Well-known British loudspeaker maker Bowers & Wilkins released the newest iteration of their flagship 800 line, comprised of the floorstanding 802 D3 ($22,000 USD/pair), 803 D3 ($17,000/pair), and 804 D3 ($9000/pair); stand-mounted 805 D3 ($6000/pair); and HTM1 D3 ($6000) and HTM2 D3 ($4000) center-channels. All six speakers will be available in October. One additional model, the 800 D3, is scheduled to be released in the spring of 2016 at a price that’s yet to be announced.
According to the company’s press release, the previous line’s Diamond tweeter has been retained, but its motor system has been improved. The rest of the drive units are brand new: “Most striking is the transformation of the midrange drive units. A new Continuum cone, developed in-house by Bowers & Wilkins engineers, replaces the Kevlar cones that have long been a major factor of the 800 Series’ famously realistic midrange performance. The Continuum cone takes the best acoustic aspects of Kevlar further, providing a level of clarity that simply must be heard to be appreciated. Bass performance has also been dramatically improved by the introduction of the Aerofoil cone, which considerably reduces distortion thanks to a new variable profile cone geometry more advanced sandwich construction.”
The cabinet is also said to be improved by using a more robust Matrix bracing system, a solid-body tweeter assembly, and a better-quality Turbine head midrange enclosure. Purportedly, these improvements reduce distortion significantly. Finishes for all models include Rosenut, Gloss Black, and Satin White.