Bowers & Wilkins 802 D5

The 802 D5 is a reference-grade floor-standing loudspeaker, sitting just below the flagship 801 D5 in the 800 Series Diamond range. It shares the same Diamond dome tweeter and Continuum cone FST midrange technology as its sibling, delivering a level of resolution and precision that places it firmly at the summit of what a stereo or home theatre loudspeaker can achieve. For those who demand the very best without stepping to the absolute pinnacle of the range, the 802 D5 is the natural choice.

Diamond Dome Tweeter & Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top

The 802 D5 uses the same Diamond dome tweeter as the 801 D5, housed in a Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top enclosure that isolates it entirely from the main cabinet. Diamond is the hardest known material, and its extreme stiffness pushes break-up frequency to 70kHz — far beyond the audible range — eliminating the colourations that afflict conventional metal or fabric dome tweeters. The result is a high-frequency performance of extraordinary openness and precision, where the finest recorded detail is rendered with complete fidelity.

Continuum™ Cone FST Midrange

The midrange driver sits in a decoupled Turbine Head, mechanically isolated from the bass cabinet to prevent low-frequency energy from contaminating the critical midrange frequencies where voices and instruments live. The Continuum™ cone — developed by Bowers & Wilkins after years of materials research — replaces the Kevlar cone used in previous generations. It operates in a pure pistonic mode across its working range, free from the coloured breakup modes that compromise lesser drivers. The FST (Fixed Suspension Transducer) design eliminates the conventional surround, removing a significant source of distortion at the critical midrange frequencies.

Aerofoil™ Bass Drivers & Reverse-Wrap Cabinet

Two 200mm Aerofoil™ bass drivers are rigidly mounted in the 802 D5's reverse-wrap cabinet. The Aerofoil™ cone profile — derived from aerospace engineering — provides a graduating thickness from centre to edge, combining high stiffness where it is needed with low mass throughout. The reverse-wrap cabinet geometry, locked in place by a solid aluminium spine, eliminates parallel internal surfaces and reduces cabinet resonance to a minimum. Aluminium Space Frame Bracing and an all-new aluminium top section further stiffen the enclosure, ensuring the bass drivers operate in a stable, inert platform.

Matrix™ & Enhanced Cabinet Technology

The upgraded Matrix™ internal bracing structure fills the cabinet interior with a lattice of braced panels, eliminating the resonant modes that cause conventional cabinets to add their own character to the sound. Combined with the Flowport™ — a dimpled port design that smooths airflow and reduces turbulence — the 802 D5's bass extension reaches to 14Hz at -6dB, with a controlled and precise low-frequency performance that underpins the entire frequency range without overhang or bloom.

Technical Specifications

Who Is It For?

The 802 D5 is for the serious listener who wants reference-grade performance in a stereo or home theatre system, and who understands that the difference between good and truly great is audible. It rewards a high-quality amplifier — we would suggest nothing less than a high-current integrated or power amplifier capable of driving its 8Ω nominal load with authority. It is not a casual purchase, and it is not for a small room. In the right system and the right space, it is transformative.

Buying from Martins Hi-Fi

Martins Hi-Fi has been in Norwich since 1968. Elizabeth Gould runs the business today, and we stock only brands we have heard properly and stand behind.

Martin's Hi-Fi is the second oldest Bowers & Wilkins dealer in the world, and the 802 D5 can be heard at our Norwich showroom — we would strongly encourage a demonstration before committing to a purchase at this level.

When you get in touch, you'll be speaking with Dave, Chris and Tim — experienced specialists who can advise on this product and your whole system.

Contact us at info@martinshifi.co.uk, call 01603 627010, or WhatsApp on 07554 687137. You can read more about how we work on our Why Martins Hi-Fi page. We are at 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY.