In a celebration of one of the most iconic collaborations in music and audio history, Bowers & Wilkins has unveiled the 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition loudspeaker. The limited release marks 45 years of partnership between the renowned British audio brand and the legendary Abbey Road Studios.
This rare edition is based on Bowers & Wilkins’ flagship 801 D4 Signature – already hailed as one of the most advanced and powerful loudspeakers available. Now, it’s reimagined with design cues that pay tribute to the rich history of Abbey Road’s Studio Two, perhaps the most famous recording space in the world.
The speaker’s cabinet features a vintage walnut veneer inspired by the studio’s historic interiors and instruments, while its deep red Connolly leather trim nods to the distinctive chairs that have hosted generations of groundbreaking artists. From The Beatles and Pink Floyd to Adele and Radiohead, Abbey Road Studios has shaped the sound of popular music for nearly a century – and this speaker brings a piece of that legacy into the home, for a lucky few.
Limited to just 140 pairs worldwide, each speaker includes a bespoke rear plate that identifies its exclusivity, along with a custom-designed book chronicling the decades-long partnership between the two British institutions. The book features never-before-seen photographs and archival material, offering an intimate look at their shared pursuit of audio perfection.
The story of the 801 loudspeaker dates back to 1980, when Bowers & Wilkins founder John Bowers personally presented the original model to Abbey Road’s engineers. It was described as “a new generation of loudspeakers,” engineered for both hi-fi enthusiasts and professional sound technicians. Abbey Road quickly adopted it as their reference monitor of choice – a decision that sparked an enduring relationship spanning six generations of the 800 Series.
“Abbey Road’s relationship with Bowers & Wilkins is a decades-long celebration of sound and technology,” said Jeremy Huffelmann, General Manager of Abbey Road Studios. “I’m delighted we have collaborated to create the 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition together, honoring our shared history with an outstanding representation of the values, heritage, and credibility of both our brands.”
As a limited edition version of one of the most impressive designs out there, it won’t be easy to get your hands on an 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition loudspeaker. You’ll need to part with $70,000 for a pair, and there are only 140 sets being made.
You can learn more about the Bowers & Wilkins 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition speakers at bowerswilkins.com.
Photography courtesy of Bowers & Wilkins and Abbey Road Studios.
