Arguably the most recognised loudspeaker manufacturer in the industry, Bowers & Wilkins has more than 60 years of experience designing and building world-class speakers. The company is perhaps best known for its flagship 800 Series, which has long been used in recording studios and control rooms around the world, including Skywalker Sound, Sony Studios and Abbey Road Studios. Its striking Nautilus loudspeaker, launched in 1993, captured attention with its unique design and exceptional performance. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023, it remains an icon of the hi-fi world.
With the upcoming launch of the new 800 Series D5 range, the team at Bowers & Wilkins, including Andy Kerr, Director of Product Marketing and Communications, invited Doug Brady HiFi to the factory in Worthing to experience the latest developments first-hand.
The visit provided an opportunity to learn about the improvements made over the previous D4 generation and to see how these remarkable loudspeakers are built.
At first glance, the new models look very similar to their predecessors, even to earlier generations such as the 800 Series D2 with its curved rear. While there have been subtle refinements over the years, Bowers & Wilkins believes the fundamental shape remains the best platform for achieving its desired acoustic performance.
As a result, many of the changes are found internally. An upgraded Matrix structure, enhanced aluminium bracing and a revised aluminium top section all help reduce cabinet resonance.
Additionally, the tweeter grille mesh has been further optimised, while the midrange motor system and crossover have also been improved. During an A/B comparison between the previous and current generation products, the D5 delivered a tighter, more controlled presentation with improved imaging and a spacious soundstage that immerses you in the music, even more so than the D4s.
The rear of the cabinet has also been tidied up, with fixings now hidden from view. Servicing has been made simpler too, with easier access to the drive units, helping to reduce maintenance times and get owners back to enjoying their music as quickly as possible.
Seeing the Worthing facility in action was truly incredible. From pressing the birch plywood and carefully matching veneers.
Every stage reflects the attention to detail that goes into each loudspeaker, including automated painting process and the painstaking hand assembly of the diamond tweeters,
Every cabinet is thoroughly tested before leaving the factory, reflecting Bowers & Wilkins’ commitment to excellence. Even seeing the polystyrene moulds and the shipping tests carried out to ensure products reach customers safely reinforced this impression.
The iconic Nautilus is also built to order in Worthing, with each pair taking around two weeks to complete. The shell alone takes more than a week to produce and is painstakingly sanded by hand to achieve its distinctive shape.
Formed in two halves before being joined together, each Nautilus then receives 12 coats of paint and lacquer before being polished to its stunning mirror-like finish.
Many hi-fi enthusiasts will have owned a pair of Bowers & Wilkins loudspeakers at some point in their audio journey, whether from the 600, 700 or 800 Series. After seeing the care, craftsmanship and engineering that goes into every model, it is easy to understand why the brand continues to enjoy such a strong reputation among music lovers around the world.