Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4 (2021)
At 11.5kg, this compact speaker carries the weight of serious engineering in every gram.
Overview
The Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4 is a stand-mount speaker from the 800 Series Diamond lineup, introduced in 2021 as the most compact model in the range. Despite its bookshelf footprint, it’s engineered to deliver performance that belies its size, featuring the same high-end materials and design principles found in Bowers & Wilkins’ flagship floorstanders.
The speaker is built around two core drivers: a diamond dome tweeter and a Continuum cone for the bass and midrange. These are paired with a crossover network set at 350Hz and 4kHz, routing frequencies with precision. The cabinet uses Matrix bracing and an anti-resonance design to suppress internal vibrations, contributing to a clean, uncolored output. When unboxed, the tweeter assembly may feel loose—this is intentional, part of a decoupling system designed to isolate high-frequency resonance, not a defect. The grilles, especially the heavier bass/midrange unit, attach magnetically and are shipped separately to avoid shifting during transit.
Positioned as a high-end stand-mount option, the 805 D4 demands serious amplification, with a recommended range of 50W to 120W into 8Ω. Its sensitivity of 88dB (2.83V, 1m) suggests it’s not the easiest load to drive, though the nominal 8Ω impedance (dipping to a minimum of 3.0Ω) indicates it should work with most quality amplifiers. The frequency response extends from 34Hz to 35kHz (±3dB), covering both deep bass and ultra-high frequencies with authority.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Bowers & Wilkins |
| Product type | stand-mount speaker |
| Tweeter | Diamond dome tweeter |
| Bass/Midrange driver | Continuum cone bass/mid |
| Frequency Response | 34Hz - 35kHz (±3dB) |
| Sensitivity | 88dB spl (2.83V, 1m) |
| Impedance | 8Ω (minimum 3.0Ω) |
| Recommended Amplifier Power | 50W – 120W into 8Ω |
| Crossover Frequencies | 350Hz, 4kHz |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 440 x 238 x 362mm |
| Weight | 11.5kg (each) |
| Cabinet Construction | Solid body, anti-resonance design with Matrix bracing |
| Series | 800 Series Diamond |
| Launch Year | 2021 |
Key Features
Diamond Dome Tweeter with Decoupled Mounting
The 805 D4 uses a diamond dome tweeter, a hallmark of the 800 Series Diamond line, known for its extended high-frequency response and low distortion. This tweeter is mechanically decoupled from the cabinet, meaning it’s mounted on a separate substructure to prevent vibrations from the speaker body affecting high-frequency clarity. This design can cause the tweeter assembly to feel loose when first handled—a feature confirmed by Bowers & Wilkins as intentional, not a fault.
Continuum Cone Bass/Midrange Driver
Matrix-Reinforced Anti-Resonance Cabinet
The cabinet employs Matrix bracing—an internal lattice structure that stiffens the enclosure and reduces panel resonance. Combined with the solid body construction, this design minimizes coloration from cabinet vibrations. Independent testing noted resonant modes on aluminum surfaces at 855Hz and 1100Hz, but the overall enclosure was described as inert when tapped, suggesting effective damping in critical areas.
Compact Form in the 800 Series Diamond Line
As the smallest model in the 800 Series Diamond range, the 805 D4 brings flagship technologies into a stand-mount format. Its dimensions (440mm high, 238mm wide, 362mm deep) make it suitable for smaller rooms or nearfield listening, while its 11.5kg weight per speaker reflects the density of materials and internal bracing used to maintain rigidity.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.
Related Models
- Bowers & Wilkins 805S (2007)
- Bowers & Wilkins CDM 7
- Bowers & Wilkins CM1 (2006)
- Bowers & Wilkins DM110 (1984)
- Bowers & Wilkins DM601 (2006)
- Akai AM-2850 (1975)
- Akai AP-206 (1975)
- Nakamichi BX-1 (1985)
- Acoustic Research research-ar-17 (1978)
- Acoustic Research AR-19 (1994)