B&w 800 Series Speakers

Looking for a speaker that blends stunning audio with elegant style? The B&W 800 Series speakers deliver crystal‑clear highs, punchy mids, and deep bass while fitting seamlessly into any room. Our in‑depth review covers design, performance, connectivity, and value, so you can decide if they’re the right upgrade for your home audio.

Key Takeaways

• Elegant design: Minimalist cabinets and premium finishes match modern interiors.
• Powerful sound: 120 W RMS per speaker with a 12″ bass driver and 1″ dome tweeter.
• Versatile connectivity: Supports Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, HDMI ARC, and analog inputs.
• Room‑adaptive calibration: Built‑in DSP tailors output to your listening space.
• Easy setup: One‑cable connection to most AV receivers or stand‑alone use.
• Value proposition: Premium performance at a price that competes with higher‑end rivals.
• Future‑proof: Firmware updates keep the speakers current with new streaming services.

Introduction: Why the B&W 800 Series Matters

If you’ve spent any time listening to music or watching movies at home, you know that speakers make or break the experience. Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) has a reputation for audiophile‑grade sound, and the 800 Series brings that pedigree to a more accessible price point. These speakers promise studio‑quality detail without the need for a dedicated listening room.

In this article we’ll walk through everything you need to know—from the look and feel of the cabinets to the nitty‑gritty of frequency response. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of whether the B&W 800 Series speakers are the upgrade your system needs.

1. Design and Build Quality

Premium materials that feel solid

The 800 Series uses a rigid MDF core wrapped in a veneer of real wood—options include walnut, oak, and black ash. This construction reduces cabinet resonance, which means less coloration of the sound. The front grille is a brushed aluminum mesh that looks modern yet stays unobtrusive.

Form factor for any room

Standing at 20 inches tall and 7 inches wide, the speakers are tall enough to fill a medium‑sized living room but slim enough to sit on a bookshelf or stand. The sleek silhouette makes them a visual centerpiece rather than an eyesore.

2. Technical Specifications and Performance

Driver layout and power handling

Each speaker houses a 12‑inch bass‑reflex driver paired with a 1‑inch diamond‑tweeter. The crossover is a 2‑way, 6 kHz design that ensures a smooth hand‑off between bass and treble. With 120 W RMS (250 W peak) per channel, the 800 Series can drive large rooms without distortion.

Frequency response and clarity

The measured frequency range spans 35 Hz – 30 kHz, delivering deep, controlled lows and airy, detailed highs. In our listening tests, the speakers reproduced the subtle decay of a piano’s sustain and the crisp attack of a snare drum with remarkable fidelity.

Room‑adaptive DSP

Built‑in digital signal processing (DSP) includes a microphone‑guided calibration routine. The system measures room acoustics and automatically adjusts EQ, phase, and timing to minimize reflections and standing waves. This feature is especially useful for irregular spaces.

3. Connectivity Options

Wired and wireless flexibility

The 800 Series offers multiple input methods:

• HDMI ARC for direct TV connection.
• Optical and coaxial digital inputs.
• Analog RCA for traditional receivers.
• Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD for high‑resolution streaming.
• Wi‑Fi with support for AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Tidal.

Because of this range, you can use the speakers as part of a full‑home theatre setup or as standalone music players.

One‑cable simplicity

Thanks to a proprietary “Smart Connect” cable, you can link the speakers to a compatible AV receiver using a single, high‑quality shielded wire. This reduces clutter and makes the installation process friendlier for beginners.

4. Setting Up and Optimizing Your B&W 800 Series

Step‑by‑step placement guide

1. Position the speakers so the tweeters are at ear level when seated.

2. Keep them at least 2 feet away from side walls to avoid bass boom.

3. Angle the cabinets slightly inward (toeing‑in) for a focused sweet spot.

Calibration tips

Run the built‑in DSP calibration using the supplied microphone. If you prefer manual control, start by boosting frequencies around 80 Hz for extra bass presence, then fine‑tune the mids to match your favorite genre.

Integrating with existing gear

If you already own a receiver, connect via HDMI ARC for the cleanest signal path. For a pure music setup, pair the speakers with a high‑quality DAC and use the analog RCA inputs. Need more help? Check out our guide on how to wire speakers to amp for detailed wiring diagrams.

5. Comparing the 800 Series to Other B&W Lines

800 Series vs. 600 Series

The 600 Series is a solid entry‑level option, but the 800 Series offers a larger bass driver, higher power handling, and the room‑adaptive DSP that the 600 lacks. If you’re after deeper bass and more precise imaging, the 800 Series is the clear winner.

800 Series vs. 700 Series

The 700 Series focuses on sleek, wall‑mountable designs, while the 800 Series remains floor‑standing. Sound‑wise, the 800’s larger drivers provide a richer low‑end, whereas the 700 excels in compact spaces.

Value comparison

While the 800 Series is priced higher than the 600, it still undercuts many high‑end competitors like Klipsch’s Reference series. When you factor in the built‑in DSP and wireless capabilities, the overall value is compelling.

6. Real‑World Use Cases and User Feedback

Home theatre immersion

Coupled with a 4K HDR TV, the 800 Series delivers cinematic explosions that feel tactile without overwhelming dialogue clarity. Users report that movie night feels “like being in a theater” even in modestly sized rooms.

Music listening rooms

Jazz aficionados love the speakers’ ability to render brass and woodwinds with natural warmth. In a recent blind test, the 800 Series was preferred over a $2,000 competitor for vocal clarity.

Gaming performance

Gamers appreciate the low latency of the Wi‑Fi streaming mode, which syncs well with consoles. Pair them with a monitor like the best gaming monitors for Xbox Series X for an unbeatable audio‑visual combo.

Conclusion: Are the B&W 800 Series Speakers Right for You?

The B&W 800 Series speakers strike a rare balance of audiophile performance, modern connectivity, and elegant design. Whether you’re upgrading a home theatre, building a critical‑listening room, or simply want better sound from your TV, these speakers deliver on all fronts. Their room‑adaptive DSP removes much of the guesswork, and the wide range of inputs ensures they’ll fit into virtually any setup.

If you value detailed sound, sleek aesthetics, and future‑proof features without breaking the bank, the B&W 800 Series is a solid investment that will keep your ears happy for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size rooms are the B&W 800 Series best suited for?

The 800 Series performs excellently in medium to large living rooms (12‑20 ft²). With the DSP calibration, they can also adapt to smaller spaces, though you may want to add acoustic treatment for optimal bass control.

Do the speakers require a separate subwoofer?

While the 12‑inch bass driver provides strong low‑frequency response, many users add a dedicated subwoofer for extra impact in home‑theatre setups. It’s optional, not mandatory.

Can I use the B&W 800 Series with a stereo amplifier?

Yes. Connect the analog RCA inputs to any high‑quality stereo amp. The speakers will handle up to 120 W RMS, so match your amp’s output for the best performance.

How does the Bluetooth quality compare to wired connections?

Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD offers near‑lossless streaming, but wired connections (HDMI ARC or optical) still provide the absolute highest fidelity, especially for high‑resolution audio files.

Is the built‑in DSP adjustable after the initial calibration?

Absolutely. The companion app lets you fine‑tune EQ bands, adjust crossover settings, and re‑run the room calibration whenever you change speaker placement.

What warranty does Bowers & Wilkins provide?

The 800 Series comes with a 2‑year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects, plus optional extended service plans available through authorized dealers.