Bowers & Wilkins 800 Diamond D3 - Turbine Head

Since the very first 801, one of the defining characteristics of the 800 Series has been the construction with separate and decoupled enclosures for bass, midrange, and tweeter. In the more modern incarnations of the series, the midrange enclosure is rounded, resulting in enormous rigidity for the cabinet and the elimination of standing waves inside. This principle has now been consistently further developed for the new Diamond D3 series into what is called the Turbine Head, to do justice to the improved capabilities of the Continuum midrange driver. Perhaps the most important change is hidden beneath the high-quality multilayer lacquer of the premium speakers. The complex shapes of the "Turbine Heads" of 800 D3, 802 D3, and 803 D3 are made entirely of aluminum, which is shaped inside and out in numerous complicated processing steps.

This shape initially provides a more pleasing, elegant line, but of course, it also offers significant technical advantages. The slimmer silhouette noticeably improves the sound dispersion of the midrange driver. Inside, radially arranged bracing ensures great stability.

Additionally, the entire shape has been designed to reduce mechanical vibrations to a minimum. The interior of the Turbine Head has been shaped to optimally support the work of the Continuum midrange driver and minimize sound-disrupting effects such as resonances and standing waves. As with all other aspects of the completely redesigned 800 Diamond series, the Turbine Head was, of course, developed using state-of-the-art computer technology. The British engineers quickly decided on cast aluminum as the material due to its outstanding mechanical properties. However, the internal and external shaping was optimized in a lengthy process. Here, B&W was able to draw on the skills of its own model makers working in the development department. The first cast models were commissioned from a nearby foundry. This made it possible to carry out the cycle of simulation – prototype – simulation of improvements – further prototype, relatively quickly.

The result of these efforts is a new head that is many times stiffer compared to the previous design and provides the new Continuum drivers with a perfect environment. Together, Turbine Head and Continuum chassis deliver a midrange performance that clearly surpasses anything previously available. All information about the new Bowers & Wilkins 800 Diamond D3 series can be found on the website of Auditorium.