For its 60th company anniversary, Bowers & Wilkins is unveiling the new generation of its 800 Series Diamond at High End 2026 in Vienna. The D5 range follows the 800 Series Diamond D4 and aims to consistently advance the British manufacturer’s most famous high-end speaker series technically, acoustically, and visually. The new series will be presented at High End Vienna 2026 and is scheduled to be available from September 9.
The 800 Series Diamond has been Bowers & Wilkins’ flagship for decades. The new D5 generation also follows the “True Sound” philosophy of company founder John Bowers: music should be reproduced as precisely, authentically, and close to the original recording as possible.
Seven Models from 805 D5 to 801 D5
The new 800 Series Diamond comprises seven models in total. The entry point is the compact two-way bookshelf speaker 805 D5. Above this, Bowers & Wilkins positions four three-way floorstanding speakers: 804 D5, 803 D5, 802 D5, and the flagship 801 D5. The series is complemented by the center speakers HTM81 D5 and HTM82 D5 for high-quality home theater installations.
This covers both classic stereo setups and large multichannel systems. The top model 801 D5 in particular is likely to be positioned once again as a reference speaker for demanding HiFi listeners and recording studios.
New Design with Four Color Variants
The 800 Series Diamond has also been extensively revised visually. The new D5 generation is available in four variants: Stealth Black, Warm White, Light Walnut, and Dark Walnut. All versions feature a particularly high-quality, glossy finish.
Dark Walnut was inspired by the exclusive 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition and replaces the previous satin walnut finish. The dark wood finish is combined with dark metal details and a trim element made from Connolly leather.
Stealth Black appears even more consistent than previous black variants, as the cabinet, metal parts, and material details have been more closely coordinated. Warm White replaces the previous white finish with a warmer, more modern shade featuring champagne-colored accents. Light Walnut also combines light wood surfaces with champagne-colored metal elements.
Tighter Tolerances, More Refined Craftsmanship
Bowers & Wilkins has also visibly advanced the manufacturing quality of the D5 series. Transitions between surfaces have been minimized, fastenings are more concealed, and joints have been further reduced. This makes the speakers appear even more seamless and premium. Paint quality and the painting process have also been revised, particularly for the new Stealth Black finish.
As before, the 800 Series Diamond is manufactured in Worthing, UK.
New Space Frame Bracing
One of the most important technical innovations concerns the cabinet construction. The new D5 generation uses an advanced Space Frame Bracing on the rear panel. Aluminum braces are directly bolted to the internal matrix construction.
This system is designed to make the cabinet even more rigid and further reduce unwanted vibrations and resonances. Bowers & Wilkins describes it as the mechanically “quietest” cabinet the brand has built to date. The goal is a clearer, more stable, and more three-dimensional soundstage.
Revised Plinths and New Aluminum Top Plate
The aluminum plinths of the floorstanding speakers have also been redesigned. They are now precisely matched to the respective cabinet shape and use a combination of constrained layer damping and tuned mass damping. Castors and spikes are more concealed, giving the speakers a visually cleaner appearance.
The new aluminum top plate stabilizes the upper cabinet area. Thicker ribs, additional mounting points, and optimized decoupling are designed to better mechanically settle the Turbine Head and Tweeter-on-Top housing. The top plate is also covered with advanced Connolly leather and specially damped.
Enhanced Matrix and New Midrange Housing for the 804 D5
The well-known Matrix bracing has been developed into the Enhanced Matrix. It provides greater rigidity, particularly in the area of the driver openings. Aluminum profiles enclose the chassis openings more precisely and are additionally stabilized by ribs.
There is an important innovation for the 804 D5. The floorstanding speaker now receives its own aluminum housing for the FST midrange driver with Continuum cone. It is based on the Turbine Head of the larger models and is designed to isolate the midrange driver significantly better. This should allow the 804 D5 to play more openly and spatially without abandoning the more discreet cabinet concept.
Technology from the Signature Series
The diamond dome tweeters adopt a new protective grille originally developed for the 801 D4 Signature. It is designed to continue reliably protecting the dome while being more acoustically transparent. This should improve resolution and dispersion characteristics.
The motor systems of the midrange, mid-bass, and bass drivers have also been derived from the Signature Series. They are designed to reduce distortion and provide more dynamics, better resolution, and more precise transient response.
Optimized Crossovers and Cabling
Each model in the new D5 series receives revised crossovers and new internal cable looms with higher-quality conductors and terminals. In the stereo models, the crossover sits on a solid aluminum plate firmly connected to the cabinet and rear panel bracing. This also contributes to greater mechanical quietness.
Prices and availability
The new Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamond D5 will be unveiled on June 4 at High End Vienna 2026. The market launch is planned for September 9. The flagship 801 D5 costs €50,000 per pair.
Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamond D5 Pricing
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| 805 D5 | €12,000 / pair |
| 804 D5 | €18,000 / pair |
| 803 D5 | €30,000 / pair |
| 802 D5 | €37,000 / pair |
| 801 D5 | €50,000 / pair |
| HTM82 D5 Center | €10,000 |
| HTM81 D5 Center | €12,000 |
| FS-805 D5 Stand | €1,800 / pair |
| FS-HTM D5 Stand | €1,300 |
