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Bowers & Wilkins has released its 800 Series Signature – the newest version of its 800 Series Diamond loudspeaker range. The new 801 D4 Signature further refines and advances the previously tested 801 D4 (HFC 483) while the company also introduces the 805 D4 Signature with a more compact footprint.

The 801 D4 Signature is a three-way floorstander that features the brand’s 25mm Diamond Dome tweeter-on-top and 150mm Continuum Cone FST midrange drive unit, and adds twin 250mm Aerofoil Cone bass drivers with upgraded and improved magnets to their motor systems relative to the 801 D4 model. It also includes an enhanced aluminium top plate beneath its Turbine Head midrange enclosure, which uses a new optimised skeletal structure and damping material with a view to reducing unwanted resonance from the top of the enclosure. The result, according to B&W, is: “even more midrange transparency and openness to the already outstanding performance of the 801 D4”.

The port output on the 801 D4 Signature has received similar upgrades; it is now cast from aluminium, designed to create a stiffer and quieter structure less prone to unwanted port noise. In combination with the updated Aerofoil Cone bass drivers, the company claims this results in: “even cleaner, lower distortion and more accurate sounding bass”.

In common with all Signature models, the 801 D4 Sig benefits from careful upgrades to its crossover aimed at further increasing transparency with new and improved bypass capacitors for every element of the assembly. It also introduces a new FEA-optimised design of tweeter grille mesh that builds on the transparency offered by existing B&W speakers. The new mesh has been created to provide a 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.

The 805 D4 Signature standmount also includes a 25mm tweeter-on-top and an all-new grille mesh for more openness and transparency plus an upgraded crossover with new bypass capacitors. In addition, an all-new bass/midrange motor system features upgraded performance from its 165mm drive unit in a bid to ensure a cleaner delivery through the midrange, plus more extended bass. It also includes mechanical revisions to its aluminium top plate aimed at further reducing unwanted noise and vibration from the structure.

Both the 801 D4 Signature and 805 D4 Signature are available in two new finishes. Midnight Blue Metallic is the same as offered on the company’s Nautilus loudspeaker, featuring a total of eleven coats of paint and lacquer that are machine polished. This is further enhanced with a bespoke blue Leather by Connolly trim on the top plate. Alternatively, there’s a California Burl Gloss wood veneer featuring a high gloss finish trimmed in black Leather by Connolly. The wood veneer is sustainably sourced engineered wood from Italian specialist, ALPI.

The 801 D5 Signature is priced at £45,000 per pair and has claimed sensitivity of 88dB with nominal impedance of 8ohm, while the 805 D4 is £10,000, quoting 90dB into 8ohm.

Available to buy now, you can find out more about the B&W 800 Series Signature range here.