I won’t dare think of buying anything that comes from the foundry of Bowers & Wilkins unless I am earning millions. While that might take some time, it won’t stop me from glancing at what the British high-end audiophile manufacturer is cooking. This time around, the British hi-fi company has collaborated with legendary recording studio Abbey Road to unveil its latest model, or rather, an upgraded version of the 801 D4 floor-standing speaker.
Built on the foundation of the top-tier 801 D4 Signature, a staple at Abbey Road, this limited edition is a refined, studio-grade version with upgraded engineering and exclusive touches for audiophiles craving sonic perfection. The moment I saw the 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition, I was struck by its grand presence. The speaker boasts a vintage walnut cabinet paired with bespoke red Connolly leather trim. Its Turbine Head’s top plate, now a reengineered aluminum structure, is skeletonized and filled with damping material to reduce resonance, ensuring cleaner midrange to listeners.
The company has limited the quantity of the speaker to 140 pairs, each bearing a unique rear panel plate, making ownership feel like holding a piece of history. The partnership between John Bowers (founder of Bowers & Wilkins) and Abbey Road dates back to 1980 when John Bowers introduced the original 801 loudspeaker to Abbey Road, where it became the go-to for engineers crafting iconic sounds, from Star Wars scores to Pink Floyd’s masterpieces.
“Celebrating the unique 45-year relationship between Bowers & Wilkins and Abbey Road, the 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition takes the 801 D4 Signature and reframes it in homage to the home of music making,” the company notes. No wonder this limited edition captivated me enough to write about it, even if buying one is a stretch.
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Beyond its looks, the speaker boasts advanced tech. Like the 801 D4 Signature, it features a Diamond Dome tweeter, Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top, a new tweeter grille, and an upgraded crossover. As noted by ecoustics, the bass drivers have been enhanced with stronger magnets for punchier, more stable low-end performance.
Priced at $70,000 (per pair), a $10,000 premium over the standard 801 D4 Signature, these speakers are a luxury even for serious collectors. Those dreaming of owning a slice of Abbey Road’s legacy can visit the Bowers & Wilkins website for more details.
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