Description
With the new 800 Series for its 60th anniversary, Bowers & Wilkins underscores its commitment to uncompromising perfection. The interplay of diamond tweeters, Space Frame Bracing, and proven developments from the Signature Series redefines audiophile peak performance.
Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5 – the flagship of the 800 Series
D5 for music and home cinema
The Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5 was developed for recording studios and demanding homes. As the top model in the series, it stands for reproduction that remains as close as possible to the original recording. The focus is on precision, control, and a loudspeaker concept that has emerged from 60 years of experience in loudspeaker construction.
Developed for realistic music reproduction
The 800 Series from Bowers & Wilkins has been used in renowned recording studios for generations. The 801 D5 takes up this claim and is aimed at music lovers who want to experience recordings clearly, directly, and unadulterated.
3-way bass reflex system
The Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5 is designed as a 3-way bass reflex system. High frequencies, mid-range, and low frequencies are distributed to specialized drivers: a diamond dome tweeter, a Continuum™ FST midrange, and two Aerofoil™ cone bass units. This distribution allows each area to work specifically for its task – from fine high-frequency details to clear voices and deep bass foundations.
Tweeter-on-Top Design
In the Tweeter-on-Top design used, the tweeter sits visibly on the loudspeaker enclosure. This construction is a defining feature and supports precise reproduction in the high-frequency range.
Anti-Resonance Plug
An Anti-Resonance Plug is a small, mushroom- or cone-shaped component that sits in the center of the loudspeaker driver instead of the conventional dust cap.
The Anti-Resonance Plug is one of the design measures Bowers & Wilkins uses to reduce unwanted resonances. The goal is cleaner reproduction, where less of the loudspeaker itself and more of the music is audible.
Further technologies of the
loudspeaker
In addition, the Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5 features biomimetic suspension, the Turbine Head, Matrix™ bracing, and Flowport™. These technologies are part of the overall acoustic concept of the loudspeaker and support controlled, precise reproduction.
Recommended distance to the wall
We recommend a distance to the wall of at least 0.5 m and optimally 1 - 1.5 m. We recommend a minimum distance of 2.5 m between the two loudspeakers.
Craftsmanship, Design, and Finishes
The 801 D5 combines technical precision with a high-quality exterior design. The available cabinet finishes are Stealth Black, Warm White, Light Walnut, and Dark Walnut. Matching black grilles are available for Stealth Black and Dark Walnut, and gray grilles for Warm White and Light Walnut. The craftsmanship includes an elegant surface with minimized joints and hidden fastenings.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Reasons to choose the Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5:
- Flagship of the 800 Series Diamond D5
- 3-way bass reflex system
- Developed for recording studios and demanding music lovers
- Diamond dome tweeter and Continuum™ FST midrange
- Turbine Head, Matrix™, and Flowport™ as central Bowers & Wilkins technologies
- Four high-quality cabinet finishes
What you should know about the Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5:
- Its weight of 106.4 kg requires carefully planned placement
Properties
Specifications
General
- Product type: 3-way bass reflex system
- Dimensions W × H × D: 44.7 × 122.1 × 59.7 cm including plinth
- Deviating dimensions: Width 37.2 cm housing only; Depth 55.6 cm including grille and terminals
- Weight: 106.4 kg per piece
- Frequency range: -6 dB 13 Hz – 35 kHz
Features
- Diamond dome tweeter
- Tweeter-on-Top design with solid housing
- Continuum™ cone FST midrange
- Anti-Resonance Plug
- Biomimetic suspension
- Turbine Head
- Matrix™
- Aerofoil™ cone bass units
- Flowport™
Drivers
- Tweeter: 1 × ø 25 mm diamond dome tweeter
- Midrange: 1 × ø 150 mm Continuum™-FST midrange
- Bass units: 2 × ø 250 mm Aerofoil™ cone bass units
Audio
- Frequency response: 15 Hz – 28 kHz ± 3 dB
- Sensitivity: 90 dB
- Harmonic distortion: 2nd and 3rd harmonic at 90 dB, 1 m
- Harmonic distortion: <1 % 30 Hz – 20 kHz
- Harmonic distortion: <0.3 % 100 Hz – 20 kHz
Electrical Data
- Nominal impedance: 8 Ohm, minimum 3.0 Ohm
- Recommended amplifier power: 50 W – 1000 W into 8 Ohm unclipped
- Maximum recommended cable impedance: 0.1 Ohm
Finishes
- Cabinet: Stealth Black
- Cabinet: Warm White
- Cabinet: Light Walnut
- Cabinet: Dark Walnut
- Grille: Black for Stealth Black and Dark Walnut
- Grille: Grey for Warm White and Light Walnut
Scope of delivery
- B&W 801 D5
- Covers
- Bi-wiring bridges
- Spikes
- Decoupling feet
- Mounting accessories
- Documents
Downloads
Manufacturer information
801 D5
As the flagship floorstanding speaker, the Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5 combines a Diamond Dome tweeter, a Continuum cone midrange in a separate Turbine Head enclosure, and two 250mm Aerofoil bass drivers – for the finest details, natural voices, and powerful deep bass that brings grand concert moments to life at home.
Pickup available
Simply pick up your order at the store
Extended Warranty
More protection thanks to an extended warranty
Cheaper elsewhere?
Ask us for a discount
Description
With the new 800 Series for its 60th anniversary, Bowers & Wilkins underscores its commitment to uncompromising perfection. The interplay of diamond tweeters, Space Frame Bracing, and proven developments from the Signature Series redefines audiophile peak performance.
Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5 – the flagship of the 800 Series
D5 for music and home cinema
The Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5 was developed for recording studios and demanding homes. As the top model in the series, it stands for reproduction that remains as close as possible to the original recording. The focus is on precision, control, and a loudspeaker concept that has emerged from 60 years of experience in loudspeaker construction.
Developed for realistic music reproduction
The 800 Series from Bowers & Wilkins has been used in renowned recording studios for generations. The 801 D5 takes up this claim and is aimed at music lovers who want to experience recordings clearly, directly, and unadulterated.
3-way bass reflex system
The Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5 is designed as a 3-way bass reflex system. High frequencies, mid-range, and low frequencies are distributed to specialized drivers: a diamond dome tweeter, a Continuum™ FST midrange, and two Aerofoil™ cone bass units. This distribution allows each area to work specifically for its task – from fine high-frequency details to clear voices and deep bass foundations.
Tweeter-on-Top Design
In the Tweeter-on-Top design used, the tweeter sits visibly on the loudspeaker enclosure. This construction is a defining feature and supports precise reproduction in the high-frequency range.
Anti-Resonance Plug
An Anti-Resonance Plug is a small, mushroom- or cone-shaped component that sits in the center of the loudspeaker driver instead of the conventional dust cap.
The Anti-Resonance Plug is one of the design measures Bowers & Wilkins uses to reduce unwanted resonances. The goal is cleaner reproduction, where less of the loudspeaker itself and more of the music is audible.
Further technologies of the
loudspeaker
In addition, the Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5 features biomimetic suspension, the Turbine Head, Matrix™ bracing, and Flowport™. These technologies are part of the overall acoustic concept of the loudspeaker and support controlled, precise reproduction.
Recommended distance to the wall
We recommend a distance to the wall of at least 0.5 m and optimally 1 - 1.5 m. We recommend a minimum distance of 2.5 m between the two loudspeakers.
Craftsmanship, Design, and Finishes
The 801 D5 combines technical precision with a high-quality exterior design. The available cabinet finishes are Stealth Black, Warm White, Light Walnut, and Dark Walnut. Matching black grilles are available for Stealth Black and Dark Walnut, and gray grilles for Warm White and Light Walnut. The craftsmanship includes an elegant surface with minimized joints and hidden fastenings.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Reasons to choose the Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5:
- Flagship of the 800 Series Diamond D5
- 3-way bass reflex system
- Developed for recording studios and demanding music lovers
- Diamond dome tweeter and Continuum™ FST midrange
- Turbine Head, Matrix™, and Flowport™ as central Bowers & Wilkins technologies
- Four high-quality cabinet finishes
What you should know about the Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5:
- Its weight of 106.4 kg requires carefully planned placement
Properties
Specifications
General
- Product type: 3-way bass reflex system
- Dimensions W × H × D: 44.7 × 122.1 × 59.7 cm including plinth
- Deviating dimensions: Width 37.2 cm housing only; Depth 55.6 cm including grille and terminals
- Weight: 106.4 kg per piece
- Frequency range: -6 dB 13 Hz – 35 kHz
Features
- Diamond dome tweeter
- Tweeter-on-Top design with solid housing
- Continuum™ cone FST midrange
- Anti-Resonance Plug
- Biomimetic suspension
- Turbine Head
- Matrix™
- Aerofoil™ cone bass units
- Flowport™
Drivers
- Tweeter: 1 × ø 25 mm diamond dome tweeter
- Midrange: 1 × ø 150 mm Continuum™-FST midrange
- Bass units: 2 × ø 250 mm Aerofoil™ cone bass units
Audio
- Frequency response: 15 Hz – 28 kHz ± 3 dB
- Sensitivity: 90 dB
- Harmonic distortion: 2nd and 3rd harmonic at 90 dB, 1 m
- Harmonic distortion: <1 % 30 Hz – 20 kHz
- Harmonic distortion: <0.3 % 100 Hz – 20 kHz
Electrical Data
- Nominal impedance: 8 Ohm, minimum 3.0 Ohm
- Recommended amplifier power: 50 W – 1000 W into 8 Ohm unclipped
- Maximum recommended cable impedance: 0.1 Ohm
Finishes
- Cabinet: Stealth Black
- Cabinet: Warm White
- Cabinet: Light Walnut
- Cabinet: Dark Walnut
- Grille: Black for Stealth Black and Dark Walnut
- Grille: Grey for Warm White and Light Walnut
Scope of delivery
- B&W 801 D5
- Covers
- Bi-wiring bridges
- Spikes
- Decoupling feet
- Mounting accessories
- Documents
Downloads
Manufacturer information
801 D5
-
Fidelity Guide
Feel free to visit our advice blog. Here we discuss the basics and answer frequently asked questions from the world of hi-fi.
-
FAQs
You can find questions and answers about products, availability, shipping, payment, and service in our FAQs.
-
Customer service
Our online customer service and sales team will be happy to assist you by phone or email.
shop@fidelity-hh.de
040 25776690 -
Fidelity Store
For personal and competent advice, visit us in our store. Here you can experience and compare products in 10 different listening studios across more than 800 m² of exhibition space.
Adlerstraße 79, Rellingen
Our Exhibition
Make an appointment
Frequently asked questions about our products
Please visit our FAQ page to learn more.
Are all displayed products immediately available?
All visible products are generally either in stock with us or can be ordered from our suppliers. You can find the current availability or delivery time on the respective product page. If you have any questions about availability, please feel free to contact us at any time.
Do you offer pre-purchase advice?
Yes. If you are still unsure about your selection or if our online shop does not cover all the information, we will be happy to advise you personally. It is important to us to find a long-term and suitable solution for your requirements. Please contact us personally to benefit from our experience.
How do I find the right accessories for my setup?
The added value of suitable accessories is often underestimated. To help you get the most out of your setup, we are happy to advise you personally.
Is there a warranty on all products?
Our products come with their own manufacturer's warranty, the duration and conditions of which may vary depending on the brand and product. We will handle warranty claims for products purchased from us on your behalf.