B and W 808 speakers deliver precise detail and immersive sound in a compact bookshelf design. These speakers balance technical refinement with everyday usability for desktop and small-room setups.
Engineered by Bowers & Wilkins, the 808 combines diecast aluminum chambers and custom drivers to control dispersion and minimize distortion. This overview outlines core characteristics to help you judge whether they fit your space and listening habits.
| Model | Driver Configuration | Recommended Room Size | Frequency Response | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B&W 808 | 6.5 inch Continuum Cone, Aluminum Dome Tweeter | Small to medium (10–25 m²) | 36 Hz – 42 kHz | 1,200–1,500 USD |
| B&W 805 D3 | 5 inch Continuum Cone, Aluminum Dome Tweeter | Medium (15–35 m²) | 46 Hz – 42 kHz | 800–1,000 USD |
| B&W 802 D3 | &td;6.5 inch Continuum Cone, Aluminum Dome TweeterMedium to large (20–40 m²) | 38 Hz – 42 kHz | 1,500–2,000 USD | |
| B&W 705 S3 | 5 inch Continuum Cone, Aluminum Dome Tweeter | Small to medium (10–30 m²) | 51 Hz – 42 kHz | 500–700 USD |
Sound Signature and Musical Accuracy
The B and W 808 emphasizes natural timbre and imaging with controlled low-end that supports bass lines without overshadowing midrange voices. Its Continuum cone and tapered edges reduce breakup distortion, preserving harmonic detail across dynamic peaks.
Room adaptation features help the 808 integrate more smoothly with your environment, softening early reflections that can blur stereo image. In mixed critical listening sessions, the speaker maintains focus even at elevated volumes, which benefits both music and film post-production workflows.
Physical Design and Build Quality
Constructed with a diecast aluminum front panel and dense composite chambers, the 808 resists resonance while keeping mass where it improves driver control. The cabinet edges are radiused to scatter early reflections, supporting a coherent soundstage in smaller studios or living rooms.
Available in dark finishes that pair well with professional or home audio racks, the speaker measures compact proportions that slide beside monitors without dominating a desk layout. Internal bracing and damping materials minimize cabinet breakup, reinforcing the sense of tight, authoritative bass.
Placement and Integration Tips
Optimal Positioning
Place the 808 slightly behind the listening plane and angled inward so the tweeter axis aligns with primary listening positions. Keep it 30–60 cm from sidewalls to reduce boundary-induced coloration in the lower midrange.
Setup with Amplifiers and Processors
Use quality speaker cables with sufficient gauge to preserve transient detail, and consider isolation pads if the cabinets sit on shared desks. When pairing with a subwoofer, set the crossover around 80 Hz to preserve alignment with the 808’s bass extension capabilities.
Performance in Different Listening Scenarios
For nearfield monitoring, the 808 reveals mix decisions with credible low-end that scales cleanly from soft mixes to full-level playback. Critical listening for podcasts, voiceovers, and acoustic tracks benefits from transparent mids that preserve articulation and consonant detail.
In small control rooms or home studios with limited space, the footprint remains practical while still delivering enough dynamics for tracking sessions and casual entertainment. The balanced response and imaging make stereo summing and panning intuitive, supporting precise editing decisions.
Key Takeaways and Practical Recommendations
- Use the 808 for critical nearfield monitoring where accurate low-end and imaging are required.
- Position with side clearance and bass traps to manage boundary interactions.
- Pair with a suitable subwoofer if your content regularly extends below 40 Hz.
- Allow a brief burn-in period and reassess tonal balance before final placement decisions.
- Match amplifier power to the speaker’s nominal impedance for optimal dynamics and headroom.
FAQ
Reader questions
How close can the B and W 808 be placed to walls without strong bass buildup?
Maintain at least 30 cm from side walls and 60 cm from rear walls to limit boundary reinforcement; use wall traps or corner placement control if bass remains pronounced.
Are the B and W 808 suitable for vocal tracking in home studios?
Yes, the clear midrange and controlled dispersion make the 808 reliable for monitoring during mic placement, gain staging, and balance checks.
Can these speakers handle dynamic peaks from bass-heavy modern music?
The 808 manages transient dynamics well thanks to its rigid chassis and amplifier headroom, though pairing with a dedicated subwoofer eases demand on the drivers at very low frequencies.
What is the typical break-in period and burn-in effect on sound?
Expect minor high-frequency softening during the first 20–30 hours; gradual improvements in low-end alignment and stereo focus typically occur as drivers settle.