Bowers & Wilkins

Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4

Ranked #20 in Bookshelf Speakers

329 LP on the category ladder what's LP?

Excellent imaging and bass, very low failure rate. A solid choice for longevity.

Consolidated from 42 cited sources across 28 outlets

Where the cited sources landed, as we read them

31 positive sources
9 mixed sources
2 unconvinced sources

See the sources

Flagged as a product to avoid

3 of 10 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.

While the 805 D4 is a high-end floorstander, its price far exceeds what bookshelf speakers can deliver for comparable performance.
Flagged 27 July 2026

2 earlier flags predate the point where runs began recording their reasoning, so their grounds were never written down.

Why the boards include products to avoid

Check price

Pros & cons

✓ Precise imaging
✓ Deep bass
✓ Robust build quality
✓ Genuinely beautifully made with flawless build
✓ Pleasant ownership experience

✗ Excessive price for bookshelf use
✗ Limited value compared to other options
✗ Flagship pricing on a standmount the KEF R3 Meta matches or beats in measured performance at a fraction of the price
✗ The purchase is not rational even though ownership is pleasant

The sources behind this ranking

We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found.

Evidence 8 articles, 31 video reviews and 3 community sources

31 positive sources

Fernando Meza: Audiofilia y + drchriscov · owner · Jan 2025

Yo tengo las 805D4 McIntosh 8900 y EVERSOLO A8 pero MÁSTER POR FAVOR! Prueba agregando un subwoofer REL S510 (yo tengo 2) y Ahora si Cambia TODO! No se notan los sub y le da un suupper cuerpo a la música Y como comentan TODA LA GALLETA PARA escuchar por ejemplo ROCK! contundente He hecho pruebas 803 BOWERS VS 805 D4 yREL Le ganan por mucho ! Riqueza de todas las tonalidades .

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Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac · 278K subscribers · Sept 2021

So, I was especially eager to try the 805D4. I'm going to put up a quick picture of the 805D3. And it's it's a beautiful speaker, but it's a combination of curves and angles. And here on the D4 version, it's all curves. It's everything is rounded and it makes it look well more modern, more contemporary, you know.

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What Hi-Fi? Article · Jul 2022

The 805 D4 might be the baby of B&W's fourth-generation 800 series, but they're no poor relation to their pricier siblings. They pack all the engineering advancements enjoyed elsewhere, including a sturdier cabinet construction with reinforced plywood bracing. And while the drive unit configuration is the same as the previous generation, it has been further refined.

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Audio Advice Audio Advice · 265K subscribers · Jun 2023

The two new models combine proven and very high-performance technologies with all the design attributes that have made Signature products so successful and valued over the years. As with all Signature loudspeakers over the decades, both of the new 800 Series Signature models combine updated componentry with a unique and beautiful finish.

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Stereophile Article

JA found that the B&Ws Signatures reproduced solo piano and vocal recordings with no discernible coloration. While he was aware of the elevated level of the 805 D4’s tweeter—the balance had more top-octave energy, more “air” than was strictly accurate—he wasn't bothered by any brightness. The sound was clean and clear, cymbals didn't have too much sizzle.

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Audioholics Audioholics · 221K subscribers · Apr 2025

We received a pair of the 805 D4 Signatures in blue, and their stunning looks and spacious sound truly dazzled us.

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Andrew Robinson nealcaffrey1251 · owner · Oct 2022

I didn't google US prices, but in Europe Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4 costs almost 9k, Focal Kanta1 5k. and Focal Sopra1 7.5k. So maybe Focal Sopra 1 review someday? The Kanta is simply not a competitor to the 805 D5 in my opinion, but after your review I would really like to hear how these B&W sound.

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BRIAN'S TECH THERAPY (WHISPERSTATUS74) BRIAN'S TECH THERAPY (WHISPERSTATUS74) · 57.1K subscribers · Feb 2022

This is a review of the excellent Bowers and Wilkins Bookshelf Speakers 805 D4. This is a great opportunity for a video fan to really witness a speaker of this magnitude. Hope you enjoy!

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hi-fi+ Editor · reviewer

These upgrades translate to performance gains. The Signatures are everything the talented 805 D4 are – accurate, detailed and dynamic, with excellent bass – but let all the emotion and musicality out to play too.

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Studio 22 - Alta Fidelidad y Cine en Casa Studio 22 - Alta Fidelidad y Cine en Casa · 40.5K subscribers · Jul 2023

Un precio que se justifica por las mejoras mencionadas y, no hay que olvidarlo, estamos ante versiones Signature de Bowers&Wilkins en los que la marca busca un plus de exclusividad para todos aquellos usuarios que quieran diferenciarse del resto.

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HomeTechnologyReview Article

The 805 D4 Signature does a similar thing for B&W’s compact reference stand-mount: same core architecture as the 805 D4, but with upgraded crossover parts, internal bracing tweaks, and the same luxury finishes.

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Hi-Fi Riff Hi-Fi Riff · 12.8K subscribers · Jul 2025

The guys agree this is a highly impressive sounding design, and first among equals in the high end compact standmounter field.

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Audio Review Blog Nari Spektral · reviewer

A thorough examination of the sonic achievements wrought by diamond tweeter, Continuum cone, and reverse-wrap cabinet, and the true value of its distinctly clear and engaging sound signature.

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AudioSonic Haven AudioSonic Haven · 2.5K subscribers · May 2026

The Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4 is one of the most refined bookshelf speakers in the high-end audio world—but pairing it with the right amplifier is key to unlocking its full potential

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Pursuit Perfect System swiftnick3 · owner · Jun 2023

Bought 805d4 Signatures in midnight blue. Just beautiful In every way. Well done B&W and well done Terry. Feel amazingly lucky to own such speakers. They are extraordinary.

Watch T tiyotiyo-Channel tiyotiyo-Channel · 517 subscribers · Aug 2025

The 805D4 is superior in every aspect, not just sound

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Shane Lee ns387241 · owner · Jan 2022

I could not recommend the B&W/Michi pairing enough, incredible synergy was created. Ran double bi-wired with AudioQuest Rocket 88 for the HF and Rocket 44's for the LF.

Watch T tiyotiyo-Channel tiyotiyo-Channel · 517 subscribers · Jul 2025

Of course, the speakers are different, but the stand for the 805D4 is also luxurious

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Audioholics Harald-MacGerhard · owner · Apr 2025

Those 805D4 in California Burl Gloss 😍 So beautiful that anyone entering the room will be stunned breathless 🤩 Pricey but I definitely think, worth it 😎 Oh .

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Paulson's Audio and Video Paulson's Audio and Video · 500 subscribers · Oct 2021

It's proof positive that small can still be beautiful.

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SOUND SOMMELIER gazza800d · owner · Dec 2021

I’ve owned multiple bowers wilkins 800 series over the years but these 805D4 are my favourites…the sound just floats at times .

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Audio Review Blog Nari Spektral · reviewer

2023 Golden Ear: Bowers and Wilkins 805 D4 Loudspeaker - The Absolute Sound, https://www.theabsolutesound.

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SOUND SOMMELIER edmlegend7224 · owner · Dec 2021

Wow amazing sound. I bet it feels like you’re actually in the room with the singer with every song played.

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HeadMania: Dan's Audiophile Odyssey pete6705 · owner · Sept 2023

These are the best speakers I’ve ever heard. But I also haven’t heard many high-end speakers before.

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AV NIRVANA – Home Theater and AV FORUM StreetFighter2Legacy · owner · Jun 2023

Sounds superb running music in multi channel with the speakers spl leveled and distanced properly

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Hi-Fi Riff skmzwanke · owner · Jul 2025

The black background, with relaxed treble and mind-blowing definition, is simply stunning.

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SoundStage! Network giangvu7902 · owner · Dec 2021

Feed them the right recording and they will fill your ears with happiness and joy.

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Audio Advice YouTube review · Jun 2023

Wow.these things are beautiful and sound even better than previous versions!

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My Audio Test VintageValveSound · owner · Sept 2025

Excellent speakers — they sound their best after 300–500 hours of break-in.

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805 D4 Signature is proof positive that small can still be beautiful.

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The 805 D4 Signature, subtle design, extraordinary sound.

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9 mixed sources

Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac user-od9iz9cv1w · owner · Feb 2022

These speakers appeal to me more than other box speakers. A lot of innovation and refinement has gone into them. The unique and separate structures of the tweeter, mid and bass cabinets. The diamond tweeter. The fact that the three enclosures are isolated and placed for time alignment are all interesting innovations. And now this new spider.

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SoundStage! Network SoundStage! Network · 176K subscribers · Dec 2021

In his review, Hans called the 805 D4 “gorgeous,” “well built” and a “terrific loudspeaker.” But he also wrote that “the 805 D4 is a bit unusual, putting forth assertive treble emphasis that, at modest volumes, will thrill even the most jaded listener.

Watch S Soundstageultra Jason Thorpe · reviewer

The 805 delivers excitement! Engagement! It’s a roller-coaster ride, Space Mountain, bungee jumping! The Element 3 is nothing so coarse. It’s a refined, clever speaker, one that conveys the delicacy and inner light of the music, but it doesn’t beat you about the head and neck. This is a sophisticated speaker.

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Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac gregorytrane7828 · owner · Sept 2021

For the price point vs sound, the 804 d4 sounds like a better value for a more deep bass response and probable better lower-mid to mid range. I would venture to say it's probably a fuller sound as most towers are in comparison to book shelves. Just my opinion.

Watch F Facebook Matt Phillipps · owner

What a waste of such a great speaker. You could have saved a lot by buying a speaker which is better suited to near field listening. I had the same speaker and found they sounded best when played at higher levels. Still a great speaker.

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Audiogon Article

They sounded slightly metallic to me, but it was actually kind of pretty pleasant to my ears. Surprisingly, the bass was so-so - I expected more. I listened to some Pink Floyd songs that I'm quite familiar with.

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My Audio Test arun2995 · owner · Jan 2026

The BW definitely has that wow factor sound with micro details but I get tired easily. Great video that gives us an idea of what those speakers are about.

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SOUND SOMMELIER connorduke4619 · owner · Nov 2023

Ethereal soundstage and full frequency range; but mids are slightly recessed and dry.

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Grahams Hi-Fi YouTube review · Nov 2021

These cost 15k where I live.I just can't see the money in them.

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2 unconvinced sources

Audio Advice StreetFighter2Legacy · owner · Aug 2021

Your argument on price between the 805 D4 and 804 D4 is no longer a valid one. 14,000 from 8,500 is a big jump. Much more than that 10,000 price from launch. Should be reflected in an updated video.

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SoundStage! Network pauldownes4483 · owner · Sept 2021

D4 more detailed. but most certainly not more balanced. D3 wins hands down in that regard. D3 the more neutral & all round better speaker.

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Frequently asked questions

It ranks #20 of 31 on our bookshelf speakers tier list, in D tier. That placement draws on 42 cited sources across 28 outlets.

2 of the 42 sources with a clear view are critical of it: Audio Advice and SoundStage! Network. Excessive price for bookshelf use. Limited value compared to other options. Flagship pricing on a standmount the KEF R3 Meta matches or beats in measured performance at a fraction of the price. The purchase is not rational even though ownership is pleasant.