Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4 Signature Bookshelf Speaker - California Burl Gloss - Each

The Compact Speaker at the Top of B&W's Range

The Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4 Signature is a 2-way bookshelf speaker, built as the flagship stand-mount model in the 800 Series. It borrows technology straight from B&W's larger, more expensive towers.

A 1-inch Diamond Dome tweeter handles the highs. It sits in its own housing on top of the cabinet, decoupled from the rest of the speaker. That keeps its sound free from cabinet buzz.

A 6.5-inch Continuum cone driver covers the bass and midrange. It sits in an aluminum housing called the Turbine Head. Matrix bracing ties the cabinet's panels together for extra strength.

This listing is for the California Burl Gloss finish, sold individually. It includes full-grain black leather trim by Connolly on its aluminum top plate.

What Sets the Signature Edition Apart

The Signature's crossover mounts on a stiff aluminum spine, in its own sealed-off space at the rear. It uses twice the bypass capacitors found in the standard 805 D4. The goal is less noise and more detail.

Its grille uses a new mesh pattern. B&W tested 25 versions using computer models before settling on this one. It's more open than the standard grille, for a clearer sound with the grille left on.

Frequency response spans 42Hz to 28kHz. Bass reaches down to 34Hz at the -6dB point. Sensitivity rates at 88dB. Impedance is 8 ohms nominal, dipping to 4.6 ohms at minimum.

B&W recommends amps between 50 and 120 watts. A rear port called the Flowport helps extend bass without the boxy coloration a sealed cabinet can add. At 17.3 inches tall and 34.3 pounds, it needs a real stand, sold separately.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Andrew Simpson reviewed the 805 D4 Signature for Audiograde in March 2025. He found it "ruthlessly good at revealing the music and taking you closer to it," with "almost supernatural timing."

He praised its focus in particular, noting the speaker delivers "exceptional focus" that few stand-mount speakers can match.

John Atkinson reviewed it for Stereophile in September 2024. Listening to a range of wind instruments, he found "flutes, clarinets, saxophones, trumpets, and trombones were all reproduced with the correct tonalities."

He also praised its imaging, writing that "every instrument was stably and accurately placed in the soundstage."

Who Is This Speaker Best For?

• Listeners who want flagship sound in a smaller footprint. It shares design work from B&W's larger towers in a compact stand-mount cabinet.
• Anyone who wants detail and precise imaging above all else. Reviewers praised its focus and accurate placement of instruments in the soundstage.
• Shoppers who want proven, independently reviewed performance. Multiple named reviewers praised its detail, timing, and tonal accuracy.
• Anyone who already owns a quality stand or plans to buy one. A proper stand brings out the tweeter and driver alignment this speaker is designed around.
• Not the right fit for anyone shopping on a tight budget. The Signature edition costs noticeably more than the standard 805 D4.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Connect it to your amplifier or receiver's speaker outputs using the rear binding posts. Its 4.6-ohm minimum impedance calls for an amp comfortable driving a moderately demanding load.

Place each speaker on a dedicated stand at ear height, angled slightly toward your listening position. The Flowport needs a few inches of clearance from the wall behind it to perform as designed.

Pair two for a stereo setup, or add a matching center and surrounds for a full home theater system built around the same 800 Series sound.

Pairs Well With

Building your system? Here are some great companions for the Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4 Signature:

• Speaker stands to bring these speakers to proper listening height
• Integrated amplifiers with the power and control to match its resolving sound
• Subwoofers to extend bass below its natural low-end limit
• Speaker cables to connect to its rear binding posts

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this include a stand?

No. A dedicated stand is sold separately and is strongly recommended for correct height and sound.

How is the Signature different from the standard 805 D4?

The Signature uses an upgraded crossover with more bypass capacitors, a redesigned grille, and premium finishing like Connolly leather trim. Its core drivers and cabinet shape carry over from the standard model.

How much amplifier power do I need?

B&W recommends 50 to 120 watts per channel. Its 88dB sensitivity means it benefits from a reasonably powerful amp to sound its best.

Is this sold as a single speaker or a pair?

This listing is for a single speaker. You'll need two for a stereo pair, or more for a full surround setup.

What's the warranty?

Bowers & Wilkins covers the 805 D4 Signature for five years against manufacturing defects.

See It in Action

Audioholics puts the 805 D4 Signature through a full review:

GRAMOPHONE goes behind the scenes on the Signature Series, including the 805 D4:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about matching a stand to your speakers, building a two-channel system, or getting the most from a compact monitor? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.