Few names resonate as strongly as Bowers & Wilkins regarding high-end audio equipment. Their 800 D3 floor-standing speakers have become a benchmark for audiophiles and professionals, offering an unparalleled listening experience. Whether you’re a music enthusiast or setting up a professional studio, the Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3 stands out as an investment in superior sound quality.
This comprehensive guide explores the features, specifications, benefits, comparisons, and buying considerations for the Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3 floor-standing speakers. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the insights you need to decide whether these iconic speakers are right for you.
Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3
The Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3 floor-standing speakers represent the pinnacle of acoustic engineering and design excellence. Part of the 800 Series Diamond lineup, the 800 D3 has been meticulously crafted to deliver sound with unparalleled precision. For decades, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) has been synonymous with high-end audio, creating products that push the boundaries of technology and performance. The 800 D3 is no exception—it’s a speaker that doesn’t just reproduce sound; it transforms it.
Designed to appeal to discerning audiophiles and professionals alike, the 800 D3 is a mainstay in world-class recording studios like Abbey Road Studios, where accuracy is paramount. This endorsement alone underscores the speaker’s exceptional quality and trustworthiness.
What sets the 800 D3 apart is its ability to make listeners feel like they are experiencing live music. Every detail, from the shimmer of a cymbal to the depth of a double bass, is reproduced with breathtaking clarity. Whether you’re setting up a high-end home theater or listening room, these speakers promise to deliver an experience as close to the original performance as possible.
At first glance, the 800 D3’s price might seem daunting, but it is a worthwhile investment for those who understand the value of authentic high-fidelity sound. These speakers are not just for today—they are built to last, offering a lifetime of listening pleasure. If you’re serious about audio quality and have the means to invest in a system that rivals professional studio setups, the 800 D3 is a choice you’ll never regret.
Key Features of the 800 D3
The Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3 is a technological marvel packed with features that elevate its performance to a league of its own. To guarantee that the speaker reproduces audio with exceptional fidelity to the original recording, every component has been carefully developed.
Diamond Dome Tweeters
One of the 800 D3’s standout features is its diamond dome tweeters. Diamond is an extraordinary material for high-frequency drivers because of its incredible stiffness-to-weight ratio. This ensures that the tweeter vibrates accurately at high frequencies without distortion, producing crystal-clear treble that captures the minor details in your music.
Continuum™ Cone Technology
The Continuum cone, replacing the iconic Kevlar material used in earlier models, is a game-changer for midrange drivers. This innovative material ensures smoother and more natural sound reproduction, particularly in the midrange, where vocals and instruments reside.
Aerofoil Bass Drivers
The Aerofoil bass drivers are a marvel of acoustic engineering. By varying the thickness of the cone material, Bowers & Wilkins has created a rigid driver where needed and flexible where necessary. This results in robust and precise bass, adding depth without muddying the sound.
Matrix™ Bracing
The Matrix bracing system inside the cabinet minimizes unwanted vibrations. This is crucial for maintaining sound purity, as cabinet resonance can color the audio output.
Flow Port Technology
Bass performance is further enhanced by the Flow Port, which reduces air turbulence. This means you can enjoy clean and accurate bass even at high volumes.
Every feature of the 800 D3 works harmoniously to deliver a sound experience that is both thrilling and true to life.
Unmatched Design and Build Quality
The Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3 doesn’t just sound phenomenal; it looks stunning. The brand’s goal of fusing form and function to produce visually appealing and acoustically optimized goods is reflected in its design. Every element of the 800 D3’s design serves a purpose, making it a masterpiece of engineering and craftsmanship.
Reverse-Wrap Cabinet Design
One of the first things you’ll notice is the unique reverse-wrap cabinet design. Unlike traditional rectangular cabinets, the 800 D3’s curved structure reduces diffraction, where sound waves interfere with each other as they reflect off surfaces. This results in cleaner, more accurate sound reproduction. The curved design enhances the speaker’s visual appeal, making it a conversation piece in any room.
Premium Finishes
The 800 D3 has several high-quality finishes, including Piano Gloss Black, Satin White, and Rosenut. These finishes enhance the speaker’s appearance and protect the cabinet, ensuring it remains pristine for years.
Aluminum Plinth
Stability is essential for floor-standing speakers, and the 800 D3 delivers a solid aluminum plinth. This base minimizes vibrations and ensures the speaker remains firmly planted, even during dynamic bass playback.
Decoupled Midrange Head
The midrange driver is housed in its separate enclosure, known as the “Turbine Head.” This futuristic design isolates the midrange from the rest of the cabinet, reducing interference and enhancing clarity. The head is crafted from Aluminum, adding rigidity and striking visual elements.
The attention to detail in the 800 D3’s design is unparalleled. It’s not just a speaker; it’s a work of art.
Performance Review: Sound Quality and Applications
The sound performance of the Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3 is where it truly shines. Designed for ultimate accuracy and realism, these speakers deliver an audio experience that feels alive. Whether you’re listening to classical, jazz, rock, or movie soundtracks, the 800 D3 excels in every genre.
High Frequencies
The 800 D3’s treble is detailed and articulate thanks to the diamond dome tweeters. Cymbals shimmer, violins soar, and vocals are rendered with detail, making every listening session feel like a private concert.
Midrange Performance
The Continuum cone ensures the midrange is smooth and natural, avoiding the harshness plaguing lesser speakers. Instruments like guitars, pianos, and cellos are reproduced with warmth and realism, making the 800 D3 a joy to listen to.
Bass Response
The Aerofoil bass drivers deliver deep and impactful bass without overpowering the other frequencies. This balance is particularly impressive during dynamic tracks or action-packed movie scenes. The tight and controlled bass provides the foundation for a genuinely immersive soundstage.
Applications
- Home Theaters: The wide soundstage and precise imaging make the 800 D3 perfect for cinematic experiences.
- Music Listening: From intimate acoustic sets to whole orchestral pieces, these speakers bring every recording to life.
- Studio Monitoring: Trusted by professionals, the 800 D3 offers unmatched accuracy for mixing and mastering.
The 800 D3’s performance is a testament to Bowers & Wilkins’ commitment to excellence. It’s not just about loudness or bass; it’s about reproducing sound as it was meant to be heard.
How the 800 D3 Compares to Other Premium Speakers
When discussing high-end audio, comparisons are inevitable. The Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3 faces stiff competition from other luxury brands like KEF and Focal. Each brand brings unique strengths, but the 800 D3 is a top-tier audiophile choice.
KEF Blade One Meta
The KEF Blade One Meta is a marvel of innovation with its single apparent source technology, which aims to reproduce sound as a point source. This design creates exceptional soundstage coherence, making it a favorite for home theaters and large spaces. However, compared to the 800 D3, the Blade One Meta leans toward a more futuristic and minimalist design philosophy.
While the KEF excels in creating a seamless audio image, the 800 D3 outshines in tonal accuracy and bass control. For audiophiles who value precision across all frequencies, the 800 D3 is the better choice.
Focal Utopia Scala EVO III
The Focal Utopia Scala EVO III is another heavyweight contender in the premium speaker market. Known for its concert-like dynamics, the Scala EVO III delivers an incredibly energetic and detailed performance. However, it sometimes falters in its midrange warmth and naturalness—a strength of the 800 D3 thanks to its Continuum cone.
Why Choose the 800 D3?
If your priority is a balanced, natural sound that remains true to the original recording, the 800 D3 is hard to beat. Its build quality, diamond tweeters, and engineering make it a long-term investment for audiophiles and professionals.
Comparing the 800 D3 to its peers highlights its unique combination of precision, aesthetics, and versatility, making it a standout option in the ultra-high-end speaker market.
Pros and Cons of the Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3
Every product has its strengths and limitations, and understanding these can help you determine whether the Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3 is the right choice for your needs. Here’s a closer look:
Pros
- Unmatched Sound Clarity: From the shimmering highs to the deep lows, the 800 D3 delivers exceptional clarity across the frequency spectrum.
- World-Class Build Quality: The reverse wrap cabinet, aluminum plinth, and premium finishes are functional and visually stunning.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Features like the diamond dome tweeters and Aerofoil bass drivers ensure top-notch performance.
- Professional Endorsement: Trusted by studios like Abbey Road, the 800 D3 has approval from industry experts.
- Longevity: With its robust build and timeless design, the 800 D3 is an investment that will last decades.
Cons
- High Price Point: At $15,000 to $20,000 per pair, the 800 D3 is a luxury purchase, limiting its audience to those who can justify the expense.
- Amplifier Requirements: These speakers demand high-quality amplification to perform at their best, adding to the overall cost.
- Size and Weight: The large and heavy speakers require ample space and careful setup.
- Setup Complexity: Room acoustics and speaker placement must be carefully considered to achieve optimal performance.
While the cons may seem significant, they are vastly outweighed by the pros for those who demand the best audio performance. The 800 D3 is not for everyone, but for those who appreciate its value, it’s a game-changer.
Buying Tips and Considerations
Investing in the Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3 is a significant decision. Consider factors like room acoustics, amplification, and setup to make the most of your purchase.
Room Size and Acoustics
The 800 D3 performs best in medium to large rooms where its wide soundstage can fully develop. Smaller spaces may not allow these speakers to shine, as reflections and standing waves could interfere with sound quality. Consider room treatments like acoustic panels or bass traps to optimize your listening environment.
Amplification
These speakers require a high-power amplifier to perform at their best. Look for models that deliver at least 300 watts per channel to ensure the speakers receive adequate power. Brands like McIntosh, Classe, and Rotel are often recommended for their synergy with Bowers & Wilkins products.
Placement
Proper placement is crucial for unlocking the 800 D3’s potential. Position the speakers away from walls to reduce bass buildup and angle them slightly toward the listening position. Experiment with placement to achieve the ideal balance of soundstage and imaging.
Budget
While the 800 D3 is undoubtedly expensive, it’s essential to consider the long-term value. These speakers are built to last and provide a lifetime of exceptional sound. Pairing them with high-quality components ensures you get the most out of your investment.
By considering these aspects, you can ensure that your 800 D3 speakers provide the performance and enjoyment you anticipate from a product of this caliber.
Similar Products
Here’s a table comparing the Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3 to similar high-end floor-standing speakers from other premium brands:
| Feature | Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3 | KEF Blade One Meta | Focal Utopia Scala EVO III | Magico A3 | Wilson Audio SabrinaX |
| Price Range | $15,000 – $20,000 per pair | $25,000 – $30,000 per pair | $28,000 – $35,000 per pair | $15,000 – $18,000 per pair | $20,000 – $22,000 per pair |
| Tweeter Material | Diamond Dome | Aluminum/Magnesium Alloy | Beryllium | Diamond | Beryllium |
| Midrange Driver | Continuum Cone | Uni-Q (Concentric) | W Composite Cone | 3-way design with aluminum midrange | Paper-Kevlar hybrid |
| Bass Driver | Aerofoil | Hybrid design with 6.5” bass drivers | Dual 8″ Polyglass | 9” Aluminum with dual woofers | 8” Woofer with carbon fiber cone |
| Cabinet Construction | Reverse-wrap braced | Aluminum chassis, curved | Wood veneer, composite materials | Aluminum and composite | Composite with curved baffles |
| Frequency Response | 19Hz – 35kHz | 30Hz – 40kHz | 28Hz – 40kHz | 28Hz – 45kHz | 35Hz – 30kHz |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 4 ohms | 8 ohms | 4 ohms | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 90.5 dB | 90 dB | 91 dB | 87 dB | 88 dB |
| Amplifier Requirements | High power, 300W+ per channel | High power, 250W+ per channel | High power, 300W+ per channel | High power, 300W+ per channel | High power, 250W+ per channel |
| Ideal For | Audiophiles, professionals, home theater | Audiophiles, home theater | Audiophiles, studios, concert-like sound | Audiophiles, home theater | Audiophiles, critical listening |
| Technology Highlights | Diamond tweeters, Aerofoil bass, Matrix bracing | Uni-Q driver, minimalistic design | Beryllium tweeters, W Composite midrange | Diamond tweeters, aluminum bass | Beryllium tweeters, hybrid midrange |
| Finishes Available | Gloss Black, Satin White, Rosenut | Gloss Black, Matte White | Walnut, Black High Gloss | Black, Silver, Satin White | Gloss Black, Satin White |
Key Takeaways:
- Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3 offers superior tonal accuracy with diamond tweeters and a Continuum cone. It is particularly suited for high-end home theaters and audiophiles looking for balanced, natural sound.
- KEF Blade One Meta is unique with its Uni-Q concentric driver technology. It offers exceptional imaging and a futuristic design but at a higher price.
- Focal Utopia Scala EVO III is known for its concert-like dynamics and beryllium tweeters, which are ideal for audiophiles who appreciate the powerful sound.
- Magico A3 delivers exceptional build quality and diamond tweeters, offering a precise, clean soundstage with high sensitivity and low distortion.
- Wilson Audio Sabrina is a superb choice for critical listening. It delivers beryllium tweeters and a hybrid paper-kevlar midrange, making it ideal for audiophiles seeking refined, natural sound.
FAQs
How much do the Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3 speakers cost?
The price typically ranges between $15,000 and $20,000 per pair, depending on the finish and retailer.
Are these speakers suitable for small rooms?
While they can function in smaller spaces, the 800 D3 truly shines in medium to large rooms where its soundstage and bass response can develop fully.
What kind of amplifier should I pair with the 800 D3?
High-quality amplifiers capable of delivering at least 300 watts per channel are recommended. Brands like McIntosh and Classe are known for their compatibility.
Do I need a subwoofer with the 800 D3?
The 800 D3 delivers impressive bass independently, but a subwoofer can enhance the experience for home theater applications or deep, room-shaking bass.
Where can I buy the Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3?
Purchase from authorized dealers or reputable audio retailers to ensure authenticity and proper support.
Conclusion
The Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3 is more than a speaker—it’s an experience. Its cutting-edge technology, breathtaking design, and unmatched sound quality make it a top choice for audiophiles, professionals, and home theater enthusiasts.
While the price and setup requirements may deter casual listeners, those who value the best in sound reproduction will find the 800 D3 a worthy investment. Whether you’re reliving your favorite albums or immersing yourself in cinematic soundscapes, these speakers deliver in ways few others can.
If you’re ready to elevate your audio experience to the next level, the Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3 floor-standing speakers are a choice you’ll never regret.