The current new edition of the 800 series represents the most extensive revision of the reference series from Bowers & Wilkins. The combination of diamond tweeters and the new Continuum cones of the midrange drivers achieve a level of sound in these frequency ranges that previously seemed impossible. So it is not surprising that the woofers in the successful loudspeaker series have also been completely redeveloped in order to be able to keep up with the other chassis. The requirement for a bass chassis is actually quite simple - in theory. The cone should be as light as possible and as stiff as possible in order to be able to reproduce bass dynamically and in a controlled manner. In practice, of course, this always means more or less big compromises: a particularly light membrane is usually not particularly stiff, a stable but heavy material consumes too much energy and is not dynamic enough. With the new Aerofoil drivers of the 800 Diamond D3 series, the engineers at B&W have pushed the boundaries in this area a considerable amount. Using elaborate computer simulations, using a new combination of materials and developing new manufacturing methods, they have succeeded in reaching an almost perfect compromise. The trick is actually quite simple once you get it. As with the Rohacell drivers that have been in use since 2003, B&W continues to use a sandwich membrane in the bass area, but with a new mix of materials. Above all, however, the cross-section of the membrane was changed. The Rohacell membranes had a continuous cross-section, so they were of the same thickness everywhere. But to give a membrane the necessary rigidity, it does not have to be equally stable everywhere. It is enough to reinforce it in the places where it is really necessary. And it is precisely this approach that the British developers have followed with the Aerofoil technology and developed a sandwich membrane whose thickness changes continuously over the cross-section. It is stable exactly where it needs to be, but does not waste any material in other places and thus saves weight. The result is a woofer cone that is both lighter and stiffer than the technology previously used. But what sounds so simple here is the result of several years of development. Because the optimal shape of the new Aerofoil membrane could only be determined through complex and highly accurate computer simulations. Together with the improvement of the housing, which has also been carried out, the Aerofoil woofers help the loudspeakers of the 800 Diamond D3 series achieve a calm, precise and, if required, extremely powerful bass reproduction that will set new standards in the premium segment. Further information on the Bowers & Wilkins Series 800 Diamond D3: www.auditorium.de
