B&W 801 D4 - Floor-standing speaker

The loudspeaker that sets the standard other high-end designs will be judged by for years to come. Endowed with every new technology the 800 Series Diamond has to offer, the reference-quality 801 D4 is an instant icon.

The flagship model in the 800 Series Diamond range is more than a speaker. Its the culmination of half a century of acoustic research and engineering, and the pinnacle of audio performance, offering unmatched levels of clarity and realism.

*40 years of excellence

Innovation. 801 D4 is defined by it. In each of its incarnations over the decades, 801 has always been the most advanced loudspeaker that we know to make at that particular point in time, a showcase of all our newest technologies and most original thinking. Small wonder it has become an icon.

*The ultimate Matrix

Matrix bracing uses interlocking panels to reinforce loudspeaker cabinet walls in all directions internally, reducing resonance and creating a more believable soundstage. The Matrix assembly in 801 D4 is our best yet, upgraded with extensive aluminium bracing to reinforce key stress points.

*Turbine Head

The all-aluminium Turbine Head houses our Continuum midrange cone in a stiff and critically damped enclosure to eliminate unwanted resonances. At the same time, its decoupled from both the bass enclosure and the tweeter body. The result? The most realistic midrange sound yet.

*Biomimetic Suspension

Sometimes, making a big difference takes unconventional thinking. Our new Biomimetic Suspension revolutionises midrange performance by greatly reducing the unwanted air pressure and coloration that a traditional fabric spider can generate. The result? Midrange transparency you wouldnt believe.

• Diamond tweeter
• Solid body Tweeter-on-Top
• Continuum cone FST
• Anti-Resonance plug
• Biomimetic Suspension
• Turbine Head
• Matrix
• Aerofoil cone bass units
• Flowport

Description
3-way vented-box system

Drive units
1x ø25mm (1in) diamond dome high-frequency
1x ø150mm (6in) Continuum cone FST midrange
2x ø250mm (10in) Aerofoil cone bass units

Frequency range
13Hz to 35kHz

Frequency response
15Hz to 28kHz (+/-3dB from reference axis)

Sensitivity
90dB (on axis at 2.83Vrms at 1m)

Harmonic distortion
2nd and 3rd harmonics (90dB,1m on axis)
<1% 30Hz 20kHz
<0.3% 100Hz 20kHz

Nominal impedance
8Ω (minimum 3.0Ω)

Recommended amplifier power
50W 1000W into 8Ω on unclipped programme

Max. recommended cable impedance
0.1Ω

Dimensions
Height: 1221mm
Width: 451mm
Depth: 600mm

Net weight
100.60kg

Finishes
Cabinet:
Gloss Black
White
Satin Rosenut
Satin Walnut