Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 Floor-Standing Speaker
Introductions
Bowers & Wilkins. Our founder, John Bowers, believed that imaginative design, innovative engineering and advanced technology were keys that could unlock the enjoyment of audio in the home. His belief is one that we continue to share, and that inspires every product we design. The 800 Series Diamond is the world’s most advanced range of loudspeakers. Each model benefits from thoughtful installation, so we would suggest that you take some time to read this manual before you begin the installation process. Continue to page 4
Unpacking
Carton Contents
Each pair of speakers is supplied with:
- 2 Midrange grilles
- 4 Bass grilles
- 4 Terminal link wires
- 4 Stabilisers
- 4 Stabilizer caps
- 1 T45 stabilizer adjustment and midrange end cap removal wedge tool
- 1 Metal spike adjustment bar
- 1 Cleaning cloth
Features
The 801 D4, 802 D4 and 803 D4 are very heavy, and we strongly suggest that they are unpacked in the room in which they are to be used by two people working together. It is also a sensible precaution to remove jewellery to negate the risk of scratching the speakers’ surface finish.
The table above illustrates the parts that are packed with the 801 D4, 802 D4 and 803 D4.In the unlikely event that anything is missing, please contact the retailer from whom you purchased the speakers. The heavier bass/midrange grilles attach magnetically and are packed in a separate compartment to prevent movement in transit.
Tweeter diaphragms are very delicate and easily damaged. In the 800 Series Diamo, nd we include a steel grille mesh that can protect the tweeter from many forms of damage. However, you should still exercise care when handling and cleaning your loudspeakers.
Positioning
Speaker Installation
801 D4, 802 D4 and 803 D4 are intended to be floor-mounted only and are supplied on wheels to aid with positioning. It is important to ensure that they stand firmly on the floor using the spike feet supplied whenever possible.
Connecting
Speaker Positioning
In either stereo or home theatre installations, try to ensure that the immediate surroundings of each speaker are similar in acoustic character.
Conventional Stereo Systems
To begin with, the speakers should be positioned between 1.5m and 3m apart at two corners of an equilateral triangle, le completed by the listening area at the third corner. The speakers should be placed at least 0.5m away from the back and any side walls (as per the illustration above).
Home Theatre Systems
If the speakers are to be used for the front channels in a home theatre system, they should be placed closer together than for 2-channel audio, because the surround channels tend to widen the image. Positioning the speakers within approximately 0.5m of the sides of the screen will also help keep the sound image in scale with the visual image. As with conventional stereo positioning, the speakers should ideally be at least 0.5m away from any side walls.
Fine Tuning and Running In
There are two pairs of terminals at the back of each speaker that enable bi-wiring (top left). For a single wire connection, fit the supplied link wires to join the like-polarity terminals together. Bi-wiring can improve the resolution of low-level detail. An incorrect connection will not result in damage, but will cause poor imaging and loss of bass. Always screw the terminal caps down fully to prevent rattles.
Before fine-tuning, make sure that all the connections in the installation are correct and secure. Moving the speakers further from the wall will generally reduce the volume of the bass. Space behind the speakers will also help to create an aural impression of pth. Conversely, moving the speakers closer to the walls will increase the volume of the bass.
If the bass seems uneven in frequency, this will most probably be due to resonance modes in the listening room. Try moving the listening position or locating the speakers along a different wall. The presence and position of large pieces of furniture can also influence resonance modes. The performance of the speaker will change subtly during the initial listening period.
Aftercare
The cabinet surfaces will usually only require dusting. We recommend you use the cloth supplied with the product. If you wish to use an aerosol or other cleaner, apply the cleaner onto the cloth, not directly onto the product, and test a small area first, as some cleaning products may damage some of the surfaces.
Avoid abrasive products, or those containing acid, alkali or anti-bacterial agents. Do not use cleaning agents on the drive units. Avoid touching the drive units as damage may result. Colour differences may be rectified by exposing all the veneer surfaces equally and evenly to sunlight until the colour is uniform.
Do not rub the cloth on the leather or use cleaning detergents or leather polish, as doing so may cause damage to the product. In the event that you need to speak with the customer service team about your 800 Series Diamond loudspeakers, you may need to quote the Finished Product (FP) and Serial Numbers that describe your unique loudspeakers.
Environmental Information
This product automatically manages its power state without the need for any interaction. When connected to a network and not in use, power consumption is automatically reduced below 2 watts. This product complies with international directives, including but not limited to the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) in electrical and electronic equipment, the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and restriction of Chemicals (REACH), and the disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). Consult your local waste disposal authority for guidance on how to properly recycle or dispose of this product.
Customer Service
- Ph: 800 370 3740
- Website: https://www.bowerswilkins.com/
FAQs
Q: What kind of speaker is the 801 D4?
The 801 D4 is a 3-way, floor-standing, passive vented-box speaker — meant for high-end audio or home-theatre systems.
Q: What sensitivity does it have, and how loud can it get?
It has a sensitivity rating of 90 dB (2.83 Vrms at 1 m), which is relatively efficient for a huge floor-standing speaker.
Q: What finishes and styling options are available?
Cabinet finishes include Gloss Black, Satin Walnut, Satin Rosenut, White, and in select high-end versions like the “Signature” version, California Burl Gloss or Midnight Blue Metallic—depending on the store and area.
Q: Do the 801 D4 speakers require a subwoofer?
Not necessarily. The 801 D4 generates deep, controlled bass down to the mid-teens (Hz), enough for most music genres. However, in home-theatre setups or particularly large rooms, adding one or two high-end subwoofers can boost LFE (low-frequency effects) and improve room bass homogeneity.
Q: How far should the 801 D4 be spaced apart?
A good starting point is 8–12 ft (2.5–3.5 meters) between the speakers, producing an equilateral triangle with the listening position.
Q: Do the 801 D4 speakers need to be broken in?
Indeed, similar to the majority of high-performance speakers. While they sound good out of the box, Bowers & Wilkins advises a break-in period of 50–100 hours for drivers to reach full performance.