"Bowers & Wilkins only uses the Signature name sparingly, reserving it for the rare and radically upgraded versions of its conventional loudspeakers and technologies," says the announcement. "Since the brand was founded in 1966, only seven series of loudspeaker have carried the prestigious Signature mark – a reflection of its prestige and exclusivity," they add.
Both new 801 D4 and 805 D4 Signature models feature "no-holds-barred performance upgrades based on unique, proprietary Signature technologies not found in other 800 Series Diamond loudspeakers. Combined with exclusive new finishes and luxurious detailing, the two new Signature loudspeakers are a level above the best," the company describes.
The new Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 Signature and 805 D4 Signature build on a heritage that stretches back to the acclaimed Silver Signature loudspeaker of 1991, originally developed as a posthumous tribute to the founder of the company, John Bowers. The new models build on the already exceptional performance and aesthetic benchmarks of the 801 D4 and 805 D4 models that form the basis of their respective designs, featuring carefully upgraded components plus luxurious and beautiful new finishes.
"The new 801 D4 Signature and 805 D4 Signature represent the pinnacle of current Bowers & Wilkins thinking and design and as such should be viewed as the new flagships in the company’s loudspeaker portfolio," the announcement states.
The larger model in the new Bowers & Wilkins Signature loudspeaker range is the 801 D4 Signature, a powerful three-way floorstanding loudspeaker that builds on the specification of the iconic 801 D4 as found in Abbey Road Studios. Based on the brand's Diamond Dome tweeter and Continuum Cone FST midrange drive unit, the 801 D4 Signature adds powerful twin 250mm (10") Aerofoil Cone bass drivers with upgraded and improved magnets to their motor systems relative to the 801 D4 model.
The update design also includes a radically enhanced aluminum top plate beneath its Turbine Head midrange enclosure, and uses a new optimized skeletal structure and carefully placed damping material to significantly reduce unwanted resonance from the top of the enclosure. The result, B&W says, is "even more midrange transparency and openness to the already outstanding performance of the 801 D4."
The port output on 801 D4 Signature has received similarly significant upgrades; it is now cast from aluminum, creating a stiffer and quieter structure that is less prone to unwanted port noise. In combination with the updated Aerofoil Cone bass drivers, this results in "even cleaner, lower distortion and more accurate sounding bass."
As with all Signature models over the years, the 801 D4 Signature benefits from careful upgrades to its crossover. These new models use new and upgraded bypass capacitors for every element of the assembly. Finally, the 801 D4 Signature introduces a new FEA-optimized design of tweeter grille mesh, providing a new superior blend of transparency and stiffness, allowing even more energy from the Diamond Dome tweeter into the room, while guarding the diaphragm against unwanted damage.
The new standmount 805 D4 Signature is also said to update performance and capability in a smaller, more room-friendly form. As with the larger 801 D4 Signature model, the 805 D4 Signature also includes an all-new grille mesh, and upgraded crossover with new bypass capacitors. In addition, an all-new bass / midrange motor system in the 6.5" driver ensures a cleaner delivery through the midrange, plus more extended bass. Bowers & Wilkins also explains that the compact loudspeakers have received mechanical revisions to its aluminum top plate aimed at further reducing unwanted noise and vibration from the structure.
To properly identify their prestigious position within the Bowers & Wilkins portfolio as being "better than the ones you have," both the 801 D4 Signature and the 805 D4 Signature are only available in two exclusive new finishes. The Midnight Blue Metallic paint is the same as offered on the iconic Nautilus loudspeaker, featuring a total of eleven machine polished coats of paint and lacquer. Midnight Blue Metallic loudspeakers are further enriched with a bespoke blue Leather by Connolly trim on the top plate.
Alternatively, both models can be purchased in California Burl Gloss high gloss wood veneer trimmed in black Leather by Connolly. The wood veneer is sustainably sourced engineered composite wood from Italian specialist, ALPI, and including no less than fourteen coats of lacquer and multiple sanding processes.
"As with all Signature loudspeakers over the decades, both our new 800 Series Signature models are the perfect embodiment of Bowers & Wilkins' product philosophy and are a proud addition to our heritage in this category. The company remains passionate about providing the best, truest listening experience we can. The 800 Series Signature models are the next step in the journey towards this goal. This is the best of our best."
Sales of the 801 D4 Signature loudspeakers start at $50,000 USD per pair before tax, and the standmount 805 D4 Signature sell for $12,000 USD per pair. As we said: ultimate affordable luxury.
www.bowerswilkins.com
