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Bowers & Wilkins 803 D4
Our most compact headed model brings all the technical advantages of a dedicated midrange enclosure - the Turbine™ Head, with its decoupled midrange cone - to a smaller footprint that's easily accommodated in any home.
- Diamond Tweeter
- Solid body Tweeter-on-Top
- Continuum™ Cone FST
- Anti-Resonance Plug
- Biomimetic Suspension
- Turbine™ Head
- Matrix™
- Aerofoil™ Cone Bass Units
- Flowport™
Small wonder
803 D4 may be notably more compact than the 801 D4 or 802 D4, but it still bristles with technical innovation, most obviously in its use of a three-box construction. Its 130mm (5-in) midrange cone is carefully isolated from the impact of its bass cones thanks to its Turbine Head enclosure.
Reverse Wrap cabinet
Instead of a conventional loudspeaker box, our cabinets are made from a continuous curved section of wood, with the drive units mounted at the heart of the curvature. This stiffer, more inert structure resists mechanical resonances far better and also ensures better dispersion of sound.
Enhanced Matrix™
Matrix bracing uses interlocking panels to reinforce loudspeaker cabinet walls in all directions internally, reducing resonance and creating a more believable soundstage. The Matrix assembly in 803 D4 is our best yet, ensuring optimum scale, power and intelligibility.
Aluminium bass pods
803 D4 mounts two Aerofoil™ bass cones in twin solid aluminium bass pods, each of which is clamped into an aluminium plate fixed to the stiffest part of its curved cabinet. Formed as single pieces of metal, these stiff structures provide the perfect mechanical location for those powerful bass cones.
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.
Step up for more power
803 D4 features all the most iconic ingredients in the 800 Series Diamond range including, of course, that famous headed enclosure. It is, however, smaller than its other siblings. Step up to the 802 D4, and you’ll get both larger 200mm (8-in) bass cones and a larger 150mm (6-in) midrange driver.
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Professional Reviews 92/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
93/100
Build Quality
96/100
Value for Money
87/100
Built around a Diamond tweeter, Continuum midrange and twin Aerofoil woofers, the 803 D4 delivers micro-resolution, expansive imaging and articulate bass. SoundStage Solo praised its glare-free detail and natural tonal unity, while HiFi News highlighted grand-scale staging and sophisticated dynamic force. Carefully partnered, this luxurious floorstander makes intimate voices and full orchestras feel vivid, layered and alive.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Exceptional low-level detail, natural tonal colour and a unified midrange-to-treble presentation.
Large, layered soundstage with sharply focused images, impressive height and convincing scale.
Deep, controlled and highly articulate bass with strong dynamic impact.
Superb cabinet construction, finish and practical integrated wheel-and-spike system.
&
Cons
Careful placement and toe-in are essential; incorrect setup can trade bass weight against imaging precision or over-emphasise vocals.
Needs a powerful, high-quality amplifier and sympathetic system matching to realise its dynamics and tonal balance.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 93/100
Reviewers describe a highly resolved, refined and emotionally engaging presentation, with especially strong scale, image focus and dynamic reach. It rewards careful positioning and suitably powerful amplification, but can produce an unusually grand and sophisticated sound when properly partnered.
Bass
94/100
The dual 7-inch woofers are widely praised for their depth, pressure, articulation and control. SoundStage Solo found the bass surprisingly solid for the cabinet size, while HomeTheaterHifi measured powerful in-room output down to 20Hz; reviewers also note that placement is important to achieving the best balance.
Mid
93/100
Vocals and instruments are repeatedly described as clear, rounded, natural and convincingly dimensional. SoundStage Solo heard a more unified handover between midrange and treble than the preceding D3, although HiFi News found some vocals could become slightly over-emphasised until toe-in was adjusted.
Treble
92/100
The diamond tweeter brings abundant sparkle, air and fine detail without the glare or harshness reported by SoundStage Solo. HiFi News also heard greater refinement than earlier versions, though measurement commentary from HomeTheaterHifi points to a less-than-flat upper-frequency response and a gentle high-treble decline.
Soundstage Imaging
91/100
When correctly installed, the 803 D4 is praised for a huge, layered and sharply focused stage with impressive height and scale. Several reviewers stress that setup and toe-in are crucial: HomeTheaterHifi found the speakers particularly difficult to balance in one room, while HiFi News says they should not simply be dropped into a space.
Dynamics
94/100
Reviewers consistently highlight the speaker's speed, energy and ability to convey large musical swings with control. It remains natural and full-bodied at lower levels, stays composed when played loudly, and was described by HiFi News as delivering huge dynamic energy with sophistication.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
96/100
Construction and finish receive unequivocal praise. Reviewers highlight the exceptionally solid cabinet work, turbine head, substantial aluminium base, refined materials and practical retractable wheel-and-spike arrangement; HiFi News says there is no faulting the build quality or finish.
Value for Money
87/100
At around £18,000 in the UK and AU$32,500 in Australia, the 803 D4 is an uncompromising luxury purchase that also demands high-quality partnering equipment. HiFi News characterises it as a more attainable route into the flagship 800-series character, offering nearly as much fun as the 801 D4 rather than representing a wholesale leap over the earlier 803 D3.
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- Resolution A/V — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
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- Absolute Audio - Canada — in-store — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (website)
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- Ahead Stereo — in-store — Los Angeles, California, United States (website)
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