Description

The B&W Nautilus 805 is a two-way bookshelf speaker from the Nautilus 800 series , Bowers & Wilkins' flagship line. Despite its compact size, it incorporates technologies developed for higher-end models, making it a solid choice for those seeking high performance in a compact footprint.

The mid- and low-frequency driver is a 165mm woofer with a Kevlar® cone , the high-strength synthetic material initially developed by DuPont for ballistic applications. B&W has patented its use for speaker diaphragms: its woven structure effectively reduces standing waves within the cone, eliminating unwanted colorations in mid-range reproduction. The result is a neutral and detailed tonal response, particularly appreciated with vocals, acoustic instruments, and chamber music.

The tweeter is a 25mm aluminum dome mounted above the cabinet thanks to proprietary Tweeter on Top technology . This solution is not purely aesthetic: by physically separating the tweeter from the cabinet, reflections and diffractions generated by the cabinet structure are avoided, maintaining the temporal coherence of the signal. The stereo image is more precise and stable, with a three-dimensionality that is difficult to achieve with traditional configurations.

The cabinet is a vented bass reflex system , equipped with the Flowport™ , a port inspired by the aerodynamics of golf balls. The dimpled surfaces reduce airflow turbulence at the ends of the port, reducing chuffing noise and dynamic compression at higher listening levels. The internal construction follows the Matrix™ philosophy , an internal truss architecture that stiffens the cabinet and reduces parasitic resonances without weighing down the panel.

Which bookshelf speakers should you choose for a hi-fi and home theater system in a medium-sized room? The Nautilus 805 meets this requirement with its integrated magnetic shielding , making it compatible with home theater installations even near CRT screens and projectors that are sensitive to magnetic fields. The frequency response extends from 56Hz to 20kHz with a tolerance of ±2dB, sensitivity is 88dB, and the nominal impedance is 8 ohms (minimum 4,6 ohms), compatible with the vast majority of integrated amplifiers on the market. Optional dedicated stands are available to optimize placement and listening height.

Specifications

Diffuser type	passive
Sensitivity	88 dB
Nominal impedance	8 ohm
Frequency response	56Hz - 20kHz (± 2dB)
Route configuration	2
Cabinet type	bass reflex
Tweet	Aluminum dome, 25mm
Woofer	Braided Kevlar® cone, 165mm
Maximum manageable power	50W – 120W into 8Ω
Cabinet material	Wood (veneer)
Dimensions (WxHxD)	238 x 415 x 344 mm
Trim	Black Ash, Cherrywood, Red Stained Cherrywood
country of origin	UK

About the brand

Bowers & Wilkins is the British brand that for decades has represented excellence in the design of loudspeakers and hi-fi systems for audiophiles and professionals. The models in the catalog, from the 800 series to the compact lines, cover listening needs ranging from dedicated bedroom reproduction to living room integration, always ensuring precise tonal reproduction and controlled dynamics.

To choose the most suitable Bowers & Wilkins speaker, consider the space available (compact models like the 705 S2 are suitable for medium-sized rooms, while the 803S and 805D require more generous spaces), the available amplification and the predominant musical genre. Audiocostruzioni We carry the entire B&W range along with over 70 other hi-fi brands: you can listen to the speakers in our listening room in Carpi, receive technical advice on matching them to your system, and choose from new, guaranteed used, and ex-demo products.

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