Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4

For a 6.5-inch standmount, reviewers consistently found the bass remarkably deep, fast and controlled, with TAS calling it one of the speaker's greatest strengths and hi-fi+ hearing clean, powerful output into the sub-40Hz region. It cannot equal a larger three-way floorstander for ultimate low-octave scale or high-output weight, and a subwoofer remains worthwhile for full-range ambitions.

Vocals and acoustic instruments are described as lifelike, immediate and richly textured, with Future Audiophile highlighting the natural timbre of voices and HiFiCritic finding piano and vocal reproduction outstanding. Multiple reviewers also praise the seamless handover between drivers, giving the speaker a notably coherent and transparent midband.

The diamond tweeter earns frequent praise for its air, insight, delicacy and ability to resolve instrumental timbre without sounding etched; What Hi-Fi? calls it one of the best tweeters around. A few reviewers hear a forward or elevated treble balance, particularly at high volume, so bright recordings and systems may benefit from careful matching.

This is a standout strength: reviewers repeatedly report that the speakers disappear completely, producing expansive width, convincing depth and exceptionally stable image focus. The Absolute Sound notes that the stage remains convincing across a wide variety of listening positions, while Future Audiophile heard precise placement extending left, right and behind the listener plane.

The 805 D4 is widely described as rhythmically alive, composed and capable of both large swings and subtle dynamic shading. It can play surprisingly big and loud for its size, although What Hi-Fi? and Sound Advice found it a little less involving at very low levels, while some listeners found the upper range too assertive when pushed hard.

Reviewers are nearly unanimous about the cabinet engineering and finish, describing the 805 D4 as exceptionally rigid, inert, immaculate and beautifully executed. The reverse-wrap enclosure, aluminium elements, solid tweeter housing and leather trim create a genuinely luxurious product; What Hi-Fi? could not identify a rival that bettered its fit and finish.

At roughly $8,000-$8,500 per pair before the dedicated stands, the 805 D4 is undeniably a premium purchase, but reviewers repeatedly consider it compelling beside high-end standmount peers. The Absolute Sound calls it a true bargain and says comparable technology, materials and performance can cost substantially more, while hi-fi+ places it among the best standmount speakers available near its price.