In May 2024 I was lucky enough to get a great deal on an ex-demo pair of Bowers and Wilkins 804 d4s. I first heard them at the Bristol HiFi show with their big brothers the 801d4s in a 5.1 system.
The build quality is outstanding. Made from multiple layers of beech wood custom bonded and pressed at the B&W factory in Worthing, Sussex. Connoly leather is on the top face – the same leather used in Rolls-Royce cars. The baffles are all smooth and the cabinet a beautiful teardrop shape. They weight about 40kg with a down-firing port.
I upgraded my power amp to an Eigenetakt based unit to ensure that I have enough drive current. The 804s are rated at 200w and the 20A that the Eigentakt can deliver is ample.
The sonic qualities exceed those of the astetics: crystal clear, perfect pinpoint imaging, a spatial field way past the edge of the speakers. Bass is pronounced, not heavy, assertive and firm, not fat.
I have had the pleasure of owning these speakers for nearly two years – I never tire and still get completely lost in the music.
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