B&W 801D4 review

**Mike** · March 22, 2022, 11:27 AM

Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 Loudspeaker - The Absolute Sound

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**Mike** · March 22, 2022, 11:28 AM

Wimpy amps need not apply:

Discovering How Amplifiers Dramatically Affect Loudspeaker Output - The Absolute Sound

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**Alpinist** · March 22, 2022, 10:34 PM

If I was just getting into this hobby and had $35,000 to spend, the 801 D4’s would be at the very top of my list. The improvements made in the latest version of these speakers has eliminated the last bit of edginess that existed in the treble. The transparency, neutrality, detail and imaging of the midrange and treble is right there with best speakers on the market. The bass is accurate, robust and impactful. In short, I love the way these speakers sound.

Ken

**4N6** · March 24, 2022, 07:36 AM

Interesting that the review talks about "stunning" results at the CAF last fall while the 801's were powered by the large McIntosh amps.

I thought that room was one of the worst in the show. Way too small of room for these big speakers. Bass "boom" was significant. Volume way WAY too loud.

My jury is still out for these speakers. Looking forward to a time when I can hear them properly amped and positioned in appropriately large room. (I presume the big Classe monoblocks would be great, but I'd be most curious about the pairing with the Block Audio's!)

**Mike** · March 24, 2022, 08:03 AM

Originally Posted by 4N6

Interesting that the review talks about "stunning" results at the CAF last fall while the 801's were powered by the large McIntosh amps.

I thought that room was one of the worst in the show. Way too small of room for these big speakers. Bass "boom" was significant. Volume way WAY too loud.

My jury is still out for these speakers. Looking forward to a time when I can hear them properly amped and positioned in appropriately large room. (I presume the big Classe monoblocks would be great, but I'd be most curious about the pairing with the Block Audio's!)

Come on down for a listen! We have the 802D4’s with the Block Audio’s. I can attest, it’s a fantastic combo.

I also agree with you about what you heard at CAF.

Way too small of a room.

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**Mike** · March 26, 2022, 03:17 PM

Review: Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 | Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4

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**AudioLibertarian** · March 26, 2022, 11:03 PM

Originally Posted by 4N6

Interesting that the review talks about "stunning" results at the CAF last fall while the 801's were powered by the large McIntosh amps.

I thought that room was one of the worst in the show. Way too small of room for these big speakers. Bass "boom" was significant. Volume way WAY too loud.
)

I second your impressions!!!! Most disappointing room indeed, sadly

. I stayed there for a long time, REALLY tried to like them , asked to play my cuts, but the results were artificial and processed sounding, fake caramel sweetness, without any core as far as timbre, and musical, organic sense. I am sure the culprit were the Macintosh amps and preamps that are mediocre at best (notice I did not say "SUCK BIG TIME, and only appeal to those with small @#%$ complex)....

**Mike** · March 26, 2022, 11:13 PM

Originally Posted by AudioLibertarian

I second your impressions!!!! Most disappointing room indeed, sadly

I stayed there for a long time, REALLY tried to liked them , asked to play my cuts, but the results were artificial and processed sounding, fake caramel sweetness, without any core as far as timbre, and organic sense. I am sure the culprit were the Macintosh amps and preamps that are mediocre at best (notice I did not say "SUCK BIG TIME, and only appeal to those with small @#%$ complex)....

Why people continue to pair Mc with B&W is beyond me.

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**Audiofan57** · March 27, 2022, 01:07 PM

Interesting comments. I pair my McIntosh 611’s with B&W 802D3’s and really enjoy the results. Not sounding like fake caramel to me.

**KeithR** · March 27, 2022, 01:25 PM

I think bc it helped with the tweeter. B&W has a tailored sound which many obviously like. The latest measurements don't seem much different than prior versions. I like the new look quite a bit, would enjoy hearing a pair.

**a.wayne** · March 27, 2022, 03:11 PM

Originally Posted by AudioLibertarian

I second your impressions!!!! Most disappointing room indeed, sadly

I stayed there for a long time, REALLY tried to liked them , asked to play my cuts, but the results were artificial and processed sounding, fake caramel sweetness, without any core as far as timbre, and organic sense. I am sure the culprit were the Macintosh amps and preamps that are mediocre at best (notice I did not say "SUCK BIG TIME, and only appeal to those with small @#%$ complex)....

While i can agree on the McIntosh SS preamps and some of their amps being Dreaded , they have also had a few pretty impressive amps over the decades , both toobs and SS ..!

Regards

**Spock** · March 27, 2022, 05:31 PM

Strange!
Why is it that 90% (?) of conversations about B&W are about or end up being about amplification?

**Mike** · March 27, 2022, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by Spock

Strange!
Why is it that 90% (?) of conversations about B&W are about or end up being about amplification?

They have a tricky impedance curve and dip close to 1ohm at several frequencies (1.4, 1.6, etc). Finding the right amp is key.

B&W 801 D4 Loudspeaker | Hi-Fi News

B&W 801 D4 Loudspeaker Lab Report | Hi-Fi News

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**ICUToo** · March 27, 2022, 08:04 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

They have a tricky impedance curve and dip close to 1ohm at several frequencies (1.4, 1.6, etc). Finding the right amp is key.

Are those minimum impedances correct, Mike?
From HFN/RR: minimum is 3.4ohm at 96Hz.
Certainly you are right that finding the right amp IS key!

**Audiofan57** · March 27, 2022, 08:46 PM

Originally Posted by ICUToo

Are those minimum impedances correct, Mike?
From HFN/RR: minimum is 3.4ohm at 96Hz.
Certainly you are right that finding the right amp IS key!

Those minimum impedance numbers are more accurate.

**Mike** · March 27, 2022, 09:45 PM

Originally Posted by ICUToo

Are those minimum impedances correct, Mike?
From HFN/RR: minimum is 3.4ohm at 96Hz.
Certainly you are right that finding the right amp IS key!

Correct, I was confusing with the 800D3. The new D4, although still not idea for low powered tube amps, isn’t as taxing as the previous generation. This really is a greatly improved version in so many ways, including amp load!

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**AudioLibertarian** · March 27, 2022, 11:21 PM

@Audiofan57

Well... Truth be told, I ve listened to that combo of yours of 611 and 802D3 extensively, and I kinda of enjoyed the combo ALOT! Now, its still not the combo I would buy personally, but we all have our own sonic preferences. I was actually considering buying just the 802D3 at that point, but was using medium power EL 34 power amp that would not have driven those 802D3 even remotely to their full potential, and Jadis 500 amps were just too much money , so I passed. My friend however bought those 802s based on mine recommendation and is happy using them with Symphonic Line monoblocks.... The entire 800 D3 series are STILL fantastic speakers, and are competitive with most TOFL of any brand, IMHO.

**Spock** · March 28, 2022, 06:36 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

They have a tricky impedance curve and dip close to 1ohm at several frequencies (1.4, 1.6, etc). Finding the right amp is key.

[

Thanks Mike.
But it seems like looking for a needle in a haystack.

**Mike** · March 28, 2022, 08:57 AM

Originally Posted by Spock

Thanks Mike.
But it seems like looking for a needle in a haystack.

On the older 800D3 series, yes, agreed. This new series (D4) seems much more benign.

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**Audiofan57** · March 28, 2022, 09:58 AM

Originally Posted by AudioLibertarian

@Audiofan57

Well... Truth be told, I ve listened to that combo of yours of 611 and 802D3 extensively, and I kinda of enjoyed the combo ALOT! Now, its still not the combo I would buy personally, but we all have our own sonic preferences. I was actually considering buying just the 802D3 at that point, but was using medium power EL 34 power amp that would not have driven those 802D3 even remotely to their full potential, and Jadis 500 amps were just too much money , so I passed. My friend however bought those 802s based on mine recommendation and is happy using them with Symphonic Line monoblocks.... The entire 800 D3 series are STILL fantastic speakers, and are competitive with most TOFL of any brand, IMHO.

I appreciate the comments. I get so tired of reading so many negative Comments on McIntosh. I am sure McIntosh may not be a good match for every speaker, but they pair well with B&W. I also know there are amps better than McIntosh out there, but it is impossible to listen to them all. I think for the price, reliability , and overall quality, the amps are worth the money. I don’t see my 611’s going anywhere.

**Hear Here** · March 28, 2022, 07:44 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 Loudspeaker - The Absolute Sound

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B&W 801 or Avantgarde Duo XD? Similar price, similar dimensions, weight and drive unit array - but totally different amp preferences. With both powered by the "right" amp, which would people choose if they could listen to them back-to-back?

**Mike** · March 28, 2022, 08:58 PM

Originally Posted by Hear Here

B&W 801 or Avantgarde Duo XD? Similar price, similar dimensions, weight and drive unit array - but totally different amp preferences. With both powered by the "right" amp, which would people choose if they could listen to them back-to-back?

Great question. You really have me thinking! But here’s the rub…

The Duo XD is soon to be replaced with the Duo G3. The Uno is going away and there will be a Duo mini/lite/whatever to replace it.

The new Duo G3 will be double (about) the price of the 801D4.

That being said, unless you’re willing to do EVERYTHING and I mean EVERYTHING to get the AG’s just right (cables, source, power, etc), the 801D4 with two or four DB1D’s is my pick with money to spare. The subs are NOT because the 801D4’s need bass, oh, no, no, no, no….they go below 20hz on their own! It’s because I love those subs and what they do in my room evening out the bass to perfection.

All that being said, if you’re willing to do what’s required to perfect the AG DUO G3’s, than it can be a transcend experience. One entirely on a different level.

Either way, you can’t go wrong.

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**Mechnutt** · March 30, 2022, 07:35 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Wimpy amps need not apply:

Discovering How Amplifiers Dramatically Affect Loudspeaker Output - The Absolute Sound

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Exactly! It drives me nuts when I see people telling people that want to get Magnepans that a 50 wpc amp will sound great with them. It may sound good but Maggie tweeters dip down to 1.9 to 2 ohms. They need a robust amp that can handle that type of impedance and they need a lot of capacitance, current and power to get the best out of them.

**Hear Here** · March 30, 2022, 08:10 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Great question. You really have me thinking! But here’s the rub…

The Duo XD is soon to be replaced with the Duo G3. The Uno is going away and there will be a Duo mini/lite/whatever to replace it.

The new Duo G3 will be double (about) the price of the 801D4.

That being said, unless you’re willing to do EVERYTHING and I mean EVERYTHING to get the AG’s just right (cables, source, power, etc), the 801D4 with two or four DB1D’s is my pick with money to spare. The subs are NOT because the 801D4’s need bass, oh, no, no, no, no….they go below 20hz on their own! It’s because I love those subs and what they do in my room evening out the bass to perfection.

All that being said, if you’re willing to do what’s required to perfect the AG DUO G3’s, than it can be a transcend experience. One entirely on a different level.

Either way, you can’t go wrong.

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Thanks Mike

My question was prompted by a posting on another forum where the owner of a very large room (but no dimensions provided but rectangular and probably 1000+ sq ft) that he describes as "difficult acoustically" is thinking of the 801 D4.

As the user of the Duo XD in a much more difficult room (semi-circular, floor-to-ceiling glazing, 945 sq ft, low ceilings), I suggested he consider the Avantgarde on the basis that it works very well in my room where other speakers have seriously struggled. In particular I claim that horns are less affected by the room's acoustics and can be placed close to or far away from side or rear walls .

I agree with you that careful positioning is needed but Duo XDs are less fussy of the room than most speaker types, particularly as they have the advantage of XD room correction. I think the AGs will give him a much bigger "goosebump factor" than the B&Ws. I'd be interested in your take on this.

Many thanks

Peter

PS The Duo G3 would be beyond his budget I believe - and mine too for that matter, so I'm not planning on upgrading to G3!

**Mike** · March 30, 2022, 08:55 PM

Originally Posted by Hear Here

Thanks Mike

My question was prompted by a posting on another forum where the owner of a very large room (but no dimensions provided but rectangular and probably 1000+ sq ft) that he describes as "difficult acoustically" is thinking of the 801 D4.

As the user of the Duo XD in a much more difficult room (semi-circular, floor-to-ceiling glazing, 945 sq ft, low ceilings), I suggested he consider the Avantgarde on the basis that it works very well in my room where other speakers have seriously struggled. In particular I claim that horns are less affected by the room's acoustics and can be placed close to or far away from side or rear walls .

I agree with you that careful positioning is needed but Duo XDs are less fussy of the room than most speaker types, particularly as they have the advantage of XD room correction. I think the AGs will give him a much bigger "goosebump factor" than the B&Ws. I'd be interested in your take on this.

Many thanks

Peter

PS The Duo G3 would be beyond his budget I believe - and mine too for that matter, so I'm not planning on upgrading to G3!

That’s a difficult one. With careful matching, both are capable of goosebumps, but nothing will beat the Microdetail retrieval and dynamics like a world class horn speaker.

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