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Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4
The 805 D4 stand-mount loudspeaker is the most compact model in the 800 Series Diamond range, but it's still packed with advanced technologies, including the Diamond dome tweeter and the Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top. * Stand(s) not included.
Little Diamond
805 D4 might be smaller than its tower speaker siblings, but it’s no lightweight: its beautifully constructed Reverse-Wrap cabinet, stiff aluminum bass pods and 165mm (6.5-in) Continuum™ mid-bass cone afford it exceptional bass extension and scale for a relatively compact speaker.
Diamond dome tweeter
One of our most significant accomplishments over the past two decades, the ultra-stiff, supremely accurate Diamond dome tweeter is the perfect combination of low mass, exceptional stiffness and outstanding accuracy. 15 years after we introduced it, we haven’t found a better tweeter dome technology.
Solid Body Tweeter assembly
Our newest Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top housing features an elongated form with a longer tube-loading system, producing an even more free and open sound with high frequencies. The carefully decoupled housing is milled from a single solid block of aluminum to better resist resonance.
Rear-mounted crossover
The new reverse-wrap orientation of the cabinet on 805 D4 means we can place its sensitive crossover components inside their own, dedicated space within the cabinet, which has critical benefits to both performance and serviceability. We’ve taken the opportunity to upgrade the speaker terminals, too.
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.
Go large
Why step up from 805 D4 to 804 D4? First, 804 D4 is a three-way speaker, with twin 165mm (6.5-in) Aerofoil™ bass cones – and that has huge benefits to its power and scale. Second, as a three-way speaker, it includes a dedicated midrange cone, so voices and other details will sound more accurate.
Dealers selling Bowers & Wilkins near you
The 805 D4 delivers a near‑magical, disappearing soundstage, marrying an airy diamond tweeter to unexpectedly deep, controlled bass and razor‑sharp microdetail. Reviewers including The Absolute Sound and Enjoy The Music praise its hushed, rigid cabinet and lively, musical character that rewards both critical listening and casual enjoyment.
Pros
- Wide, stable 'disappearing' soundstage with precise imaging and layering.
- Airy, extended treble and high-resolution detail from the elongated diamond tweeter without harshness.
- Surprisingly deep, tight and well-controlled bass for a standmount, with excellent transient definition.
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Cons
- Can sound a bit constrained or less engaging at very low listening levels.
- Ultimately bass depth and slam can't match larger floorstanders — some listeners will add a subwoofer for very low-frequency impact.
Sound Quality
91/100
Bass
92/100
For its size (6.5" mid/bass, vented enclosure) the 805 D4 delivers unusually deep, tight, and well-controlled bass down into the low 40Hz (some reports say sub-40Hz), with excellent transient attack and timbral differentiation. Multiple reviewers explicitly note 'surprisingly deep' and 'shocking' low-end for a stand‑mount, meriting an above‑excellent-for-size score.
Mid
91/100
Reviewers repeatedly praise vocal and piano timbre, calling the midrange near-electrostatic in clarity and highly resolving. The two-way design and careful cabinet/crossover work yield pure, focused midrange with natural body and excellent presence.
Treble
89/100
Diamond dome tweeter provides extended, airy, and refined highs that are smooth and rarely etched; several reviews note an authoritative top end though a few mention a presence-forward voicing that some may find revealing at times.
Soundstage Imaging
92/100
Consistently described as wide, deep and 'disappearing'—the speakers create a large, stable soundstage with precise imaging and excellent focus for a standmount.
Dynamics
90/100
Wide micro/macro dynamic range, strong rhythmic drive and 'pizzaz'—shines when played loud yet also reveals subtle nuances. A few notes that very low-level listening can be less engaging; overall dynamic agility is excellent for the form factor.
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Build Quality
93/100
High-end engineering and finish: reverse-wrap plywood/aluminum cabinet, elongated solid‑aluminum tweeter tube, leather top, rear-mounted crossover and exemplary fit-and-finish; reviewers call the enclosure exceptionally quiet and exquisitely finished.
Features Connectivity
82/100
Passive two-way standmount baseline applied (80). Bi‑wire/bi‑amp binding posts present (+2). No DSP/streaming expected or penalized.
Value for Money
88/100
At ~€8.8k–$8k–$10k (depends on market) reviewers call the 805 D4 a strong value—advanced flagship tech and performance near-lab-grade for the price, often described as a bargain relative to competitors and larger models.
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