BOWERS & WILKINS NAUTILUS 805

Pre owned. In good condition. The speakers show visible signs of wear, as shown in the photographs. Original packaging is not included.

The Bowers & Wilkins 805 Nautilus is a two-way bookshelf loudspeaker that incorporates many of the technologies developed for the renowned Nautilus 800 Series, delivering reference-level high-fidelity performance in a compact and elegant design. Manufactured in England between 1998 and 2004, it remains one of the most admired creations from the British brand, thanks to its combination of refined engineering, innovative technology, and exceptional sound quality.

The design is focused on achieving a stable and three-dimensional sound image, outstanding tonal transparency, and a remarkably natural dynamic response. Its distinctive aluminum Nautilus tweeter, housed in a separate enclosure mounted on top of the cabinet, enhances imaging precision and high-frequency extension, ensuring detailed and accurate reproduction with minimal coloration.

The 165 mm mid/bass driver features Bowers & Wilkins' renowned woven Kevlar cone technology, providing excellent midrange accuracy and impressive low-frequency articulation. The resulting sound is balanced and engaging, with natural vocals, precisely rendered instruments, and the ability to reveal even the finest musical details.

The cabinet features curved and tapered surfaces designed to minimize resonance and reduce internal standing waves. The Matrix internal bracing structure further increases rigidity, allowing the drivers to perform under optimal conditions. This construction contributes to a clean, controlled sound free from unwanted vibrations.

The Flowport bass reflex system employs a double-flared port with a specially textured surface inspired by the dimples of a golf ball, improving airflow and reducing turbulence. The result is deeper, faster, and more controlled bass performance, delivering impressive impact for a loudspeaker of this size.

The crossover network benefits from carefully selected components, including polypropylene capacitors and high-quality air-core inductors, while robust WBT terminals allow for bi-wiring or bi-amping configurations, offering greater installation flexibility.

In listening sessions, the Nautilus 805 stands out for its exceptional tonal coherence, transparent treble response, and ability to create a spacious and immersive soundstage. Stereo imaging is stable and three-dimensional, with precise instrument placement and a natural presentation that makes music highly engaging. Transient response is fast and controlled, while the bass performance is surprisingly authoritative and extended considering the speaker's compact dimensions.

Thanks to its outstanding build quality, premium finishes, and audiophile-grade performance, the Bowers & Wilkins 805 Nautilus is still regarded today as one of the finest and most sought-after bookshelf loudspeakers in its class, capable of delivering a refined, detailed, and deeply musical listening experience.

Technical Specifications

• Type: 2-way bass reflex bookshelf loudspeaker
• Woofer/Midrange: 1 x 165 mm woven Kevlar cone driver
• Tweeter: 1 x 25 mm aluminum dome tweeter with Tweeter-on-Top technology
• Frequency Response: 42 Hz – 20,000 Hz (±2 dB)
• Nominal Power Handling: 120 W
• Recommended Amplifier Power: 50 – 120 W
• Sensitivity: 88 dB (2.83 V / 1 m)
• Impedance: 8 Ohms; minimum 3.7 Ohms
• Crossover Frequency: 4,000 Hz
• Available Finishes: Black Ash; Cherry; Red Cherry
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 418 x 238 x 351 mm
• Weight: 11.5 kg each