Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4 Signature
A measurement-first review of B&W’s flagship standmount. Independent data confirms 88.4dB(B) sensitivity, ~4.7Ω impedance minima with low EPDR, -6dB LF extension to 41Hz, and low THD at 90dB. Treble energy rises above 9–10kHz, so setup/toe-in matters. Cost-performance computes to 0.7 versus KEF Reference 1 Meta, the cheapest equal-or-better option.
Overview
The 805 D4 Signature sits atop B&W’s standmount lineup, combining a 1” Diamond Dome tweeter and 6.5” Continuum cone in a 2-way, reflex design with the Solid-Body Tweeter-on-Top, reinforced cabinet architecture, and an upgraded crossover layout/components. Manufacturer specs list 42Hz–28kHz (±3dB) and 88dB/2.83V/1m[2]. US direct price is 14,000 USD/pair; the dedicated FS-805 D4 stands are 1,600 USD/pair[2].
Scientific Validity
\[\Large \text{0.7}\]Independent measurements estimate sensitivity at 88.4dB(B)/2.83V/1m and show impedance minima around 4.68Ω @175Hz and 4Ω @20kHz; EPDR dips below 3Ω in parts of the bass/treble, indicating a current-demanding load[1]. Hi-Fi News reports LF extension to 41Hz (-6dB) and THD at 90dB/1m of 0.3% (100Hz), 0.19% (1kHz), 0.55% (10kHz)[5]. On the other hand, response exhibits a U-shaped tendency with a rise through the upper treble (peak around 9–10kHz), so neutral balance requires careful placement and toe-in[1][5]. Excellent distortion/cabinet/dispersion control but non-flat tonal balance yields 0.7.
Technology Level
\[\Large \text{0.8}\]Diamond tweeter, Continuum cone, Solid-Body Tweeter-on-Top, Matrix bracing, and refined crossover implementation represent advanced, rational engineering[2]. Data corroborate a very quiet cabinet, controlled directivity, and clean time-domain behavior[1][5]. The intentional treble lift keeps it short of a perfect technical score.
Cost-Performance
\[\Large \text{0.7}\]We select KEF Reference 1 Meta as the cheapest equal-or-better comparator: a three-way standmount with exemplary linearity/directivity and similar bandwidth (EAC NFS shows F3 ≈45Hz)[3][4][6]. Current representative US prices: 805 D4 Signature 14,000 USD/pair[2]; Reference 1 Meta 10,000 USD/pair[3].
Computation (USD basis): 10,000 ÷ 14,000 = 0.714… → rounds to 0.7.
Equivalence note: Both are premium passive standmounts with comparable low-frequency reach (805 Sig 41Hz, -6dB[5]; Ref 1 Meta ≈45Hz[4]) and first-rate measured linearity/directivity (Ref 1 Meta with full CTA-2034 data)[4][6].
Reliability & Support
\[\Large \text{0.9}\]B&W’s long record in this segment, typical 5-year warranty after registration, and the product’s passive nature support a high confidence level in long-term ownership[2][5]. No widespread reliability issues are evident.
Rationality of Design Philosophy
\[\Large \text{0.8}\]The product’s acoustic architecture and mechanical control measures are scientifically grounded and borne out in measurements[1][5]. The elevated upper-treble balance aims at “air,” which can be room- and preference-dependent; with proper setup the approach remains defensible and coherent.
Advice
Choose amplification comfortable with low EPDR passages and 4Ω loads[1]. Optimize tweeter-height listening axis and toe-in to balance 3–12kHz energy[1][5]. The FS-805 D4 stands (1,600 USD/pair) offer appropriate height and rigidity[2]. Subwoofers are optional; extension is already solid for a standmount, but very low-frequency reinforcement may help at distance/high SPL. If value for money is paramount, KEF Reference 1 Meta at 10,000 USD/pair remains the strongest equal-or-better alternative[3][4][6].
References
[1] Stereophile, “Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4 Signature Measurements”, https://www.stereophile.com/content/bowers-wilkins-805-d4-signature-loudspeaker-measurements (Published 2024-09-20, accessed 2025-08-13)
[2] Bowers & Wilkins (US), “805 D4 Signature”, https://www.bowerswilkins.com/en-us/product/loudspeakers/800-series-signature/805-d4-signature/300679.html (Price/specs/FS-805 D4, accessed 2025-08-13)
[3] KEF (US), “Reference 1 Meta”, https://us.kef.com/products/reference-1-bookshelf-speaker (Price, accessed 2025-08-13)
[4] Erin’s Audio Corner, “Kef Reference 1 Meta Bookshelf Speaker Review”, https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/kef_reference_1_meta/ (NFS data incl. F3 ≈45Hz, accessed 2025-08-13)
[5] Hi-Fi News, “B&W 805 D4 Signature Loudspeaker Lab Report”, https://www.hifinews.com/content/bw-805-d4-signature-loudspeaker-lab-report (THD/LF extension/response trend, accessed 2025-08-13)
[6] SoundStage! Network (NRC), “NRC Measurements: KEF Reference 1 Loudspeakers”, https://www.soundstagenetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1298:nrc-measurements-kef-reference-1&catid=77&Itemid=153 (Listening-window sensitivity, THD+N plots, accessed 2025-08-13)
(2025.8.13)