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The uniquely robust design factors carried by Bower & Wilkins (B&W) speakers are undeniable; especially those models adorned by spherical mid-range heads and Diamond tweeter toppers. If you’ve ever had a chance to see them (let alone hear them in action), then you know their physical design is even more eye catching in person. Several days ago, on the eve of celebrating its 50th anniversary of existence, Bower & Wilkins unveiled a new iteration of its highly acclaimed 800 Series Diamond loudspeakers and they aren’t being shy about boasting about improved design elements. Their new speakers “massively elevate loudspeaker performance,” claims B&W, even compared to speakers previously designed by the company, itself.
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Bower & Wilkins new 803 D3 floorstanding loudspeaker.
The new 800 Series Diamond is the product of nearly seven years of development, combining research, advanced engineering, and extensive listening sessions. The resulting speakers apparently bury any notion of an “update” or simple tweaks to existing models, staking the claim of a total redesign from the ground up. In fact, design elements have changed so much that Bower & Wilkins has re-engineered its manufacturing plant in Worthing, West Sussex, UK, to accommodate the machinery, materials, and processes needed to make the new 800 series a reality.
Nearly all of the component parts on the new 800s are different, including drivers and cabinet designs. The company highlights the latest iteration of its midrange drive unit, which features a new proprietary Continuum cone that replaces the long standing Kevlar cone that most of us associate with the Bower & Wilkins brand name. The company has also created a new Aerofoil bass cone that promises reduced distortion. Then there are the cabinets, which are said to carry more robust bracing systems, better tweeter assemblies, and an improved midrange head enclosure.
The only element remaining constant from older designs is the vaunted Diamond tweeter. “We found it impossible to improve on the performance offered by the Diamond,” says Martial Rousseau, Head of Research. “Although, behind the diamond dome, the motor system was improved considerably.”
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The top revealed model of the new series (details about the flagship 800 D3 have not been released), which costs an estimated $22,000 per pair, is called the 802 D3. It’s a three-way vented-box TMWW tower design that weighs a smidgen over 200-pounds. It carries the new technologies described above (8-inch Aerofoil woofers, 6-inch Continuum driver, revamped cabinet), and features a unique system of floor spikes and castors to make moving and positioning the speaker a snap. The least expensive model offering is the HTM2 D3 center channel ($4,000 each), which sports two 6.5-in woofers, one mid-range driver, and a Diamond tweeter. Both of these models bookend five other new speakers and are supported by two different kinds of floor stand units (FS-805 D3 and FS-HTM D3). Bower & Wilkins says that each new Diamond Series speaker is expected to begin shipping sometime in early October, with the exception of the flagship 800 D3 (ships early spring 2016). A Complete list of pricing and models is below.
Models and Prices
Speakers
800 D3 (to be determined)
802 D3: $22,000/pair
803 D3 $17,000/pair
804 D3: $9,000/pair
805 D3: $6,000/pair
HTM1 D3: $6,000 each
HTM2 D3: $4,000 each
Floor Stands
FS-805 D3: $500 each
FS-HTM D3: $600 each
Image Credits: Bower & Wilkins
Bower & Wilkins new 803 D3 floorstanding loudspeaker.
The new 800 Series Diamond is the product of nearly seven years of development, combining research, advanced engineering, and extensive listening sessions. The resulting speakers apparently bury any notion of an “update” or simple tweaks to existing models, staking the claim of a total redesign from the ground up. In fact, design elements have changed so much that Bower & Wilkins has re-engineered its manufacturing plant in Worthing, West Sussex, UK, to accommodate the machinery, materials, and processes needed to make the new 800 series a reality.
Nearly all of the component parts on the new 800s are different, including drivers and cabinet designs. The company highlights the latest iteration of its midrange drive unit, which features a new proprietary Continuum cone that replaces the long standing Kevlar cone that most of us associate with the Bower & Wilkins brand name. The company has also created a new Aerofoil bass cone that promises reduced distortion. Then there are the cabinets, which are said to carry more robust bracing systems, better tweeter assemblies, and an improved midrange head enclosure.
The only element remaining constant from older designs is the vaunted Diamond tweeter. “We found it impossible to improve on the performance offered by the Diamond,” says Martial Rousseau, Head of Research. “Although, behind the diamond dome, the motor system was improved considerably.”
The top revealed model of the new series (details about the flagship 800 D3 have not been released), which costs an estimated $22,000 per pair, is called the 802 D3. It’s a three-way vented-box TMWW tower design that weighs a smidgen over 200-pounds. It carries the new technologies described above (8-inch Aerofoil woofers, 6-inch Continuum driver, revamped cabinet), and features a unique system of floor spikes and castors to make moving and positioning the speaker a snap. The least expensive model offering is the HTM2 D3 center channel ($4,000 each), which sports two 6.5-in woofers, one mid-range driver, and a Diamond tweeter. Both of these models bookend five other new speakers and are supported by two different kinds of floor stand units (FS-805 D3 and FS-HTM D3). Bower & Wilkins says that each new Diamond Series speaker is expected to begin shipping sometime in early October, with the exception of the flagship 800 D3 (ships early spring 2016). A Complete list of pricing and models is below.
Models and Prices
Speakers
800 D3 (to be determined)
802 D3: $22,000/pair
803 D3 $17,000/pair
804 D3: $9,000/pair
805 D3: $6,000/pair
HTM1 D3: $6,000 each
HTM2 D3: $4,000 each
Floor Stands
FS-805 D3: $500 each
FS-HTM D3: $600 each
Image Credits: Bower & Wilkins
