90%
Bowers & Wilkins DB1D
Diamond bass
Powerful amplification and ultra-fast Aerofoil™ drivers: a perfect partner for the acclaimed 800 Series Diamond speakers.
A smarter approach to bass
DB1D's amplifier and 12-in drivers are controlled by intelligent processing for best-in-class bass delivery.
Nimble and powerful
Solid, dramatic bass is delivered through the rigidity and lightness of the uniquely-shaped, variable thickness Aerofoil™ cone.
A question of balance
The back-to-back (opposed) drivers cancel out cabinet resonances, ensuring all that power is used to create room-shaking bass, not wasted vibrations.
The digital advantage
Digital amplification is cool-running and energy efficient, even when working hard, while Dynamic EQ and Room EQ ensure a precise sound for music and movies.
Take control
By placing control in the palm of your hand, our subwoofer app not only makes our DB Series subwoofers a snap to set up, it also helps maximize your sound quality.
Designed to deliver
DB1D’s ultra-rigid, highly damped enclosure channels all its energy into explosive, tightly-controlled bass.
Dealers selling Bowers & Wilkins near you
The DB1D delivers astonishing infrasonic extension and punch, reaching down near 10Hz with exceptional control and speed, thanks to its twin 300mm aerofoil drivers and high‑power Class‑D amplification. Reviewers in What Hi‑Fi? praise its tight, realistic bass and the app’s automatic room equalisation that helps it integrate seamlessly with systems and rooms.
Pros
- Extremely deep, controlled bass extension (measured to ~10Hz) delivering powerful infra‑bass without loss of definition.
- High dynamic headroom and low distortion from the dual 300mm aerofoil drivers and robust Class‑D amplification for punch and speed.
- Comprehensive app‑based tuning including automatic room equalisation and a 5‑band EQ that lets the subwoofer blend reliably in real rooms.
&
Cons
- App interface is reported as unintuitive and the calibration can be hampered by Android microphone incompatibilities on some phones.
Sound Quality
92/100
Bass
92/100
Reviewers repeatedly praise the DB1D's extension and authority: "goes lower than any subwoofer of the same size I have ever heard" and "I could hear the DB1D powering away all the way down to 12Hz." Measured claims such as "only 3dB down at 10Hz" and Newport Test Labs data support exceptional extension and control for this form factor.
Dynamics
91/100
Reviews emphasise speed and headroom: "The sheer speed of the bass ... is almost surreal" and the unit "didn't even flinch," while the dual-driver balanced configuration is noted to provide higher SPL capability, reduced distortion and increased grip on the room air.
Show Less
Integration
90/100
Outcome-focused evidence: the reviewer says the "automatic room equalisation makes the B&W DB1D far less sensitive to room placement," and you can choose between equalised, flat or custom responses after setup. Those reported results indicate the DB1D blends with mains reliably in real rooms when its EQ is used.
Build Quality
90/100
Construction and finish are described as premium: the loan unit was "flawlessly finished in a superb piano black lacquer," and the Aerofoil cones are noted to be "light, ultra-stiff" resisting bending to deliver controlled bass with precision.
Features Connectivity
90/100
The app provides volume, crossover, phase, HPF slope plus a 5-band EQ and automatic room EQ according to the review, giving strong setup and tuning tools. Product specs add pro-grade connectivity (2x XLR, 2x RCA, triggers, RS-232), increasing placement and system integration flexibility.
Value for Money
78/100
Performance is widely lauded, but the DB1D is a high-end, expensive unit (price listed ~7100). Reviewers stop short of calling it an obvious bargain or 'no-brainer,' so value is strong relative to peers but tempered by the premium cost.
Reviews
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
FAST, EASY & NEAR
Find Bowers & Wilkins Verified Dealers Near You
Bowers & Wilkins dealers in the map