Bowers & Wilkins unveils Prestige Edition 802 and 805 Diamond loudspeakers

Bowers & Wilkins has unveiled new Prestige Editions of its iconic 802 and 805 loudspeakers. Featuring a spectacular Santos Rosewood finish, these new iterations are acoustically the same as the regular 800 Series Diamond loudspeakers, with the same Diamond dome tweeter (which has a frequency threshold of 72kHz), Turbine head, Continuum and Aerofoil drive units and Matrix cabinet construction with heavy-duty aluminum plinth.

The high-gloss finish is prepared by hand by at the company’s factory in the UK.

The finishing process requires 40 per cent more manufacturing time than a standard 800 Series Diamond loudspeaker, says the brand. Craftsmen highlight the Santos Rosewood veneer with thirteen coats of lacquer, creating a luxurious colour and distinctive grain pattern. The process to create the Santos Rosewood finish takes around over four weeks.

The 800 Series Diamond speaker was first introduced at the end of 2016, and is now a favoured enclosure with both Professional recording studios and home audio enthusiasts.

The stand mount 805 Prestige Edition (pictured above) will sell for £5,500 per pair, with the larger floor standing 802 Prestige Edition retailing at £19,500 per pair.