R60 000.00
The B&W 804 Diamond is a well-regarded, if sometimes polarizing, floorstanding speaker known for its detailed, airy soundstage, excellent clarity, and lifelike vocals, though its elevated upper-midrange and treble, and somewhat reticent bass, make it potentially bright or less suitable for bass-heavy music or large rooms without bass support. It is praised for excellent transient quickness, which can add a sense of life to music, and its diamond-dome tweeter provides clear high-frequency detail.
Strengths
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Detail and Clarity:The speakers are known for their clarity and airy detail, particularly in the treble and upper midrange, which can bring recordings to life.
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Lifelike Vocals:Reviewers often highlight the lifelike quality of voices and the excellent stereo imaging, which creates a distinct presence between the speakers.
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Transient Quickness:The 804 Diamond offers an excellent sense of transient quickness, adding a vibrant and energetic quality to music.
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Balanced for Smaller Rooms:The slightly reticent bass may prevent room overload and could be a good fit for smaller to medium-sized rooms.
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Sophisticated Design:The speakers feature advanced driver technologies, like the Continuum cone for the midrange, and a revised cabinet with an aluminum top plate for improved rigidity and acoustics.
Considerations
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BASS Response:Some reviewers describe the mid-bass as slightly reserved or “reticent”. While this can prevent room boom, it may not satisfy listeners of bass-heavy genres like power pop or rock.
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Potential Brightness:The elevated upper midrange and treble can result in a “brighter” sound than some other speakers, and may emphasize digital distortions on certain recordings.
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System Matching:While excellent for recordings with clean high frequencies, the speaker’s voicing may not be ideal for everyone.
Overall
The Bowers & Wilkins 804 Diamond is a sophisticated speaker that offers a detailed, open, and engaging listening experience, particularly strong with vocals and high-frequency detail. While its slightly elevated treble and less powerful bass might be a drawback for some, its strengths make it a compelling choice for music lovers who appreciate clarity and a spacious soundstage, especially when matched with appropriate amplification and suited to their listening room.