8 September 2015
B&W presents the new 800 Diamond D3!
Since the 1980s, the 800 series from Bowers & Wilkins has not only represented the flagship speakers of the British manufacturer but also marked the absolute pinnacle of loudspeaker design. In the best recording studios around the world, speakers from this series are used as reference monitors; at Skywalker Sound, dozens of Hollywood blockbusters have been mixed using them, and hi-fi enthusiasts across the globe appreciate and love these exceptional speakers for their incomparable sound. As B&W announced today, this success story is now being continued with the 800 Series Diamond D3, which adds a new chapter to the legacy.
Every journey begins with a first step: The Bowers & Wilkins 801 S2 from 1987 It all began in 1979 with the legendary 801, from which a complete series evolved over time. For this series, the technologies for which B&W is known and appreciated today were gradually developed. These include the "Matrix" cabinet reinforcement and the distinctive Kevlar cones. In 1993, Bowers & Wilkins then introduced the stunning Nautilus, which still sets standards in design, technology, and sound today. This was the first time the Nautilus tubes, developed by John Bowers, were used – and these later appeared in all top models of the 800 series. Over the years, B&W has continuously developed the 800 series and enhanced it with cutting-edge technology each time. With the introduction of the revolutionary diamond tweeters in 2005, a leap in quality was achieved that experts had not thought possible.
Diamond tweeters with Nautilus technology Since then, the 800 series also carries the name Diamond to highlight the high-tech material used in the tweeter. The 800 Diamond series, even in its third generation, retains these high-tech tweeters but now uses completely new materials and advanced technologies for the midrange and bass drivers.
What remains: The diamond tweeter
In previous Diamond versions, the ultra-hard high-tech material had already proven to be the ideal solution for a tweeter. Only at about 70 kHz, far beyond the range of human hearing, do the diamond tweeters show the first non-linear movements under full load. This level of quality is still unmatched by any other technology. For this reason, B&W continues to rely on diamond tweeters in the new 800 D3 series. However, the Nautilus tube behind the tweeter has been completely redesigned. The housing is now made from a single piece of aluminum and is significantly more resonance-free than before.
New cone material: Continuum
A true revolution is taking place in the mid/bass range. With the newly developed cone material Continuum, which now replaces the previously typical Kevlar-fabric drivers after over 40 years, a technology has been created that allows for dramatic sound improvements. According to the British engineers, switching from Kevlar to Continuum results in a leap in quality comparable to the step from aluminum to diamond tweeters a few years ago. More information about the Continuum cone can be found directly from Bowers & Wilkins.
New bass cone: Aerofoil
To match the capabilities of the other high-tech drivers in the bass range, B&W has completely redesigned the woofers as well. Thanks to the combination of new cone material and a new computer-simulated shape, the new Aerofoil cones offer outstanding rigidity with low mass and therefore an extremely neutral excursion behavior, even at high displacement. Additional information about the Aerofoil woofers is available from Bowers & Wilkins.
Gentle revolution: Turbine Head
One of the most elaborate innovations of the 800 D3 is not immediately obvious at first glance. The characteristic separate enclosure for the midrange driver has also been completely redesigned and is now called the Turbine Head. Aluminum is now used as the material, and both the external shape and internal structure have been completely re-engineered. The result is a slightly slimmer, more delicate appearance, though its rich heritage is still evident at first sight. More details about the new Turbine Head can be found directly from Bowers & Wilkins.
Sturdy construction: Matrix enclosure
The internal bracing that gives the enclosures of the 800 series their legendary stability has also been revised. Previously, these were made of MDF; now, the internal structure is constructed from high-quality plywood. Fewer individual elements are used, but they are thicker and are reinforced with steel and aluminum. As a result, the entire structure is significantly more robust. The 800 models with Turbine Head also have an especially stable connection between the head and the rest of the enclosure. Another advantage of the new construction: the bass drivers are now mounted to the Matrix enclosure in such a way that cabinet resonance is almost entirely eliminated.
Bowers & Wilkins Series 800 D3 – The Models
There's no question—the new 800 D3 series from B&W currently represents the most technically advanced stage of loudspeaker development. Right from the start, the new series includes seven different speakers, which immediately replace their respective predecessors. All models feature the new Continuum midrange and Aerofoil bass drivers, and the 803, 802, and 800 also benefit from the new Turbine Head. Up to the 802, all speakers are now available in white, black, and walnut. For their absolute flagship, the engineers at Bowers & Wilkins are understandably taking a bit more time, so the B&W 800 Diamond 3 is expected to be available from April 2016. The matching DB-1 subwoofer remains unchanged but is now also available in white. The models at a glance: (for more information, please refer to the Bowers & Wilkins website) Model Colors RRP (pair) Remarks 800 D3 White, Black, Walnut 30,000€ Turbine Head 802 D3 White, Black, Walnut 22,000€ Turbine Head 803 D3 White, Black, Walnut 17,000€ Turbine Head 804 D3 White, Black, Walnut 9,000€ 805 D3 White, Black, Walnut 6,000€ HTM 1 D3 White, Black, Walnut 6,000€ Center HTM 2 D3 White, Black, Walnut 4,000€ Center
