Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5 Floorstanding Speaker

Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5 Floorstanding Speaker

The Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5 is the flagship three-way floorstanding speaker of the prestigious 800 Series Diamond D5, representing the pinnacle of Bowers & Wilkins’ acoustic engineering. Developed for the most demanding music enthusiasts and professional recording environments, it combines exceptional transparency, precise imaging, breathtaking dynamics and authoritative bass reproduction.

As the ultimate expression of the 800 Series Diamond philosophy, the 801 D5 incorporates the company’s most advanced technologies, including a Diamond Dome tweeter, an acoustically optimised Turbine Head with Continuum Cone midrange driver, and two substantial 250mm Aerofoil bass drivers. Every element of its construction has been engineered to reproduce music with extraordinary accuracy, scale and realism.

Diamond Dome Tweeter

The 25mm Diamond Dome tweeter is housed in Bowers & Wilkins’ distinctive Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top assembly. Diamond’s exceptional rigidity and low mass allow the diaphragm’s break-up frequency to reach approximately 70kHz, far beyond the audible range, contributing to outstanding high-frequency clarity, precision and openness.

The carefully engineered aluminium tweeter housing is mechanically isolated to minimise unwanted vibrations and interference. An improved, acoustically transparent protective grille, developed from the technology used in the 800 Series Diamond Signature models, further enhances resolution and off-axis performance.

Turbine Head with Continuum Cone Midrange

The iconic Turbine Head is one of the defining features of the 801 D5. This exceptionally rigid, acoustically optimised aluminium enclosure houses a dedicated 150mm Continuum Cone FST midrange driver, mechanically separated from the main bass cabinet.

By isolating the midrange driver from unwanted cabinet vibrations and internal pressure variations, the Turbine Head helps reproduce voices and instruments with exceptional naturalness, transparency and precision.

The Continuum Cone driver incorporates Biomimetic Suspension and an Anti-Resonance Plug, technologies designed to minimise unwanted mechanical interference and improve the accuracy of midrange reproduction. An upgraded motor system, derived from Signature specifications, further reduces distortion and improves transient response.

Twin 250mm Aerofoil Bass Drivers

The 801 D5 features two powerful 250mm Aerofoil bass drivers, the largest bass units in the 800 Series Diamond D5 range. Their advanced variable-thickness cone construction combines exceptional rigidity with carefully controlled mass, enabling accurate and controlled movement even during demanding musical passages.

These substantial drivers deliver remarkable low-frequency extension, effortless dynamics and outstanding bass authority. From the delicate resonance of acoustic instruments to the full impact of large orchestral recordings, the 801 D5 maintains exceptional precision and composure.

Bowers & Wilkins’ Flowport bass-reflex technology further supports extended low-frequency performance while helping minimise unwanted airflow turbulence and port noise.

Enhanced Matrix and Aluminium Space Frame Bracing

The 801 D5 introduces significant refinements to Bowers & Wilkins’ renowned Matrix cabinet construction. The latest Enhanced Matrix bracing incorporates substantial aluminium reinforcement around the drive unit apertures, increasing structural rigidity and reducing unwanted cabinet resonance.

An advanced aluminium Space Frame Bracing system reinforces the rear of the cabinet, working together with the Matrix structure to create an exceptionally stable acoustic enclosure.

The combination of these technologies helps suppress unwanted mechanical vibrations, allowing the drivers to operate with greater accuracy and creating a more focused, spacious and three-dimensional soundstage.

Reverse-Wrap Cabinet and Aluminium Top Plate

The distinctive Reverse-Wrap cabinet is formed from a continuous curved surface and secured by a substantial aluminium spine. This carefully engineered geometry helps minimise unwanted diffraction and reflections while improving structural rigidity.

The D5 generation introduces a substantially redesigned aluminium top plate, with increased stiffness and improved mechanical coupling to the cabinet. An upgraded damping collar, complemented by luxurious Leather by Connolly detailing, further reduces unwanted resonance around the Turbine Head assembly.

Upgraded Aluminium Plinth with Tuned-Mass Damping

The 801 D5 features a redesigned aluminium plinth engineered to provide an exceptionally stable foundation for its substantial cabinet.

The new construction combines constrained-layer damping with carefully tuned masses designed to minimise unwanted mechanical vibrations. Integrated stabilising elements further improve structural stability, helping the loudspeaker maintain exceptional low-frequency control and overall acoustic precision.

Signature-Inspired Crossovers and Internal Wiring

The 801 D5 benefits from upgraded crossover components derived from Bowers & Wilkins’ acclaimed Signature loudspeakers. A redesigned internal wiring harness incorporates higher-quality conductors and improved terminal links, preserving signal integrity throughout the loudspeaker.

The crossover assembly is mounted on a rigid aluminium structure mechanically coupled to the cabinet and rear Space Frame Bracing, contributing to both electrical performance and structural stability.

The Ultimate Reference Loudspeaker

Created to reproduce recordings with extraordinary fidelity, the Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5 delivers the scale, transparency and effortless dynamic range expected from a true reference loudspeaker.

Its ability to reveal the finest musical details while maintaining exceptional control and tonal balance makes it an outstanding foundation for uncompromising high-end stereo systems and reference-grade home cinema installations.

For a matching multichannel system, the 801 D5 can be combined with the Bowers & Wilkins HTM81 D5 center channel speaker.

Exceptional Craftsmanship and Luxurious Finishes

The 801 D5 is available in four elegant finishes: Stealth Black, Warm White, Light Walnut and Dark Walnut.

Each finish is complemented by carefully coordinated metal components and Leather by Connolly detailing, reflecting the exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail of the 800 Series Diamond D5.

Price is for one speaker. Sold in matching pairs (minimum order quantity: 2 speakers).