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

A Diamond Tweeter, Sitting on Top of the Cabinet

The 805 D4 Signature is a two-way vented-box stand-mount, and the most compact speaker B&W builds in its 800 Series Signature range. A 1-inch Diamond Dome tweeter sits in a Solid Body housing above the cabinet, decoupled from the box below it.

Under that housing, a 6.5-inch Continuum cone handles bass and midrange. Inside the cabinet, B&W’s Matrix bracing stiffens the panels and an Anti-Resonance plug sits behind the drive unit. A rear Flowport vents the enclosure.

What the Signature Version Changes

B&W describes the Signature tweeter housing as an elongated form carrying a longer tube-loading system, and pairs it with an all-new design of tweeter grille. The crossovers are upgraded, and each one is mounted on a stiff aluminum spine.

The Numbers, and What They Ask of You

Frequency response runs 42 Hz to 28 kHz within 3 dB, and the quoted range reaches 34 Hz to 35 kHz at minus 6 dB. Sensitivity is 88 dB. Nominal impedance is 8 ohms, with a minimum of 4.6 ohms.

Harmonic distortion stays under 1 percent from 90 Hz to 20 kHz, and under 0.3 percent from 120 Hz upward. B&W recommends 50 to 120 watts into 8 ohms on unclipped programme. It also asks that total cable impedance stay under 0.1 ohms.

Size, Weight, and the Stand It Needs

The cabinet stands 17.3 inches tall, 9.4 wide and 14.7 deep. It weighs 34.3 pounds. That is a lot to ask of a shelf. A dedicated stand is the sensible answer, and it is sold separately.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Andrew Simpson reviewed the 805 D4 Signature for Audiograde on March 21, 2025. He called them "one of the most refined and articulate standmount loudspeakers at the price".

He also wrote that they are "ruthlessly good at revealing the music and taking you closer to it". On what they do best: "what the Bowers focus on is precision", with "exceptional focus and almost supernatural timing".

Who Is This Bookshelf Speaker Best For?

• You want 800 Series Diamond engineering in a stand-mount — the Diamond Dome tweeter, the Solid Body housing, Matrix bracing and the Continuum cone are the flagship parts, in the smallest cabinet that carries them
• Precision is what you listen for — focus, timing and the placement of instruments are what reviewers single out on this speaker, rather than sheer output
• Your room is not enormous — a two-way stand-mount that reaches 34 Hz at minus 6 dB gives you real low end without a tower’s footprint or a tower’s room requirements
• You already have serious amplification — 88 dB sensitivity with a 4.6 ohm minimum wants an amplifier that is comfortable with the load, and one of our integrated amplifiers in the 50 to 120 watt window suits it
• You are ordering a stereo pair — this listing is one speaker, in California Burl Gloss, so a pair means ordering two, and you will want a speaker stand for each of them

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Speaker cable runs from your amplifier to the binding posts on the back. Keep both runs the same length. Keep total cable impedance under 0.1 ohms, which is a matter of gauge and distance rather than brand.

Set each speaker on a stand so the tweeter housing sits near ear height at your seat, and angle it slightly inward. The rear Flowport needs clear air behind it, so do not push the cabinet back against the wall.

Pairs Well With

What finishes the setup. These are the categories most 805 D4 Signature owners shop next.

• Speaker stands — 34.3 pounds each, so build quality matters here
• Integrated amplifiers — 50 to 120 watts into 8 ohms is the window
• Speaker cables — under 0.1 ohms total, so gauge and length matter
• Subwoofers — for anything below the 34 Hz mark

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this one speaker or a pair?

This listing is a single speaker. Order two for stereo. We list it this way because it ships one to a box, so the order matches what actually turns up.

Does a stand come with it?

Stands are separate. At 17.3 inches tall and 34.3 pounds, this speaker wants a proper stand rather than a shelf, and it wants one per speaker.

How much amplifier power does it need?

B&W recommends 50 to 120 watts into 8 ohms on unclipped programme. The load drops to 4.6 ohms at minimum, so amplifier quality counts as much as the wattage figure.

What finish is this listing?

California Burl Gloss. It is one of the two finishes B&W offers on this model, and it is the one we stock.

How low does it actually go?

B&W quotes 34 Hz at the minus 6 dB point, and 42 Hz within 3 dB. That is deep for a two-way stand-mount, though a subwoofer still has work to do below it.

See It in Action

Audioholics spends fifteen minutes with a pair:

Bowers & Wilkins introduces the 800 Series Signature range:

Why Audio Advisor?

• 40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.
• 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.
• Real Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.
• Free Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.
• Flexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.

Learn More

Want to learn more about matching a stand to your speakers, positioning a stand-mount, or choosing an amplifier? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.