent bass control and refined design, integrates seamlessly into 35–70 m² rooms, offering powerful theater-grade performance without overwhelming your living space.
The Right Amplification to Unlock Full Potential
To extract the best performance from the 800 Series, B&W recommends pairing with high-current amplification and quality sources, such as:
- Q Design silver-soldered amplifiers
- Top-tier American amplifiers such as Pass Labs and Dan D’Agostino, when paired with high-end power conditioning and premium audio cables, can fully unleash the potential of the Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4. This combination brings out the speaker’s utmost soundstage layering, tonal density, and detail extension—delivering the transparency and dynamic performance expected from a true Hi-End system.
- We particularly recommend Accurate, a boutique American amplifier brand known for its pure silver conductors and entirely hand-crafted construction. As one of the rarest hand-built amplifiers on the market, Accurate delivers exceptional resolution and layered presentation. Its remarkable ability to articulate fine detail and atmospheric presence makes it a perfect match for the 801 D4—an indispensable choice for audiophiles seeking the ultimate system.
