Loudspeakers

Rated at 90dB sensitivity, the new 801 D4 romps home with a very fine 89.7dB (1kHz) and 89.5dB (500Hz-8kHz). The forward response trend now has something of a +2dB 'step' between 100Hz-1kHz and 1kHz-20kHz [see Graph 1, below], resulting in errors of ±3.3dB from 200Hz-20kHz or ±2.2dB over a narrower 800Hz-20kHz. The principle 'features' are a 3dB dip at ~600Hz and an uplift in treble of ~4dB between 6-10kHz, the ultrasonic output being remarkably flat and extended over the next two decades [pink shaded area, Graph 1]. The magnetically-attached grilles offer precious little disruption [blue trace, Graph 1] with a maximum loss of just 0.8dB between 2-6kHz and should present minimal subjective impact. Pair matching was less impressive with these samples, however, a dip between 2-3kHz in one [red trace] resulting in a 2.2dB difference. Outside of this narrow band, the matching was within a tighter 1.5dB (200Hz-20kHz).

Distortion is fabulously low, especially through critical midrange frequencies at ~0.05% (re. 90dB SPL at 1m). Measuring the output of the substantial downward firing port was trickier, but not impossible, the 801 D4 tuned to 26Hz with a 19.5Hz-55Hz bandbass (–6dB) and with a mild tube/cabinet mode showing at 410Hz (–16dB). Its two woofers offer a near-identical output, operating between 31Hz-420Hz (–6dB) and combining with the port to yield a deeply impressive diffraction-corrected bass extension of 19Hz (–6dB re. 200Hz). There's payback for the combination of high sensitivity, low distortion and exceptional bass in the form of a fairly tough amplifier load, but the 3.4ohm minimum is still 'easier' than B&W's spec. PM