In a celebration of one of the iconic collaborations in music and audio historical past, Bowers & Wilkins has unveiled the 801 Abbey Street Restricted Version loudspeaker. The restricted launch marks 45 years of partnership between the famend British audio model and the legendary Abbey Street Studios.
This uncommon version relies on Bowers & Wilkins’ flagship 801 D4 Signature – already hailed as one of the superior and highly effective loudspeakers accessible. Now, it’s reimagined with design cues that pay tribute to the wealthy historical past of Abbey Street’s Studio Two, maybe essentially the most well-known recording house on the earth.
The speaker’s cupboard incorporates a classic walnut veneer impressed by the studio’s historic interiors and devices, whereas its deep pink Connolly leather-based trim nods to the distinctive chairs which have hosted generations of groundbreaking artists. From The Beatles and Pink Floyd to Adele and Radiohead, Abbey Street Studios has formed the sound of standard music for almost a century – and this speaker brings a chunk of that legacy into the house, for a fortunate few.
Restricted to only 140 pairs worldwide, every speaker features a bespoke rear plate that identifies its exclusivity, together with a custom-designed ebook chronicling the decades-long partnership between the 2 British establishments. The ebook options never-before-seen images and archival materials, providing an intimate take a look at their shared pursuit of audio perfection.
The story of the 801 loudspeaker dates again to 1980, when Bowers & Wilkins founder John Bowers personally offered the unique mannequin to Abbey Street’s engineers. It was described as “a brand new era of loudspeakers,” engineered for each hi-fi lovers {and professional} sound technicians. Abbey Street rapidly adopted it as their reference monitor of alternative – a call that sparked a permanent relationship spanning six generations of the 800 Collection.
“Abbey Street’s relationship with Bowers & Wilkins is a decades-long celebration of sound and expertise,” mentioned Jeremy Huffelmann, Normal Supervisor of Abbey Street Studios. “I’m delighted now we have collaborated to create the 801 Abbey Street Restricted Version collectively, honoring our shared historical past with an excellent illustration of the values, heritage, and credibility of each our manufacturers.”
As a restricted version model of one of the spectacular designs on the market, it received’t be simple to get your palms on an 801 Abbey Street Restricted Version loudspeaker. You’ll have to half with $70,000 for a pair, and there are solely 140 units being made.
You possibly can study extra in regards to the Bowers & Wilkins 801 Abbey Street Restricted Version audio system at bowerswilkins.com.
Images courtesy of Bowers & Wilkins and Abbey Street Studios.
