Bowers & Wilkins emphasizes that it only uses its Signature branding sparingly, reserving it for radically upgraded versions of its conventional loudspeakers and technologies. Since the launch of the company back in 1966, only seven series of loudspeaker have carried the Signature mark, which reflects the prestige and exclusivity of the designation.
The new Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 and 805 D4 Signature loudspeakers build on a heritage that stretches back to its Silver Signature loudspeaker of 1991 that were originally developed as a tribute to the founder of the company, John Bowers. The new models build on the performance and aesthetic benchmarks of the 801 D4 and 805 D4 models through carefully upgraded components and new home-friendly finishes.
The new 801 D4 Signature and 805 D4 Signature represent the pinnacle of current Bowers & Wilkins design and as such should be viewed as the new flagships in the company’s loudspeaker portfolio.
801 D4, 804 D4 Signature Speakers Optimized for Sound Quality
Bowers & Wilkins points out the larger model in the new Signature range is the 801 D4 Signature loudspeaker. The company states the floorstanding model provides homeowners a powerful three-way solution that builds on the specification of its 801 D4 that is in use in locations such as Abbey Road Studios.
The U.K.-based audio company says the floorstanding speaker employs its Diamond Dome tweeter and Continuum Cone FST midrange drive unit. The 801 D4 Signature augments this driver array with dual 10-inch Aerofoil Cone bass drivers that are upgraded with improved magnets that bolster the drivers’ motor systems relative to the 801 D4 model.

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The 801 D4 Signature also includes an enhanced aluminum top plate underneath its Turbine Head midrange enclosure. Bowers & Wilkins notes this new design uses a newly optimized skeletal structure and carefully placed damping material to reduce unwanted resonance from the top of the enclosure.
Bowers & Wilkins stresses the port output on 801 D4 Signature loudspeaker has also been treated to significant upgrades. The port is now cast from aluminum to create a stiffer and quieter structure that is less prone to unwanted port noise. In combination with the updated Aerofoil Cone bass drivers, these design upgrades are said to result in cleaner, lower distortion and more accurate bass.
Like other Signature models over the years, the 801 D4 Signature incorporates crossover upgrades to increase transparency. These upgrades include new and upgraded bypass capacitors for every element of the assembly. Finally, the 801 D4 Signature introduces a new FEA-optimized design of tweeter grille mesh that builds on the transparency offered by existing Bowers & Wilkins loudspeakers. The new mesh provides a blend of transparency and stiffness, allowing more energy from the Diamond Dome tweeter into the room, while guarding the diaphragm against unwanted damage.
804 D4 Signature Loudspeaker
Moving onto the 805 D4 Signature model, Bowers & Wilkins says this speaker offers homeowners a smaller, more room-friendly form factor than the floorstanding 801 D4 Signature loudspeaker. As with the larger 801 D4 Signature model, the 805 D4 Signature also includes an all-new grille mesh for more openness and transparency, plus an upgraded crossover network with new bypass capacitors. In addition, the 805 D4 Signature speaker features an all-new bass/midrange motor system that delivers higher performance from its 165mm (6.5-inch) drive unit, ensuring both a cleaner delivery through the midrange and extended bass.

Rounding out the improvements to the smaller footprint speaker, Bowers & Wilkins says it features mechanical revisions to its aluminum top plate that are designed to reduce unwanted noise and vibrations.
To properly identify the rarity of the 801 D4 Signature and 805 D4 Signature loudspeakers, Bowers & Wilkins will offer the speakers in two exclusive new finishes: Midnight blue metallic and California burl gloss.
The midnight blue metallic paint is the same as offered on the Nautilus loudspeaker. This finish features a total of 11 coats of paint and lacquer that are machine polished. Excluding curing times, Bowers & Wilkins emphasizes the paint application process alone entails 18 hours of labor. Additionally, the midnight blue metallic loudspeakers are accented by a bespoke blue Leather by Connolly trim on the top plate.
The California burl gloss wood veneer features wood figuring and a high-gloss finish trimmed in black Leather by Connolly. The wood veneer is sustainably sourced engineered wood from Italian specialist, ALPI. Bowers & Wilkins also emphasizes the California burl finish utilizes 14 coats of lacquer that undergoes multiple sanding processes. The total finishing time for a single 801 D4 Signature in the California burl gloss exceeds 24 hours.
MSRP for the 801 D4 Signature loudspeaker is $50,000 per pair, and the MSRP for the 805 Signature D4 loudspeaker is $12,000 per pair.
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