B&W 802 D4: Engineering Brilliance Meets Acoustic Perfection

After six years of relentless research and innovation, the engineering team at Bowers & Wilkins has achieved a remarkable breakthrough in speaker design. Their revolutionary approach to driver technology, particularly the introduction of a biomimetic suspension system, represents a fundamental reimagining of traditional speaker principles. The new 800 Diamond Series, encompassing models 801, 802, 803, 804, and 805, delivers unprecedented transparency, detail, and natural sound reproduction. Among these, the 802 D4 stands as an ideal choice for stereo listening, offering much of the performance of the flagship 801 D4.

Heritage and Evolution

The 802 D4's lineage traces back to its role as the smaller sibling of the legendary B&W 801, the monitoring speaker that has maintained its presence at Abbey Road Studios from past to present. Since its 1980 debut, the 802 has undergone several significant iterations. The Matrix version emerged in 1986, introducing an internal bracing matrix for enhanced cabinet rigidity. Subsequent evolution brought the S2 in 1988 and the Nautilus version in 1999, featuring the now-iconic Nautilus tweeter housing. The diamond tweeter made its appearance in 2005 with the 802D, followed by the D2 update in 2010. The D3 model of 2015 introduced the solid aluminum turbine head and a structurally enhanced "reverse-wrap" cabinet crafted from layered beechwood.

This heritage has provided an invaluable foundation for the current engineering team, allowing them to build upon decades of acoustic expertise while radically reconceptualizing key elements for the latest iteration.

Technical Innovations

The 802 D4 showcases numerous refinements and innovations. The cabinet now features an upgraded solid cast aluminum top plate, replacing the previous wooden version, for enhanced rigidity and acoustic silence. This is elegantly finished with Connolly leather, available in black for dark cabinets and light grey for lighter finishes.

The diamond dome tweeter, housed in a longer, more slender solid aluminum tube, now incorporates a refined internal loading system. The tweeter's isolation has been enhanced through silicon rubber contact points, while the voice coil has been lightened and better ventilated for improved lower frequency articulation.

The midrange driver represents a significant advancement, featuring a four-point decoupling system and the innovative biomimetic suspension, which reduces noise by 80dB at 1kHz. The Aerofoil bass cones have been enhanced with anti-resonance plugs, while the system's steel components have been optimized for lower inductance and conductivity.

The cabinet's Matrix bracing system, a B&W cornerstone for over three decades, continues to evolve. The new design incorporates both vertical and horizontal internal supports, pre-tensioned and bonded for maximum stability. The wider aluminum base enhances stability without compromising acoustic performance.

Sonic Performance

In extensive listening sessions, the 802 D4 demonstrates remarkable musical versatility. Sir Simon Rattle's recent recordings of late Haydn symphonies with the Berlin Philharmonic reveal the speaker's refined high-frequency reproduction, which achieves a perfect balance of sweetness and accuracy. The bass response shows exceptional depth and control, maintaining articulation throughout the frequency range.

The speakers excel in reproducing complex orchestral works, presenting a controlled, cohesive soundstage from top to bottom. String sections are rendered with exceptional detail and body, while woodwinds maintain their distinct character and sweetness even when positioned deep in the soundstage.

Jazz recordings, such as Oscar Peterson's "We Get Requests," showcase the speaker's ability to reproduce the full complexity of acoustic instruments. The piano sounds more natural and detailed than in previous models, while bass lines remain articulate and rhythmically precise.

The 802 D4 handles demanding material like Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" with remarkable composure, maintaining structural clarity during complex passages while delivering impressive dynamic range and impact.

Technical Specifications

The 802 D4 measures 1218x413x602mm and weighs 88.1kg per speaker. With an 8-ohm impedance and 90dB sensitivity, it can be driven by both high-end solid-state and tube amplifiers, though it truly flourishes with powerful amplification up to its 500W RMS capability. The frequency response extends from 17Hz to 28kHz (-3dB), providing exceptional bandwidth for all musical genres.

Conclusion

The 802 D4 represents a significant evolution in high-end speaker design. While not inexpensive, it delivers exceptional value through its versatility and performance. The technical improvements are substantial and meaningful, resulting in a more natural, less "hi-fi" presentation that serves the music rather than drawing attention to itself. For both existing 800 Series users and newcomers to B&W, the 802 D4 represents a remarkable achievement in speaker design and a significant step forward in the pursuit of acoustic excellence.