I don't own the 800s but I own the 703 also made in the UK. My son pushed the speaker and it fell on the hard wood floors. I cannot explain the sound it made to you - it was enough to wake the dead. I picked up the speaker and I thought it'd have some damage. I examined it and was shocked to not find a single scratch on the maple cabinet. I thought, for sure, the tweeter and cones are damaged. I start playing music on it and I detect the same beautiful sound it had before the fall. I thought it's a matter of time that the speaker would break. That was 13 years ago. The speaker has seen more action than demo speakers at stores. I would not be surprised if the drop actually improved the sound. Take a bow B&W! Take a bow!
Brilliant video as always Terry. Now we see why B&W cost so much. They have a bazillion pound factory with hi-tech robots and an army of workers. But you really have to respect their pride in their craftsmanship. Thank you Terry!
Excellent video, I love Bowers & Wilkins, I’m proud to announce that I own a pair of the nice 706s2’s in the nice Rosenut finish and they sound amazing. So glad I got them, they work perfectly with my Naim Amp I’ve got.
Nearly 30 years ago I had my first experience with high end audio when, as a teen, I walked into a store and the salesman led me to a room containing Conrad Johnson separates and B&W Matrix 801 speakers. I sat there and listened to the entirety of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon album. I've been a fan of quality audio ever since, and B&W is a big part of that joy!
Years ago, looking for bookshelf speakers for my Kawai digital piano and recording studio the hi-fidelity store in Orlando carried over a half-dozen brands to choose from. Some sounded good for jazz; others for rock; others for classical, including solo piano. But of them all only the B&W Nautilus 805's were sonically superb for every type of music. And with Dynaudio's powered 10" sub the clarity of tone and the harmonic balance has held me captive to this day.
l remember seeing and hearing the 802D for the first time in a high end stereo shop WOW l could make out everything !! lt was Dianna Kraal acoustic recording singing her kind of Jazz, l could hear the strings of the guitar being struck like my head was in front of it !! lt was amazing experience :)
What a fantastic video! Great pacing, awesome footage, narrated wonderfully. I just ordered a set of 803 D4’s in large part due to your videos so keep them coming please!
🤗 THANKS TERRY FOR SHARING THIS WITH US 🤩🤩🤩 WE BOTH HAVE OUR TOURS TODAY AND ENJOYING EVERYTHING FULFILLING MY DESIRE TO VISIT WITH YOU ….AND MAYBE SOMEDAY IN PERSON 😎 I AM VERY BLESSED TO HAVE A PAIR OF 802 ‘s for about 12 years and I AM THANKFUL EVERY TIME I GET TO HEAR THEM 🤗🤗🤗 and I get to 👀 SEE THEM EVERY DAY 😉 WAF😂 😍😍😍
I hope B&W moves production of all their lines back from China and not just their top lines. I just can’t buy products fully manufactured in the CCP unless I have to. Focal and Sonus Faber build all their speakers in France and Italy, to me it adds so much in terms of value, that and I hate the CCP.
I turn down USA brand speakers after I finally found out it is made in China (they tried to hide this information) and bought Sonus faber because it's manufacture in Italy. I also choose Mcintosh because it is made in USA.
Me too. I avoid anything that is made in China if possible. Not least because I think manufacturers expect to sell their products for the same price as they would sell for if they were manufactured in the UK, basing their value on the brand name alone. I refused to buy a set of Mission speakers, because I have noticed in recent years, that the quality has receded drastically, with peeling veneers and cheap chip board cabinets that become tatty looking in no time. KEF and Celestion are no strangers to this either. And in my opinion, they are damaging their own reputation in pursuit of volume sales by producing inferior "affordable" models, which are really no better than speakers produced by volume manufacturers, such as Sony, Technics, JVC etc. Yet charging a premium over these brands. Anybody can make a cheap 2 way or 3 way box, that ends up getting bashed around, and ultimately thrown on the bonfire on November 5th. We want statement pieces to aspire to! Keep it unique, keep it QUALITY, keep it British 🇬🇧 Because doing so, keeps British made goods aspirational, and something to save up for, and value for years to come.
@@peterdamen2161 I have nothing against them, it is just that every time I’ve been in the market for speakers I have heard speakers that I preferred to the B&W offering. KEF Coda III’s were my first HiFi speakers, (I still have a pair, not my original ones though,) the ProAc were better a few years later and my most recent purchases the Focal Chora 806’s were much less intense than the 606’s and the PMC 23i’s were much tighter and faster than the 702’s. They seem well made, have good back up and have been around for years, I’ve just never owned any.
@@billywindsock9597 Speaker sound always remains a very personal subject. I however, still do love my B&W DM 220's and my McFarlow Exciter's (self-built horn speakers that I have adapted) :-)
Great video, and your narration skills have really improved. I’ve been an 803D3 owner for about 2.5 years and I knew the day would come when I no longer owned B&W’s latest version of the 800 series speakers ☹️However, I think I’ll stay with what I’ve got as I’m still very happy with them 😀
This was a great tour, I started with a pair of B&W DM2000’s back in the mid 80’s, boy did I punish those guys! Then invested in a pair or 803 series 2’s in the late 90’s and I’m still using them, they’ve never let me down and I still love them, but I’m now eyeing those 801’s with that look that Bernard Mathews would give a turkey!
Thank you very much for this review and the opportunity to see B&W plant and how much expertise they put in making them. A smart mix of high-end technology and handcraft hability. Maybe a jump for me from 700s to 800s ;)
Terry what's the world coming too! You let Ed Selley get the best seat! -mate what happened to the old English soccer hooligan headbutt move or the bake beans and eggs the night before super fart move - soon gets those prime seats emptied so you can enjoy the best seat in the house 😉. Thanks Terry for a brilliant video and on a serious note the diamond tweeter girl was very eye catching
I have had the first generation 801s since the mid 80's. I was impressed by the fact that London Records were using them as studio monitors so took a listen and was sold. I have found no reason to swap them out and find the newer generations quite ugly and distracting. Perhaps designed by Salvador Dali but I am sure they sound great. Also in various rooms I have the CM5s and CM1s with subs. My listening to quality sound began with a pair of Altec Lansing Voice of the Theaters in the 60s then gravitated to ARs then back to the big boys. I know good sound when I hear it. Brits have been in the forefront of this technology from the beginning. Great video, very interesting.
I have 21 B & W speakers in my car - the sound systems is also B & W. I haven’t noticed any leather aroma emanating from the speakers- probably because most of the interior is also leather, including the headlining which is suede. I use B & W headphones at home, have a pair of speaker boxes with two speakers each in my work shed. The latte are fairly large, and I bought them about 25 years ago- unfortunately my lounge is not nearly as large as previous homes I’ve owned , so I make do with a Denton system. Now. I must say that I envy you your tour of the factory & warehouse, back in thr 60s & 79s, I used to to do audits a lot of sound mixing & had a a couple of mixing desks and some heavy duty amplifiers. These days my power or guitar amplifier is limited to a Vox VT60+. It looks somewhat similar to the AC 30s, but there the similarity ends!
My 804 D4s arrived this week, the wifes tells me I have to wait until christmas to open them, so 4 more weeks, until I can experience the new D4 technology, looking forward to the unboxing 🙂. Thanks for this great video, it formed part of my selection process, keep up the awesome work !
I switched from Klipsch to B&W a long time ago.. in my opinion generally a more neutral and allrounder sound experience. And for my kitchen still rockin Kef’s and Onkyo from the late 70’s! 🙂
TY for the factory tour with fitting commentary; that was fascinating. It's worth noting the 'authorized dealer' business model inflates these prices significantly, by probably a third? So they really need not be that expensive. When I was young and penniless, I used to fantasize about owning this type of gear; now, I am older, have the financial means, but I find I am perfectly happy with my supremely lo-fi stuff, the fantasies long gone. One thing never changed: I still listen to music, every day. Cheers.
No dealers margin, no dealers to listen to these speakers in and then no easy way to demo speakers costing upto over 30 grand. Its important to remember this as its very important
@@PursuitPerfectSystem How is it that Richer Sounds manage to undercut just about every other dealer out there, with products that are maybe not as exclusive as the B&W Nautilus, or 800 diamond series, but unarguably, audiophile quality? They make their margins, because they sell more products. Undoubtedly a lot of the products they do sell, will be made in China, but not all. And the Chinese made products will usually be the ones that end up being the most aggressively discounted, because discerning music lovers don't want them. If B&W went down the route of selling their top end products via Richer Sounds, with a discount of say, 10% or so, then I reckon they would sell more, especially their British made products. But in a way, I'm glad they hold an element of exclusivity, as it gives many of us something to aspire to. And for now, I will have to make do with my Mordaunt Short Aviano 6's, and Monitor Audio Bronze 200's, which I swap out from time to time, just so I can experience a change of dynamic, and aural experience.
I really dont know why audio brands dont do more video factory tours, that must of been so awesome to go do that! I cant see how people talk about B&W lost their quality, they may have cut corners on cabinets, but they have NOT cut ANY corners in craftsmanship!. They didnt even skimp on the x-overs, you truly are getting what you pay for, unlike.. cough cough DynAudio.. cough.
I had a complete 600 series for eighteen years, now I have 704 s2, 706 s2, 606, and a pair of asw 610's. A lot of people dismiss these because of the initial sound, they need at least a week or two before they break in, but when they do break in it's really the end of the audio rainbow, my system is a HT-audio hybrid, in both applications these bables sing
Oh wow I didn't know that, its still a lot cheaper than the michi pre and power for the 804 demo :) I didn't say basic, I reasonable modest or something like that
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Fair enough. The PM10 will be able to deliver nearly 400 watts to at the 4ish ohm minimum impedance of these speakers... So this amp is an absolute powerhouse. I've listened to one a while back and while it's not strictly neutral it is very energetic and fast, with very impactful bass.
Hi Kwok-yan, I hope you are well - yes I agree its very lucky when you live in the same country and are then invited to great events like this - I see it as a privilege and definitely don't take it for granted. Thanks for watching my video and commenting, really appreciate it
i still have a pair of 804D2, they sound so natural and high revealing with no stress at all. just a perfect speaker for my small room. msrp was 7000€ back in the day...now you have to pay 8000€ for just 805D4...sorry but that is absolutly crazy overpriced. 12500 for only 804D4...ah man. you were getting 802D2 for arround 16000€ back in the day. 800D2 was 22000€ if i remember correctly.
@@heinzbecker691 Mine won't get them for another month but at least he's gonna have both the 801 D4 (I missed that they renamed the TOTL model) and the 805.
33% price increase over the full range. That's quite an increase in just 1 series. I cant help but feel that this is not really justified other than filling pockets....
As an owner of the 803 D3, biamped by a Parasound A51, I am very satisfied by the sound. I will not listen to a 800 before I am willing to make that step. The new D4 looks great. I think its easier to manfacture because the d3 has a cabinet where the top looks in one piece with the sides. The 805 D4 looks like a step up to the d3’s?! The d3 needed an additional sub, but when I listened to it, for me there seemed to a “whole” between base and mid. Do these d4’s have more bass?
Nice video! I had many different models of b&w up to 803Diamond. Sold them and found ut that the price had gone up around 160%😮. Sorry, cant afford them anymore with these insane prices😢
Great video Terry, thanks for this and everything you do. Be happy to hear the new speakers, but I'm not so hyped for some of the design choices! I do prefer my speakers to have more of a flush mount to the cabinet and I'm not keen on the 'projecting cylinder' design they have used here, but I'm sure many others will like it. Really enjoyed the factory tour and this gives us some great insight!
Nice intro video on B&W's D4. I'm not a fan of B&W, nonetheless I would love to see your full detailed review on them, including a sound demo on your home. Let's hope B&W provides you with the opportunity. Thanks Terry.
Great video mate, makes my bowers & wilkins DM620 floor standers look very basic, although I do love them very much, shame they live in a cupboard though, don’t ask.
Really nice vid - absolutely surprised by how much in-plant footage you were able to get. I really want a pair of 802s but am just a little shocked by the big jump in pricing vs the D3 series. Very eager to get a listen and to hear your own audition impressions.
@@PursuitPerfectSystem you really did a very very nice job. I have watched your video 3 times now. Sound, use of stills, and your genuine enthusiasm all blend together so well - aside from some of the deeper technical bits revealed in the B&W video, I like yours better!
@@markwilliford7471 Thanks Mark, they have the luxury of knowing all the technical info and having probably all the time in the world to get all the footage, I only had a couple of hours. The stills (well spotted by the way) are all video but I freeze framed them to save on shakiness so they are easier to see. Shaky video maybe works in Borne movies but not for much else haha
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Classic! I don't even like it in Bourne movies, but yes - I get it. The finite element cabinet distortion simulations and exploded driver views of course require inside access. You did an amazing job of communicating the tech without that and I feel like your video will actually speak to a broader audience. I'm just thankful B&W changed the grills from the D3 style! I still have little ones that visit from time to time, and it is important for the grills not to detract too much sonically or visually when in place. I would really liked to have seen grills using the same mesh as found on the tweeter, but hey, I'm too old to wait another five years for that! Question - was there any sort of briefing on how all those mechanical (nut and bolt) connections on the new metal internals will be kept tight over years of vibration exposure? I did see lock-tite being used in some of the shots, but that was for the smaller bits (speaker mounting hardware). The integration of metal is brilliant if this is done properly. From a structural engineering perspective, mixing materials is a great way to break resonances and provide additional stiffness where it is most needed. Sorry one more question - I noted that you said Innuos were being used to serve files on one of the systems you listened to. Do you recall what model? Have reviewed any of Innuos server/streamers? I am torn between Innuos Zen Mk3, Zenith Mk3, and the Aurender ACS10. One more time - because I know how much effort it took to produce your video - just an excellent production!
@@markwilliford7471 sorry not sure which innuos it was Mark not the top one probably a zenith. I am into building my own audio pc as I want the control over certain bits but they seem popular and some of the add ons they sell like the usb output etc will make a big difference to using motherboard USB
Very interesting video and thanks for sharing it Terry. Must admit you have tempted me in buying a pair of their diamond stand mounts even though I'm not a fan of the B & W sound. Not sure my wee 16' X 11' 3" wide room would be suitable though. 🤔
I am not a fan of "The B&W Sound" in their affordable range of speakers. I always found there to be a LOT of marketing and an aura of being told that they were incredible…but being confused when I listened, as for me it was never something that I found to be pleasing over a wide range of music. That experience was consistent over the years.. This component: "me" , just had no synergy with the brands sound signature, which I think has gotten worse lately "for me" with the release of the 607 S2 Anniversary Speaker. Over time I have built a psychological wall to protect myself from their marketing. 🤓 That all being said…the factory tour was quite IMPRESSIVE…and I would love to hear your take on a pair of 805 D4s, Terry. Since I am familiar with your speaker reviews, which have been numerous, lately…your "take" would have value!!! 👍🏼
Thanks Bob yeah it's been the year of stand mount speakers for me that is no exaggeration. I am hoping to get my hands on them but there are some other cool things in the pipeline too but I will get to it thanks again for watching !! All the best 👍
Honestly I feel that B&W, despite the massive marketing (they are the biggest consumer speaker manufacturer in the world after all), are still one of the very few brands to sell you "pound for pound" truly valuable and consistently performing products. Excellent components, materials and manufacturing, I've never been let down by a B&W speaker.
Review Series Suggestion: Sorry if this is the wrong place to put this, but I would like to make a suggestion. There are a fair number of articles / videos discussing AV systems which are also good for music, but how about a series looking at kick ass stereo / 2.1 systems which also perform well with movies. Could be interesting. I’ve not seen anyone doing this so might get some good traffic.
Nice video Terry it was lovely to see inside the factory and see how they do things their. The quick bass that you mentioned might have something to do with the amplification. I've got the Michi S5 stereo Poweramp which has according to stereophile a measurement of over a kilowatt of power per channel into 4 ohm's. And I can testified that the grip and speed of bass with that particular amplifier is among the best there is out there. Can't wait for you to get them into your room and give them a good seeing too.👍🎧😂
I’ve had 3 sets of B&W floorstanders and found the integration by B&W of any more than two speakers in a cabinet to be problematic. I sold each version of the 600 series, CM’s etc due to this. I do have 3 pairs of 805’s from the original s to the D3’s which are simply brilliant. So as for the 805 D4 I’m very keen but the 804 D4, unless they have sorted the odd bass response, no thanks. 803’s look nice but the bass could be an issue.
The 805D3 is an awesome standmounter for $6k. The new 805 D4 is $2,000 more than the D3s... At that price better off to save up for the $10k for Wilson Audio TuneTots. IMO.
@@PursuitPerfectSystem for the record, I did buy the McIntosh MC152 power amp after your review... It was a terrific call! My listening room is small: 10 feet by 11.5 feet, so big "bassy" speakers aren't needed to pressurize my room. Clarity is king - which the 805 D3 have for sure, but add $2k on to them for the D4 version and I wonder if there really is a $2k difference in side by side listening, or if there is a better choice once you get to the $8k-ish price point. I love your budget comparison speaker reviews, it would be interesting to see you do one in the $8k to $12k range for high-end standmounters. Thanks for your work, you're fun to watch!
@@laurencerothman931 thanks Laurence, I wasn't referring to bass amount tunetot are designed to be bass limited to 60hz to go on table and side boards etc. Thr bowers 805 won't be so it is quite a different speaker in that regard
Whoever spend 6000$ or now even 8000,- more for a passive ,,design,, speaker, ... congratulations. You get for WAY less a Active Loudspeaker + Room EQ + Money for Room Treatment (Neumann KH310 for example) = way better sound than any B&W bookshelf ever produced... There is nothing ,,unique sounding,, its all Marketing and the same ,,old,, passive crossover Technology, and ,,new,, Materials dont change that. (sorry my opinion... i found this ,, High End World,, just entertaining how Manufactures fools the customers with ,, new,, technologys
That was a great tour! thanks for sharing. Any chance anyone know the model of the speaker at 14:59 ? never seen a b&w with this style of design, seems interesting
I have some video of the 804 crossover I will check but pretty sure it did. I think the white ones not the black ones but they are still mundorf. I will check this and update this comment if I am wrong
Iam going for a 703 s2 or 805 diamond (old) but almost not used for same price. Iam leaving behind my 603 s3 i loved and still like i bought 20 years ago. Can anyone help me decide. I have a small room now. Thanks
If you would like to see more about the 800 Diamond 4 I was invited to their UK launch at Abbey Road Studios ruclips.net/video/idXAkTvqT1o/видео.html
May I ask when we can see more?
@@xsamitt use the link above to see more
@@PursuitPerfectSystem disturbing that sound united is being bought out. I am concerned for the industry but I am also confer for Bowers and Wilkins.
I don't own the 800s but I own the 703 also made in the UK. My son pushed the speaker and it fell on the hard wood floors. I cannot explain the sound it made to you - it was enough to wake the dead. I picked up the speaker and I thought it'd have some damage. I examined it and was shocked to not find a single scratch on the maple cabinet. I thought, for sure, the tweeter and cones are damaged. I start playing music on it and I detect the same beautiful sound it had before the fall. I thought it's a matter of time that the speaker would break. That was 13 years ago. The speaker has seen more action than demo speakers at stores. I would not be surprised if the drop actually improved the sound.
Take a bow B&W! Take a bow!
As a DIY audio enthusiast, it's really a pleasure to see how the professionals do their work.
This is some sportscar level of manufacturing
It really, truly isn't. It has a sportscar price, but about 1/10 of the cost or effort.
Brilliant video as always Terry. Now we see why B&W cost so much. They have a bazillion pound factory with hi-tech robots and an army of workers. But you really have to respect their pride in their craftsmanship. Thank you Terry!
Amazing tour! Loves how dedicated & meticulous their employees are in the process of making these fantastic speakers. Keep them coming!
Excellent video, I love Bowers & Wilkins, I’m proud to announce that I own a pair of the nice 706s2’s in the nice Rosenut finish and they sound amazing. So glad I got them, they work perfectly with my Naim Amp I’ve got.
Nearly 30 years ago I had my first experience with high end audio when, as a teen, I walked into a store and the salesman led me to a room containing Conrad Johnson separates and B&W Matrix 801 speakers. I sat there and listened to the entirety of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon album. I've been a fan of quality audio ever since, and B&W is a big part of that joy!
Top quality video; I hope B&W appreciate it as much as your viewers.
Обожаю акустику этой фирмы!!- услышал один раз 800'ые, влюбился на всю жизнь!! Жаль что не могу себе их позволить!!
Years ago, looking for bookshelf speakers for my Kawai digital piano and recording studio the hi-fidelity store in Orlando carried over a half-dozen brands to choose from. Some sounded good for jazz; others for rock; others for classical, including solo piano. But of them all only the B&W Nautilus 805's were sonically superb for every type of music. And with Dynaudio's powered 10" sub the clarity of tone and the harmonic balance has held me captive to this day.
Forgot to say best video I’ve seen on any bowers and Wilkins speakers, they deserve it
What an excellent video Terry , very well put together i might add, Appreciate all your hard work on the channel mate, its superb.
Fascinating insight via rare video footage of their factory and production processes. Great stuff!!
Wow 😯, what a dream it would be working at this factory. Thanks Terri, awesome video.
l remember seeing and hearing the 802D for the first time in a high end stereo shop WOW l could make out everything !! lt was Dianna Kraal acoustic recording singing her kind of Jazz, l could hear the strings of the guitar being struck like my head was in front of it !! lt was amazing experience :)
What a fantastic video! Great pacing, awesome footage, narrated wonderfully. I just ordered a set of 803 D4’s in large part due to your videos so keep them coming please!
What a treat, thank you for this. I’ve always been a fan of B&Ws philosophies, construction techniques and sound.
🤗🤩 WELL STATED SIR 👍😍😍😍
🤗 THANKS TERRY FOR SHARING THIS WITH US 🤩🤩🤩 WE BOTH HAVE OUR TOURS TODAY AND ENJOYING EVERYTHING
FULFILLING MY DESIRE TO VISIT WITH YOU ….AND MAYBE SOMEDAY IN PERSON 😎
I AM VERY BLESSED TO HAVE A PAIR OF 802 ‘s for about 12 years and I AM THANKFUL EVERY TIME I GET TO HEAR THEM 🤗🤗🤗 and I get to 👀 SEE THEM EVERY DAY 😉 WAF😂 😍😍😍
I hope B&W moves production of all their lines back from China and not just their top lines. I just can’t buy products fully manufactured in the CCP unless I have to. Focal and Sonus Faber build all their speakers in France and Italy, to me it adds so much in terms of value, that and I hate the CCP.
I turn down USA brand speakers after I finally found out it is made in China (they tried to hide this information) and bought Sonus faber because it's manufacture in Italy. I also choose Mcintosh because it is made in USA.
Me too. I avoid anything that is made in China if possible. Not least because I think manufacturers expect to sell their products for the same price as they would sell for if they were manufactured in the UK, basing their value on the brand name alone.
I refused to buy a set of Mission speakers, because I have noticed in recent years, that the quality has receded drastically, with peeling veneers and cheap chip board cabinets that become tatty looking in no time. KEF and Celestion are no strangers to this either. And in my opinion, they are damaging their own reputation in pursuit of volume sales by producing inferior "affordable" models, which are really no better than speakers produced by volume manufacturers, such as Sony, Technics, JVC etc. Yet charging a premium over these brands.
Anybody can make a cheap 2 way or 3 way box, that ends up getting bashed around, and ultimately thrown on the bonfire on November 5th.
We want statement pieces to aspire to!
Keep it unique, keep it QUALITY, keep it British 🇬🇧 Because doing so, keeps British made goods aspirational, and something to save up for, and value for years to come.
Nice looking crossovers. And a great factory operation
Interesting video. Not much of a B&W fan, but I’d like to hear the stand mount in the flesh.
Why not? I have my B & W DM 220's for over over 30 years and never get tired of them :-)
@@peterdamen2161 I have nothing against them, it is just that every time I’ve been in the market for speakers I have heard speakers that I preferred to the B&W offering. KEF Coda III’s were my first HiFi speakers, (I still have a pair, not my original ones though,) the ProAc were better a few years later and my most recent purchases the Focal Chora 806’s were much less intense than the 606’s and the PMC 23i’s were much tighter and faster than the 702’s. They seem well made, have good back up and have been around for years, I’ve just never owned any.
@@billywindsock9597 Speaker sound always remains a very personal subject. I however, still do love my B&W DM 220's and my McFarlow Exciter's (self-built horn speakers that I have adapted) :-)
Great video, and your narration skills have really improved. I’ve been an 803D3 owner for about 2.5 years and I knew the day would come when I no longer owned B&W’s latest version of the 800 series speakers ☹️However, I think I’ll stay with what I’ve got as I’m still very happy with them 😀
This was a great tour, I started with a pair of B&W DM2000’s back in the mid 80’s, boy did I punish those guys!
Then invested in a pair or 803 series 2’s in the late 90’s and I’m still using them, they’ve never let me down and I still love them, but I’m now eyeing those 801’s with that look that Bernard Mathews would give a turkey!
Great video, great brand, nice sound. Also you have a good voice to listen to!
Thank you
We are happy to see Ramses Electronic Imaging and Sound Systems among us.
This Video was super entertaining to watch! Realy high level production, awesome views and music and youre a super cool guy! :-)
Thanks Terry, now I am screwed as I have the 804 D3 and of course now because of you I need to upgrade to a D4!
Hahaha - don't blame the messenger Michael 😂
Thank you very much for this review and the opportunity to see B&W plant and how much expertise they put in making them. A smart mix of high-end technology and handcraft hability. Maybe a jump for me from 700s to 800s ;)
Brilliant video. B&W fan since 1986.
Amazing range these D4's.
Bowers & Wilkens: The Daleks of speaker design.
L🤫L
Excellent video Terry, looks very professional.
Thanks Ben, really appreciate the comment
Thank you for the good video. I really enjoy it. I am looking forward to your new 800 D4 series
Good to see them being made and a lot of work done by hand
Terry what's the world coming too! You let Ed Selley get the best seat! -mate what happened to the old English soccer hooligan headbutt move or the bake beans and eggs the night before super fart move - soon gets those prime seats emptied so you can enjoy the best seat in the house 😉. Thanks Terry for a brilliant video and on a serious note the diamond tweeter girl was very eye catching
Haha 😄
🤣🤣🤣
Dear Terry, Just finished my tea n toast (who watches TV anymore) Thx 🙏 soo much 4 sharing & all your hard work 🔊 superb stuff 🌟
Thanks Neil, I did work really hard on this one, thanks for noticing !! 👍
I have had the first generation 801s since the mid 80's. I was impressed by the fact that London Records were using them as studio monitors so took a listen and was sold. I have found no reason to swap them out and find the newer generations quite ugly and distracting. Perhaps designed by Salvador Dali but I am sure they sound great. Also in various rooms I have the CM5s and CM1s with subs. My listening to quality sound began with a pair of Altec Lansing Voice of the Theaters in the 60s then gravitated to ARs then back to the big boys. I know good sound when I hear it. Brits have been in the forefront of this technology from the beginning. Great video, very interesting.
🤗 THANKS TERRY , I CAME BACK FOR A SECOND TASTE 😉🤗😍😍😍
I have 21 B & W speakers in my car - the sound systems is also B & W. I haven’t noticed any leather aroma emanating from the speakers- probably because most of the interior is also leather, including the headlining which is suede. I use B & W headphones at home, have a pair of speaker boxes with two speakers each in my work shed. The latte are fairly large, and I bought them about 25 years ago- unfortunately my lounge is not nearly as large as previous homes I’ve owned , so I make do with a Denton system. Now. I must say that I envy you your tour of the factory & warehouse, back in thr 60s & 79s, I used to to do audits a lot of sound mixing & had a a couple of mixing desks and some heavy duty amplifiers. These days my power or guitar amplifier is limited to a Vox VT60+. It looks somewhat similar to the AC 30s, but there the similarity ends!
My 804 D4s arrived this week, the wifes tells me I have to wait until christmas to open them, so 4 more weeks, until I can experience the new D4 technology, looking forward to the unboxing 🙂. Thanks for this great video, it formed part of my selection process, keep up the awesome work !
Lucky man, to have such an understanding wife!
Did she have to be bribed in any way?
I switched from Klipsch to B&W a long time ago.. in my opinion generally a more neutral and allrounder sound experience. And for my kitchen still rockin Kef’s and Onkyo from the late 70’s! 🙂
Incredible!!! Well done! Really enjoyed watching this.
Thanks Jana means a lot coming from you !!
I enjoyed that mate. Some nice improvements.
They look nice.I am happy with my Audiovector R8 arrete but maybe these will be fine in my bedroom?
I happen to own the 802D I can't imagine the sound from this new line
TY for the factory tour with fitting commentary; that was fascinating.
It's worth noting the 'authorized dealer' business model inflates these prices significantly, by probably a third? So they really need not be that expensive.
When I was young and penniless, I used to fantasize about owning this type of gear; now, I am older, have the financial means, but I find I am perfectly happy with my supremely lo-fi stuff, the fantasies long gone. One thing never changed: I still listen to music, every day. Cheers.
No dealers margin, no dealers to listen to these speakers in and then no easy way to demo speakers costing upto over 30 grand. Its important to remember this as its very important
@@PursuitPerfectSystem
How is it that Richer Sounds manage to undercut just about every other dealer out there, with products that are maybe not as exclusive as the B&W Nautilus, or 800 diamond series, but unarguably, audiophile quality?
They make their margins, because they sell more products. Undoubtedly a lot of the products they do sell, will be made in China, but not all.
And the Chinese made products will usually be the ones that end up being the most aggressively discounted, because discerning music lovers don't want them.
If B&W went down the route of selling their top end products via Richer Sounds, with a discount of say, 10% or so, then I reckon they would sell more, especially their British made products.
But in a way, I'm glad they hold an element of exclusivity, as it gives many of us something to aspire to. And for now, I will have to make do with my Mordaunt Short Aviano 6's, and Monitor Audio Bronze 200's, which I swap out from time to time, just so I can experience a change of dynamic, and aural experience.
Thanks for that excellent view "behind the scenes"
I really dont know why audio brands dont do more video factory tours, that must of been so awesome to go do that! I cant see how people talk about B&W lost their quality, they may have cut corners on cabinets, but they have NOT cut ANY corners in craftsmanship!. They didnt even skimp on the x-overs, you truly are getting what you pay for, unlike.. cough cough DynAudio.. cough.
Fine. I find it amazing. The quality is enough even for the most picky personalities, including me!!! Great machines. England rocks. B & W .
I had a complete 600 series for eighteen years, now I have 704 s2, 706 s2, 606, and a pair of asw 610's. A lot of people dismiss these because of the initial sound, they need at least a week or two before they break in, but when they do break in it's really the end of the audio rainbow, my system is a HT-audio hybrid, in both applications
these bables sing
This is a really superb and insightful video! B&W have gone up in my estimation!
Thanks very much, is another one here I made yesterday you might also enjoy ruclips.net/video/idXAkTvqT1o/видео.html
Great video, beautiful speakers.
What a great design!
Excellent video Terry, lovely loudspeakers, amazingly finished, as a French Polisher, I know what goes into producing that lacquered finish👍
Basic Marantz amp? That's the flagship PM10, which is roughly the same cost as a pair of 805D4.
Oh wow I didn't know that, its still a lot cheaper than the michi pre and power for the 804 demo :)
I didn't say basic, I reasonable modest or something like that
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Fair enough. The PM10 will be able to deliver nearly 400 watts to at the 4ish ohm minimum impedance of these speakers... So this amp is an absolute powerhouse. I've listened to one a while back and while it's not strictly neutral it is very energetic and fast, with very impactful bass.
Your videos are excellent... Thanks
Thanks Gareth, glad you enjoy them thanks for watching them
Great video, I wish I could tour the factory one day.
The God of all speakers
BnW 801 802 series
you are so lucky to see how new D4 is born :P
Hi Kwok-yan, I hope you are well - yes I agree its very lucky when you live in the same country and are then invited to great events like this - I see it as a privilege and definitely don't take it for granted. Thanks for watching my video and commenting, really appreciate it
Wow the toe in is quite aggressive in all of the setups. I’m going to try toeing in like that and see how it goes.
B&Ws like toe in, at least if you want the best focus and extension in the upper range. I settled on perfect equilateral triangle in my setup.
Depends on how you want the presence of the highs. I tend to like less toe in.
The most interesting video on youtube of this year for me :)
Awesome! Very nice video!
Thanks I have made a better one of the factory now
i still have a pair of 804D2, they sound so natural and high revealing with no stress at all. just a perfect speaker for my small room. msrp was 7000€ back in the day...now you have to pay 8000€ for just 805D4...sorry but that is absolutly crazy overpriced.
12500 for only 804D4...ah man. you were getting 802D2 for arround 16000€ back in the day. 800D2 was 22000€ if i remember correctly.
8000? OK so there goes my plan to consider smaller speakers for the next upgrade. Still curious how the 800 D4 sounds though.
@@magicmulder yeah me to. i have a personal premier listening hour at the dealer on september 11...lol.
@@heinzbecker691 nice!!
@@heinzbecker691 Mine won't get them for another month but at least he's gonna have both the 801 D4 (I missed that they renamed the TOTL model) and the 805.
33% price increase over the full range. That's quite an increase in just 1 series. I cant help but feel that this is not really justified other than filling pockets....
As an owner of the 803 D3, biamped by a Parasound A51, I am very satisfied by the sound. I will not listen to a 800 before I am willing to make that step. The new D4 looks great. I think its easier to manfacture because the d3 has a cabinet where the top looks in one piece with the sides. The 805 D4 looks like a step up to the d3’s?! The d3 needed an additional sub, but when I listened to it, for me there seemed to a “whole” between base and mid. Do these d4’s have more bass?
Impressive!
Cheers and thanks Terry,, 🍻😎👍!!
Man you are on the ball! Just got mailer from my dealer inviting to demo these. Guess part of a coordinated global launch?
Nice video! I had many different models of b&w up to 803Diamond. Sold them and found ut that the price had gone up around 160%😮. Sorry, cant afford them anymore with these insane prices😢
Hmm very interesting. They also seem to improve on the looks every year.
Great video Terry, thanks for this and everything you do.
Be happy to hear the new speakers, but I'm not so hyped for some of the design choices! I do prefer my speakers to have more of a flush mount to the cabinet and I'm not keen on the 'projecting cylinder' design they have used here, but I'm sure many others will like it.
Really enjoyed the factory tour and this gives us some great insight!
Nice intro video on B&W's D4. I'm not a fan of B&W, nonetheless I would love to see your full detailed review on them, including a sound demo on your home.
Let's hope B&W provides you with the opportunity. Thanks Terry.
Great video! Thanks for your hard work.
Cool video! Thanks for the behind the scenes look at stuff.
I would love to get their 801 D4 to test/review but I’m certain that will never happen.
Join the cue Erin your behind me for an 801 review we can both hope .... 🙏
@@PursuitPerfectSystem I’m fine with that! Haha.
Top content once again sir!
Great news!!
Hey lovely video I like the speakers what's a good cable that can be used for the speakers?
Anything above £20 per metre shouldd do.
Was surprised not to see resistors in the crossover or foil inductors.
Great video mate, makes my bowers & wilkins DM620 floor standers look very basic, although I do love them very much, shame they live in a cupboard though, don’t ask.
Very impressive, thanks for this Terry. I have to admit though, I much prefer the JBL monitors badass look to these.
Nice cabinet
Nice review! Very impressive.
Loved the video. Lots of information to digest. Will you be moving in to Nintronics to test them?
Haha, hopefully I will get some at PPS towers this time 💪
@@PursuitPerfectSystem if you need a hand moving them, I'm available 😁
Awesome views ... Thank you !!!
Please i want and need to work here . The person on the Ms260 and the person who put the speaker in their housing got my attention. 💡
leather on top, looks great!
Really nice vid - absolutely surprised by how much in-plant footage you were able to get. I really want a pair of 802s but am just a little shocked by the big jump in pricing vs the D3 series. Very eager to get a listen and to hear your own audition impressions.
Thanks that was from working my but off non stop while I was in making the most of the opportunity :)
@@PursuitPerfectSystem you really did a very very nice job. I have watched your video 3 times now. Sound, use of stills, and your genuine enthusiasm all blend together so well - aside from some of the deeper technical bits revealed in the B&W video, I like yours better!
@@markwilliford7471 Thanks Mark, they have the luxury of knowing all the technical info and having probably all the time in the world to get all the footage, I only had a couple of hours. The stills (well spotted by the way) are all video but I freeze framed them to save on shakiness so they are easier to see. Shaky video maybe works in Borne movies but not for much else haha
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Classic! I don't even like it in Bourne movies, but yes - I get it. The finite element cabinet distortion simulations and exploded driver views of course require inside access. You did an amazing job of communicating the tech without that and I feel like your video will actually speak to a broader audience. I'm just thankful B&W changed the grills from the D3 style! I still have little ones that visit from time to time, and it is important for the grills not to detract too much sonically or visually when in place. I would really liked to have seen grills using the same mesh as found on the tweeter, but hey, I'm too old to wait another five years for that! Question - was there any sort of briefing on how all those mechanical (nut and bolt) connections on the new metal internals will be kept tight over years of vibration exposure? I did see lock-tite being used in some of the shots, but that was for the smaller bits (speaker mounting hardware). The integration of metal is brilliant if this is done properly. From a structural engineering perspective, mixing materials is a great way to break resonances and provide additional stiffness where it is most needed. Sorry one more question - I noted that you said Innuos were being used to serve files on one of the systems you listened to. Do you recall what model? Have reviewed any of Innuos server/streamers? I am torn between Innuos Zen Mk3, Zenith Mk3, and the Aurender ACS10. One more time - because I know how much effort it took to produce your video - just an excellent production!
@@markwilliford7471 sorry not sure which innuos it was Mark not the top one probably a zenith. I am into building my own audio pc as I want the control over certain bits but they seem popular and some of the add ons they sell like the usb output etc will make a big difference to using motherboard USB
Very interesting video and thanks for sharing it Terry. Must admit you have tempted me in buying a pair of their diamond stand mounts even though I'm not a fan of the B & W sound. Not sure my wee 16' X 11' 3" wide room would be suitable though. 🤔
Thats not much different to my size room Steve, I will make them work :)
@@PursuitPerfectSystem I'm really looking forward to hearing the demo of the standmounts. 😊
@@steverees1936 you mean your demo or one I might make Steve ??
@@PursuitPerfectSystem yours and then maybe mine 😁
@@steverees1936 I will do my best to get some :) 😀
I am not a fan of "The B&W Sound" in their affordable range of speakers. I always found there to be a LOT of marketing and an aura of being told that they were incredible…but being confused when I listened, as for me it was never something that I found to be pleasing over a wide range of music. That experience was consistent over the years.. This component: "me" , just had no synergy with the brands sound signature, which I think has gotten worse lately "for me" with the release of the 607 S2 Anniversary Speaker. Over time I have built a psychological wall to protect myself from their marketing. 🤓 That all being said…the factory tour was quite IMPRESSIVE…and I would love to hear your take on a pair of 805 D4s, Terry. Since I am familiar with your speaker reviews, which have been numerous, lately…your "take" would have value!!! 👍🏼
Thanks Bob yeah it's been the year of stand mount speakers for me that is no exaggeration. I am hoping to get my hands on them but there are some other cool things in the pipeline too but I will get to it thanks again for watching !! All the best 👍
I own some CM1's that I love but I do find the reference part is key as what comes out is very dependant on the quality of what goes in
Honestly I feel that B&W, despite the massive marketing (they are the biggest consumer speaker manufacturer in the world after all), are still one of the very few brands to sell you "pound for pound" truly valuable and consistently performing products. Excellent components, materials and manufacturing, I've never been let down by a B&W speaker.
Try the 600i series from the mid 1990s. I still find them really good. After, it became “modern B&W” more about conspicuous consumption.
I agree. I think they have a lot of cool tech but sound bad due to questionable crossover tuning choices.
The kind of video I would like to see a bit more on this very nice channel
Not been much chance to get out and do it for the last 18 months
Hi.....Did you get the 804D4 speakers in for review as you had hoped? Will you if not? Thank you Sir!
I have the 803 here now review going up tomorrow
Review Series Suggestion:
Sorry if this is the wrong place to put this, but I would like to make a suggestion.
There are a fair number of articles / videos discussing AV systems which are also good for music, but how about a series looking at kick ass stereo / 2.1 systems which also perform well with movies. Could be interesting. I’ve not seen anyone doing this so might get some good traffic.
Great video. Can you tell me how you rate these in comparison to the KEF Blades and which do you prefer? Thx
Brilliant video mate, thanks.
Thanks Goeff
@@PursuitPerfectSystem You're welcome Trrey
What an excellent video, keep it going...
Thanks very much, I will
Nice video Terry it was lovely to see inside the factory and see how they do things their. The quick bass that you mentioned might have something to do with the amplification. I've got the Michi S5 stereo Poweramp which has according to stereophile a measurement of over a kilowatt of power per channel into 4 ohm's. And I can testified that the grip and speed of bass with that particular amplifier is among the best there is out there. Can't wait for you to get them into your room and give them a good seeing too.👍🎧😂
I’ve had 3 sets of B&W floorstanders and found the integration by B&W of any more than two speakers in a cabinet to be problematic. I sold each version of the 600 series, CM’s etc due to this. I do have 3 pairs of 805’s from the original s to the D3’s which are simply brilliant. So as for the 805 D4 I’m very keen but the 804 D4, unless they have sorted the odd bass response, no thanks. 803’s look nice but the bass could be an issue.
How different from three series
?.?
can someone recommend a speaker that sounds almost as good for a fraction of the price?
The 805D3 is an awesome standmounter for $6k. The new 805 D4 is $2,000 more than the D3s... At that price better off to save up for the $10k for Wilson Audio TuneTots. IMO.
Tunetots are nice but they are bass limited, its an apples to oranges comparison there
@@PursuitPerfectSystem for the record, I did buy the McIntosh MC152 power amp after your review... It was a terrific call! My listening room is small: 10 feet by 11.5 feet, so big "bassy" speakers aren't needed to pressurize my room. Clarity is king - which the 805 D3 have for sure, but add $2k on to them for the D4 version and I wonder if there really is a $2k difference in side by side listening, or if there is a better choice once you get to the $8k-ish price point. I love your budget comparison speaker reviews, it would be interesting to see you do one in the $8k to $12k range for high-end standmounters. Thanks for your work, you're fun to watch!
@@laurencerothman931 thanks Laurence, I wasn't referring to bass amount tunetot are designed to be bass limited to 60hz to go on table and side boards etc. Thr bowers 805 won't be so it is quite a different speaker in that regard
Whoever spend 6000$ or now even 8000,- more for a passive ,,design,, speaker, ... congratulations. You get for WAY less a Active Loudspeaker + Room EQ + Money for Room Treatment (Neumann KH310 for example) = way better sound than any B&W bookshelf ever produced... There is nothing ,,unique sounding,, its all Marketing and the same ,,old,, passive crossover Technology, and ,,new,, Materials dont change that. (sorry my opinion... i found this ,, High End World,, just entertaining how Manufactures fools the customers with ,, new,, technologys
That was a great tour! thanks for sharing. Any chance anyone know the model of the speaker at 14:59 ? never seen a b&w with this style of design, seems interesting
Is there anyway if you could find out if the 804 uses mundorf caps? Ty
I have some video of the 804 crossover I will check but pretty sure it did. I think the white ones not the black ones but they are still mundorf. I will check this and update this comment if I am wrong
Iam going for a 703 s2 or 805 diamond (old) but almost not used for same price. Iam leaving behind my 603 s3 i loved and still like i bought 20 years ago. Can anyone help me decide. I have a small room now. Thanks