Steve MayBowers & 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 aluminium 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 Bowers & Wilkins 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 Bowers & Wilkins stand mount 805 Prestige Edition (pictured above) will retail for £5,500 per pair in Europe, with the larger floor standing 802 Prestige Edition selling for £19,500 per pair.
Australian pricing and availability yet to be confirmed.
