Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5 Reference Floorstanding Speakers

800 Series Diamond Flagship • 3-Way Reference Loudspeaker • 1" Diamond Dome Tweeter • 6" Continuum FST Midrange • Dual 10" Aerofoil Bass Drivers • 15Hz–28kHz Frequency Response

Complimentary White Glove Delivery • Private Auditions • Nationwide Concierge Service

The Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5 is the flagship floorstanding loudspeaker of the 800 Series Diamond, engineered for reference two-channel music systems, mastering environments and uncompromising private listening rooms. Its four-driver, three-way architecture combines a 25mm Diamond Dome Tweeter-on-Top, 150mm Continuum FST midrange and dual 250mm Aerofoil bass drivers within a heavily reinforced, acoustically optimized cabinet.

With bass extension to 15Hz (±3dB), 90dB sensitivity and a recommended amplifier power range of 50 to 1,000 watts, the 801 D5 delivers the scale, resolution and dynamic authority required for full-range music reproduction.

The 801 D5 incorporates Bowers & Wilkins' most advanced loudspeaker technologies, including the Turbine Head, Biomimetic Suspension, Matrix cabinet bracing, aluminum Space Frame reinforcement and Flowport bass loading. Each element addresses a specific source of mechanical resonance, acoustic coloration or driver distortion.

At The Grid HiFi in Houston, Texas, the 801 D5 is approached as the foundation of a complete reference audio system. Amplification, source components, room acoustics, placement and installation are selected around the loudspeaker's capabilities and the client's listening environment.

Diamond Dome Tweeter with Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top

The 801 D5 features a 25mm (1-inch) Diamond Dome tweeter housed in a dedicated Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top enclosure.

Diamond's exceptional stiffness raises the dome's breakup frequency to approximately 70kHz, well beyond the audible spectrum. This allows the tweeter to reproduce high-frequency information with minimal breakup-related coloration.

Separating the tweeter from the main cabinet reduces the transmission of vibration from the bass drivers. The elongated aluminum housing also provides a mechanically stable acoustic environment, supporting precise imaging, low distortion and accurate spatial reproduction.

6-Inch Continuum FST Midrange and Turbine Head

A dedicated 150mm (6-inch) Continuum cone Fixed Suspension Transducer (FST) midrange reproduces vocals, strings, piano and other critical musical information.

The Continuum cone controls resonances associated with conventional driver materials, while Bowers & Wilkins' Biomimetic Suspension reduces unwanted mechanical noise and pressure effects behind the cone. An Anti-Resonance plug further improves driver behavior.

The midrange operates within the distinctive Turbine Head, a rigid, acoustically optimized enclosure mounted above the bass cabinet. Its curved form and internal construction reduce rearward sound reflections and isolate the midrange from low-frequency cabinet energy.

The result is a dedicated midrange system engineered for exceptional transparency and precise reproduction of recorded instruments and voices.

Dual 10-Inch Aerofoil Bass Drivers

Two 250mm (10-inch) Aerofoil Profile woofers provide the 801 D5 with its substantial low-frequency capability.

Aerofoil cones use a variable-thickness composite profile designed to combine high stiffness with low moving mass. The construction resists unwanted cone deformation during large excursions, maintaining bass definition at demanding playback levels.

Working within the vented cabinet and Bowers & Wilkins' Flowport system, the dual woofers deliver a specified frequency response down to 15Hz ±3dB, with a -6dB low-frequency limit of 13Hz.

This full-range bass capability allows the 801 D5 to reproduce the fundamental energy of orchestral recordings, electronic music, pipe organ and cinematic soundtracks without depending on a separate subwoofer for conventional two-channel playback.

Reverse-Wrap Cabinet, Matrix Bracing and Aluminum Space Frame

The 801 D5's cabinet is an integral part of its acoustic engineering.

Its reverse-wrap construction forms the enclosure from a continuous curved structure secured by a substantial aluminum spine. This geometry reduces parallel internal surfaces and minimizes unwanted reflections.

An upgraded Matrix internal bracing system reinforces the enclosure against vibration and panel movement. Aluminum Space Frame reinforcement and a rigid aluminum top section further increase structural stability.

The upgraded plinth provides a stable mechanical foundation for the loudspeaker's substantial mass.

At 234.6 pounds per speaker, the 801 D5 requires deliberate handling, floor assessment and precision placement. These considerations are essential to realizing its performance in a residential listening room.

Amplifier Matching and System Design

The Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5 has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms, a minimum impedance of 3.0 ohms and a sensitivity of 90dB (2.83V/1m).

Bowers & Wilkins specifies an amplifier power range of 50 to 1,000 watts into 8 ohms, using an unclipped program signal.

The wide recommended power range does not mean that amplifier wattage alone determines system performance. Current delivery, stability into lower impedances, dynamic headroom, noise performance and room size all influence the final result.

The Grid HiFi can engineer complete 801 D5 systems around reference amplification from McIntosh, Audio Research, Burmester, Goldmund and other high-end manufacturers, with appropriate preamplification, digital sources, analog playback and power management.

Amplifier selection is based on the actual room, listening levels, musical priorities and complete system architecture.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5
Product Type	Reference Floorstanding Loudspeaker
Series	800 Series Diamond D5
Position in Series	Flagship
Acoustic Design	3-Way Vented-Box System
Tweeter	1 × 25mm (1") Diamond Dome
Tweeter Construction	Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top
Midrange	1 × 150mm (6") Continuum Cone FST
Midrange Enclosure	Turbine Head
Midrange Technologies	Biomimetic Suspension, Anti-Resonance Plug
Bass Drivers	2 × 250mm (10") Aerofoil Profile
Bass Loading	Flowport
Cabinet Construction	Reverse-Wrap Cabinet
Cabinet Reinforcement	Matrix Bracing, Aluminum Space Frame
Frequency Response	15Hz–28kHz ±3dB
Frequency Range	13Hz–35kHz at -6dB
Sensitivity	90dB SPL (2.83V RMS, 1m, On Axis)
Nominal Impedance	8Ω
Minimum Impedance	3.0Ω
Recommended Amplifier Power	50–1,000W into 8Ω, Unclipped Program
Harmonic Distortion	Less Than 1%, 30Hz–20kHz
Harmonic Distortion	Less Than 0.3%, 100Hz–8kHz
Distortion Measurement	2nd and 3rd Harmonics, 90dB at 1m
Maximum Recommended Cable Impedance	0.1Ω
Height	48.1" / 1,221mm, Including Tweeter and Plinth
Cabinet Width	14.6" / 372mm
Width Including Plinth	17.6" / 447mm
Depth Including Grille and Terminals	21.9" / 556mm
Depth Including Plinth	23.5" / 597mm
Net Weight	234.6 lb / 106.4kg per Speaker
Cabinet Finishes	Stealth Black, Warm White, Dark Walnut, Light Walnut
Grille Colors	Black or Grey, Depending on Finish
Exterior Detailing	Matching Leather by Connolly Trim

Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5 at The Grid HiFi

Reference Audio Is More Than a Loudspeaker Purchase

The Grid HiFi is Houston's destination for reference-level high-end audio, luxury listening rooms and complete system engineering.

Purchasing a loudspeaker at the level of the Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5 involves decisions extending well beyond the speaker itself. The amplifier must control its dual 10-inch bass drivers. The room must support its substantial low-frequency output. Source components must provide the resolution necessary to take advantage of the Diamond tweeter and Continuum midrange.

The Grid HiFi provides a comprehensive ownership experience:

• Private Listening Consultations: Dedicated guidance for clients evaluating reference loudspeaker systems.

• Reference Amplifier Matching: Carefully selected power amplifiers, preamplifiers and source components matched to the 801 D5.

• Complete System Engineering: Turntables, DACs, music servers, streaming, cabling, networking and power management.

• Room and Acoustic Planning: Speaker positioning, listening geometry, room interaction and acoustic treatment recommendations.

• White Glove Delivery and Installation: Professional handling, placement, connection and system commissioning.

• Nationwide Client Service: Personalized purchasing and system consultation for clients throughout the United States.

• Long-Term System Support: Assistance with future component upgrades, configuration and system optimization.

Private Auditions and White Glove Ownership

Complimentary White Glove Delivery • Travel Reimbursement Available*

Qualifying purchasers may receive airfare reimbursement when traveling for a private audition and completing an eligible purchase.

Considering the Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5? Experience reference audio with a team that understands every component of the system. Call The Grid HiFi at (713) 218-8120 to arrange your private consultation.

*Restrictions apply. Contact The Grid HiFi for eligibility and details.