Bowers & Wilkins 803 D4

The Bowers & Wilkins 803 D4 is a remarkable speaker that combines cutting-edge design and innovative technology to deliver an exceptional listening experience. Though more compact than the 801 D4 or 802 D4, the 803 D4 doesn’t compromise on performance, packing a host of technical innovations that set it apart in the world of high-end audio.

At the heart of the 803 D4 lies its sophisticated three-box construction, which ensures that each component performs at its best. One of the standout features is the Turbine Head enclosure, which carefully isolates the 130mm (5-inch) midrange cone from the impact of the bass cones. This isolation prevents unwanted interference and ensures that the midrange driver operates with precision, delivering clean and detailed sound. This design approach eliminates the typical challenges associated with midrange and bass cone interactions, resulting in a much more refined and accurate performance.

Rather than a conventional loudspeaker box, the 803 D4 features a cabinet made from a continuous curved section of wood, with the drive units mounted at the heart of the curvature. This unique construction enhances the cabinet's stiffness and inertness, significantly reducing mechanical resonances. As a result, the sound produced by the 803 D4 is more accurate and natural, with better dispersion that creates a more immersive listening experience. The continuous curve of the cabinet is not only visually striking but serves to improve the overall sound quality, ensuring the speaker delivers its full potential.

The 803 D4 also benefits from the Matrix bracing system, which uses interlocking panels to reinforce the cabinet walls in all directions. This innovative bracing design reduces resonance within the enclosure, ensuring a cleaner, more believable soundstage. The Matrix system in the 803 D4 is the best iteration yet, providing optimal scale, power, and intelligibility to the speaker's output.

Bass performance is taken to new heights in the 803 D4 with the inclusion of two Aerofoil™ bass cones mounted in twin solid aluminium bass pods. Each pod is clamped into an aluminium plate that is fixed to the stiffest part of the curved cabinet, providing the perfect mechanical support for the bass cones. These solid aluminium structures ensure the bass drivers are securely located, reducing unwanted vibrations and enabling the cones to produce deep, controlled bass with exceptional accuracy.