Stereophile
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- Apr 19, 2013
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- #1
<p><img class="story_image" src="http://www.stereophile.com/images/913bw.promo_.jpg" /></p>
I don't think that the Bowers and Wilkins 804, in any of its incarnation, gets its due respect. As the smallest floorstander in B&W's elite 800 series, it has historically been overshadowed by its larger brethren and outmaneuvered by the smaller, stand-mounted 805. However, the 804 Diamond is unique, and deserves special attention for reasons I discovered when I chose the earlier 804S for the surround channels of my 5.1-channel surround system.
<p>
The first of these reasons: The three-way 804 Diamond takes up no more floor space than the two-way 805 while also having two 6.5" woofers, which greatly expand its power handling and bass extension. In fact, it was my wife who, when I consulted her about choice and placement, asked why one would even consider the smaller speaker when the bigger one took up no more floor space and looked better. Second, in the 804, the same 6" Kevlar-cone mid/woofer used in the 805 is relieved of all bass responsibilities and works purely in the midrange, as it does in the 800 Diamond.
</p><p>
The third reason
[Source: http://www.stereophile.com/content/bowers-amp-wilkins-804-diamond-loudspeaker]
I don't think that the Bowers and Wilkins 804, in any of its incarnation, gets its due respect. As the smallest floorstander in B&W's elite 800 series, it has historically been overshadowed by its larger brethren and outmaneuvered by the smaller, stand-mounted 805. However, the 804 Diamond is unique, and deserves special attention for reasons I discovered when I chose the earlier 804S for the surround channels of my 5.1-channel surround system.
<p>
The first of these reasons: The three-way 804 Diamond takes up no more floor space than the two-way 805 while also having two 6.5" woofers, which greatly expand its power handling and bass extension. In fact, it was my wife who, when I consulted her about choice and placement, asked why one would even consider the smaller speaker when the bigger one took up no more floor space and looked better. Second, in the 804, the same 6" Kevlar-cone mid/woofer used in the 805 is relieved of all bass responsibilities and works purely in the midrange, as it does in the 800 Diamond.
</p><p>
The third reason
[Source: http://www.stereophile.com/content/bowers-amp-wilkins-804-diamond-loudspeaker]