Bowers & Wilkins Unveils 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition Loudspeaker to Celebrate Iconic Partnership

Experience the pinnacle of sound engineering with the 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition loudspeaker, honoring 45 years of audio excellence.

A Legendary Partnership Born in Sound

Since 1931, Abbey Road Studios has been a monumental force in shaping popular music. This renowned studio has nurtured countless artists and composers, inspiring groundbreaking creations that have defined musical eras. Behind the scenes, Abbey Road’s engineering team has revolutionized how music is recorded and heard, pioneering innovations like stereo sound and Artificial Double Tracking (ADT), which have become cornerstones of modern music production.

Abbey Road’s iconic spaces and rich history serve as a constant muse for artists worldwide, making it the perfect partner for a celebration of sonic craftsmanship.

Bowers & Wilkins: A Legacy of True Sound

Founded in 1966 in Worthing, UK, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) has long been synonymous with high-performance audio. The company’s founder, John Bowers, was driven by a singular vision: a high-fidelity loudspeaker should deliver sound as flawlessly as a clear pane of glass reveals an image. This concept, known as “True Sound,” remains at the heart of B&W’s design philosophy nearly six decades later.

“A high-fidelity loudspeaker should be to the ear what a flawless pane of glass is to the eye; allowing the clear passage of a sensory image, uncorrupted and faithful in every nuance to the original.” – John Bowers

The Start of a Sound Revolution at Abbey Road

In 1980, John Bowers personally demonstrated his revolutionary 801 loudspeaker at Abbey Road Studios. This speaker was designed as a new generation product aimed at both discerning audiophiles and professional studio engineers. The studio’s team instantly recognized its unparalleled accuracy and made it their go-to monitor—the very first studio in the world to adopt the 801 full-time.

This moment marked the beginning of a remarkable 45-year relationship, during which six generations of Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series loudspeakers have been integral to Abbey Road’s control rooms, helping to craft countless iconic recordings.

Introducing the 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition

The newest jewel in this storied collaboration is the 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition—a tribute to 45 years of partnership and sonic excellence. This special edition takes B&W’s flagship 801 D4 Signature loudspeaker and transforms it into a masterpiece honoring Abbey Road Studios’ legacy.

Timeless Design Inspired by Iconic Studios

• Vintage Walnut Cabinet: Inspired by Abbey Road’s classic interiors and the legendary instruments that have graced its rooms.
• Custom Red Leather Trim: Crafted by Connolly, this trim echoes the style of Studio Two’s control room—the world’s most famous studio space—and the red leather chairs that have welcomed generations of music legends.
• Limited Edition Plaque: A unique plate on the rear panel marks this model as one of only 140 pairs produced worldwide.
• Commemorative Book: Owners receive a specially commissioned book filled with exclusive photography and stories detailing the rich history between B&W and Abbey Road.

“It’s a thrilling moment to bring this story to the market. We're immensely proud of our partnership with Abbey Road, and the 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition is the perfect celebration of that legacy,” said Giles Pocock, Vice-President of Brand Marketing at Bowers & Wilkins.

Jeremy Huffelmann, General Manager at Abbey Road Studios, added, “Our relationship with Bowers & Wilkins is a decades-long celebration of sound and technology. This collaboration honors our shared values, heritage, and credibility with an outstanding loudspeaker.”

An Investment in Sound History

The 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition is now available for purchase at approximately $70,000 (55,000 GBP / 60,000 EUR). This loudspeaker stands as a testament to British engineering excellence, audio innovation, and timeless craftsmanship—a fitting homage to one of the most influential collaborations in music history.

Why Choose the 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition?

• 45 years of collaborative expertise between two iconic sound pioneers.
• Precision sound tailored for both audiophiles and professionals.
• Exclusive design elements that reflect Abbey Road’s legendary atmosphere.
• Only 140 pairs worldwide, ensuring rarity and collector value.
• Comes with a luxurious historical book celebrating the partnership.

Do you think a loudspeaker can truly capture the spirit of a legendary studio? How important is design heritage when investing in high-end audio equipment?

Frequently Asked Questions

• What makes the 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition so special?
  It combines state-of-the-art audio technology with unique design cues inspired by Abbey Road Studios, celebrating 45 years of partnership and sound innovation.
• How many pairs of the 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition are available?
  Only 140 pairs have been produced worldwide, making it a highly exclusive collector’s item.
• What materials are used in the design of this loudspeaker?
  The cabinet features vintage walnut wood and bespoke red leather trim by Connolly, inspired by Abbey Road’s iconic studio interiors.
• Can this speaker be used for professional studio monitoring?
  Absolutely, the 801 was originally developed for professional studio use and continues to offer exceptional accuracy for critical listening.
• Is the 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition available for immediate purchase?
  Yes, it is available to order now at a price of about $70,000 USD.

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