Bowers & Wilkins 801 Series 2
Floor-standing full-range monitors with dual binding posts, noted for user-modifiable design and debated low-frequency performance.
Overview
The Bowers & Wilkins 801 Series 2 is a floor-standing full-range speaker system produced by Bowers & Wilkins. While the exact production years are not documented in the available research, the model appears in user discussions and market listings from the early 1990s. It features two sets of binding posts, indicating support for bi-wiring or bi-amping, a setup some users actively pursued to improve performance. The model designation presents a conflict between "B&W 801 M" and "B&W 801 Series 2"; without authoritative resolution, the relationship between these names remains unclear.
Specifications
| Product type | Floor-standing full-range monitors, Speaker |
| Binding posts | Has two sets of binding posts |
Reception & Use
User reports indicate the 801 Series 2 delivered bass performance described as "somewhat loose" and less suited to typical mid-1970s LP playback, prompting some owners to seek ways to extract "more bass." The speakers were considered as alternatives to subwoofer-inclusive systems like those from ProAc and Velodyne. Comparisons were drawn to Klipsch Forte and Chorus models. Bi-amping was a noted configuration among users aiming to refine the sound.
Market
A pair of B&W 801 Series 2 speakers, including Sound Anchor stands and bi-wire Monster cable, was advertised for $3900 in 1992. Known problem areas exist, though specifics are not documented. An official upgrade or design error fix plan is available as a free .pdf download, suggesting Bowers & Wilkins provided post-purchase support for performance improvements.
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