The Bowers & Wilkins 804 D4, the smallest floor-standing speaker in the prestigious 800 Series, delivers a compelling audio experience despite its high price point. This substantial speaker, measuring 42 inches tall and weighing 81 lbs, boasts a meticulously crafted design featuring a curved wood cabinet, aluminum bracing, and a uniquely engineered tweeter housing. Its sophisticated construction is aimed at maximizing performance and minimizing unwanted vibrations, promising a refined listening experience.However, the 804 D4's true strength lies not just in its build quality, but in its exceptional imaging and soundspace presentation. It creates a remarkably realistic and immersive soundscape that surpasses many competitors, even some in higher price brackets. While its distinctive voicing, characterized by a slightly recessed mid-bass and elevated upper midrange and treble, might not appeal to all listeners, its clarity, detail, and dynamic response are undeniable highlights. This review delves into the 804 D4's strengths and weaknesses, helping potential buyers determine if its unique sonic signature aligns with their preferences.
Pros And Cons
- Best imaging and soundspace presentation in the under $20,000 price range (and better than most in the next price range up).
- Creates a believable, regulation-sized stage with a linear front edge.
- Better, less windowed vertical cut-off of the image; images fade out gradually.
- Very good depth portrayal.
- Excellent sense of transient quickness and life.
- Good base response into the upper 20 Hz range.
- Clear and clean lower mid-range.
- Clarity and openness, and snap on recordings with clean high frequencies.
- Slightly reticent mid-base, sounding 1-2 dB down from the mid-range.
- Elevated upper mid-range and treble delivery (1 dB per octave rise from about 500 Hz up); may emphasize digital distortions.
- May not be ideal for power rock and pop due to slightly reticent base, although it performs surprisingly well with some bands.
- Might go too far for listeners who prioritize tonal beauty.
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Design and Build Quality
The Bowers & Wilkins 804 D4 is the smallest floor-standing speaker in the 800 Series, commanding a significant price point. Its dimensions are substantial, measuring 42 inches tall, 12 inches wide, and 15 inches deep, weighing 81 lbs each. Available in five finishes, the speaker features a leather-covered aluminum top, brushed aluminum tweeter housing, and a curved, single-piece wood cabinet with aluminum bracing.
The 12-inch-long tweeter housing is designed to optimize tweeter resonance management, and the entire assembly is decoupled for improved performance. The cabinet's construction utilizes a robust plinth to facilitate port venting near the floor, enhancing bass response and minimizing unwanted vibrations.
Sound Quality: Imaging and Soundspace
The 804 D4's most impressive aspect is its imaging and soundspace presentation, surpassing many speakers in its price range and even outperforming some higher-priced competitors. The soundscape isn't just a larger version of the typical 'miniaturized stage' effect seen in many speakers; it's qualitatively different.
Instead of a small, rectangular soundstage, the 804 D4 creates a more realistic, believable stage presentation. Instruments are positioned with greater accuracy and separation, with a smoother transition between the left and right channels. The depth and vertical extension of the soundstage are also notably improved, adding to the overall immersive listening experience.
Sound Quality: Voicing and Frequency Response
The 804 D4 exhibits a unique voicing characteristic, distinct from other recently tested speakers. While it delivers good bass response extending into the upper 20 Hz range, the mid-bass region is slightly less prominent, possibly reflecting a design choice for smaller rooms with stronger bass modes.
The upper mid-range and treble are noticeably elevated, resulting in a brighter sound signature. This can enhance clarity and detail, but may also accentuate digital distortions present in some recordings. This distinctive voicing might appeal to those who prioritize detail and precision over a neutral tonal balance.
Dynamics and Overall Performance
The slightly recessed mid-bass means the 804 D4 may not be the ideal choice for genres heavily reliant on powerful bass, although it surprisingly handles a wide range of music well. Its handling of lower volumes and dynamic swings is also commendable.
A significant advantage is its exceptional transient response and liveliness. It delivers music with remarkable speed and precision, creating a more engaging and realistic listening experience. This aspect makes it a compelling option for listeners who prioritize a dynamic and energetic sound.
Conclusion
The Bowers & Wilkins 804 D4 offers a unique combination of strengths, notably its exceptional imaging and soundspace presentation. This sets it apart from much of the competition, providing a more immersive and realistic listening experience. However, its distinctive voicing with elevated upper midrange and treble may not suit all listeners.
While its imaging is top-tier for the price, the brighter tonal balance might be too much for those preferring a warmer or more neutral sound. Ultimately, the 804 D4 is best suited for listeners who prioritize detail, clarity, and a dynamic, lifelike presentation and are not put off by the brighter sound characteristics. It is a strong contender, but the suitability will depend greatly on personal preferences and listening habits.