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Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4 Signature variant 1

Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4 Signature variant 2

Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4 Signature

Name: Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4 Signature
Brand: Bowers & Wilkins
SKU: 300679
Rating: 4.5 (23 reviews)

View at Bowers & Wilkins

Bi-Wire Capable

The 805 D4 Signature stand-mount loudspeaker is compact and powerful. It features fully optimized technologies, including that all-important Diamond Dome tweeter and Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top. It’s proof positive that small can still be beautiful.

Compact and powerful

The 805 D4 Signature stand-mount loudspeaker is compact and powerful. It features fully optimized technologies, including our Diamond Dome tweeter and Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top. It's proof positive that small can still be beautiful.

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. Fifteen years after we introduced it, we haven't found a better tweeter dome technology.

All-new tweeter grille

Our Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top housing features an elongated form with a longer tube-loading system and an all-new design of tweeter grille, producing an even more free and open sound with high frequencies.

Upgraded crossover

Our 805 D4 Signature uses upgraded rear-mounted crossover designs mounted on stiff aluminum spines. This isolates the sensitive capacitors from the unwanted effects of air pressure within the enclosure and makes for a very effective heatsink to ensure optimum performance when in use.

Continuum™ Cone

Thanks to its composite construction, the Continuum™ Cone avoids the abrupt transitions in behaviour that can impair the performance of a conventional drive unit. The result is a more open, neutral performance from the 805 D4 Signature. Voices and instruments can be heard with precision and transparency.

Achieve the best possible performance for your 805 D4 loudspeakers with these dedicated stands.

Discover 801 D4 Signature

The 801 D4 Signature is an optimized version of our most advanced loudspeaker. It features meticulously evolved technology, carefully crafted design, and unique finishes that culminate in the pinnacle of performance. This is Bowers & Wilkins' flagship loudspeaker perfected.

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Overall Score 91/100

Deliciously Crispy

Stunning resolution and an expansive, deeply layered soundstage define the 805 D4 Signature, driven by a refined diamond tweeter and a 6.5in Continuum cone mid/woofer that delivers surprising, tight bass for a standmount. Reviewers praise its ultra-rigid cabinet and finish and note a highly resolving, musical presentation (HomeTheaterHifi, HiFi News, The Ear).

Audiophilepure

"Everything you’d expect of a range-topping speaker is here: glorious build quality, lush design and a sound performance that puts the price tag to the back of your mind."

The Ear

"Soon it became clear that these are total detail monsters that are capable of filling the room with sound at the slightest provocation."

HomeTheaterHifi

"Even-ordered distortion, even at high volume, makes them sing."

SoundStage Solo

"From the meat of the midrange on upward, the 805s displayed an almost indistinguishable similarity to the larger 801s."

HiFi News

"If the sign of a good loudspeaker is its ability to put you in the same room as the artist, Bowers & Wilkins' top-tier standmount certainly has it in spades."

StereoNET United Kingdom

"Regardless of the sound level that you listen to, the 805 D4 Signature performs a highly accomplished disappearing act, with no small thanks to its highly rigid and well-damped cabinet."

Audiophilepure

"If this Signature upgrade of the company's 805 D4 does something well, it’s getting you closer than ever to the artist's intent."

Pros

Exceptional high-frequency clarity and extension from the Diamond Dome tweeter, revealing microdetail without obvious harshness.
Surprising, tight low-end for a compact standmount with low measured distortion—bass is deep, punchy and non-boomy.
Wide, deeply layered soundstage and precise imaging—speakers ‘dissolve into the room’ for convincing sense of presence.
Impeccable build and finishes with reinforced top plate and heavy bracing—rigid cabinet reduces coloration and supports clarity.

Cons

Upper treble can expose bright mixes and produce noticeable sibilance with some recordings.
Signature premium and recommended stands substantially raise overall cost compared with the standard 805 D4.
No onboard tweeter-level adjustment (L-pad) for quick on-axis treble trimming; some listeners may prefer easier tonal tailoring.

Sound Quality

91/100

Bass

93/100

For its size (6.5" Continuum driver, vented cabinet) reviews repeatedly describe 'prodigious' and 'surprising' low-end extension and clean, well defined bass without boom. Ported design and multiple reviewers saying 'no sub necessary' support a top-tier score for this form factor.

Mid

91/100

Multiple reviewers praise an extremely pure, present midrange and excellent vocal clarity ('astonishingly pure midrange', 'vocals have real presence'). One reviewer noted a mild perceived recession vs treble/bass, but overall mid accuracy and insight are standout features.

Treble

90/100

Diamond-dome treble is consistently lauded for clarity, extension and lack of harshness (crisp cymbals, 'spectacular' highs). Some comments note a 'well-lit' upper region and that bright mixes will be exposed, so very high but not fatiguing.

Soundstage Imaging

92/100

Reviewers describe a wide, deep, and highly resolving soundstage that 'dissolves into the room' with precise image solidity and depth; staging is frequently cited as a Signature upgrade strength.

Dynamics

90/100

Speakers deliver strong micro and macro dynamics with ample headroom for a standmount—reviewers note punch, transient speed and the ability to play loud without strain ('headroom is unlimited', 'plays loud without much audible distortion').

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Build Quality

94/100

Exceptional fit-and-finish, heavy bracing, exotic finishes and reinforced top plate/Aluminium tweeter housing cited across reviews. Described as 'built like a tank' and 'flawless' finish—very high craftsmanship.

Features Connectivity

82/100

Passive baseline applied. Bi-wireable binding posts (bi-wire +2) and upgraded crossover parts noted; no DSP/streaming expected or penalized. Score sits within passive bookshelf bounds.

Value for Money

84/100

Performance aligns strongly with the high asking price (reviews reference ~£10k–£11.75k / US$12k pair). Reviewers call it 'appropriate to its price' and 'best-in-class' in places, though competition is stiff and the Signature premium over standard model tempers value slightly.