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Bowers & Wilkins 802 D4
Built to similar proportions as the flagship 801 D4, the 802 D4 offers much of the performance of its sibling, including the same Turbine™ Head enclosure for its midrange drive unit, yet is more affordable overall.
Absolute elegance
802 D4’s svelte proportions and beautiful painted or real-wood-veneer finishes make for an elegant living-room companion – but one that doesn’t compromise on performance. Perfect for reference-grade stereo listening and an excellent choice in home theatre applications.
Aerofoil™ bass cone
Our Aerofoil bass cone technology remains an outstanding solution to the conundrum of combining low mass and high stiffness in bass cones, thanks to its carbon-fibre skin and variable-profile foam core. Now, we have added the foam Anti-Resonance Plug for lower distortion and even cleaner bass.
Aluminium top-plate
Every stereo model in the new 800 Series Diamond™ range has a significantly upgraded cabinet with an all-new aluminium top-plate. This also provides a perfect mounting point for all-new Leather by Connolly trim, with luxurious black leather for dark cabinets and light grey for lighter finishes.
Decoupled midrange assembly
Like its floor-standing siblings in the new range, 802 D4 has a dedicated midrange cone using three key Bowers & Wilkins technologies: the Continuum™ cone, Biomimetic Suspension and midrange decoupling, the latter ensuring minimal interference from the operation of the loudspeaker’s bass drivers.
The science of sound
Innovation is at the heart of everything we do. We question, we examine, we understand and then we evolve. We use computer modelling to explore and reimagine every aspect of loudspeaker design. Learn more about all the technologies that combine to make 800 Series Diamond so special here.
One of our best
802 D4 is a very special loudspeaker in its own right, with a thrilling blend of performance and style that other loudspeakers will find hard to emulate. Only one model in our range can best it – the flagship 801 D4, which has 250mm (10-in) bass cones in a more substantial low-frequency enclosure.
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With jaw‑dropping low‑end control and near‑reference midrange coherence, the 802 D4 delivers powerful, detailed sound that blends authority with refinement. Reviewers like Rafael Todes and Jerry Del Colliano praise its expansive soundstage, precise imaging, sweet yet resolving treble and supremely nuanced bass, remaining controlled at high levels and marrying studio‑grade detail with emotional impact.
Pros
- Deep, controlled bass with exceptional extension and nuance; reviewers note you often won’t need a subwoofer.
- Open, highly revealing midrange and refined, non‑sibilant treble that surfaces microdetail without harshness.
- Wide, three‑dimensional soundstage and precise imaging that produce studio‑like realism and convincing instrument placement.
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Cons
- Extremely heavy (88.1 kg each) and bulky—moving and setup are difficult; professional assistance is advisable.
- Benefits from high‑power amplification to fully control bass and dynamics; lower‑power systems may not deliver the speaker’s best.
- Lengthy running‑in period reported (weeks to months) before treble focus and system integration settle.
Sound Quality
95/100
Bass
96/100
Dual 200mm (8") Aerofoil bass units with Aerofoil cones and Flowport deliver deep, controlled extension (17Hz–28kHz spec). Multiple reviewers note 'no subwoofer needed', 'supremely nuanced' low end, 'powerful, precise and massive' bass drum and authoritative sub-bass — supporting an excellent/near-reference bass performance for a large tower.
Mid
95/100
New 150mm Continuum mid with improved suspension and decoupling yields highly open, revealing and coherent mids. Reviewers consistently describe monitor-like, in-studio realism, effortless vocal presence and seamless driver integration, indicating reference-class midrange performance.
Treble
94/100
Diamond dome Tweeter-on-Top and heavier, stiffer housing reduce distortion and harshness. Multiple reviews report a sweeter, less strident top end that is highly resolving and airy without sibilance, delivering excellent refinement and detail.
Soundstage Imaging
94/100
Reviewers cite wide, deep imaging with excellent instrument placement and layering ('sipping whiskey at the edge of the stage', 'throws shapes in the air'). The speakers produce a convincing three-dimensional soundstage with stable, focused images.
Dynamics
95/100
High headroom and strong driver control provide both micro- and macro-dynamic credibility; reviewers note slam, speed and the ability to sustain loud, impactful playback (>100 dB) without strain.
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Build Quality
96/100
Massive 88kg enclosure, Matrix bracing, aluminium castings, turbine head and high-quality finishes. Reviews praise fit-and-finish, internal bracing, decoupling and premium materials — class-leading construction and finish.
Features Connectivity
80/100
Passive tower baseline applied. Reviews confirm high-quality binding posts, spade/jumper provisions, substantial plinth/spikes and mobility wheels. No DSP/app/streaming considered or penalised.
Value for Money
88/100
At a very high price (~34k) reviewers nonetheless call the 802 D4 'value for money' relative to rivals and 'worth it' given performance and B&W's scale; premium cost limits the absolute value score but reviewers view it favorably vs competition.
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