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Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4vsCanton Reference 1
The Canton Reference 1 stands 133.0 cm tall — about 10.9 cm more than the Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 at 122.1 cm. On footprint the Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 is the wider cabinet (41.9 cm versus 36.7 cm). At 90 dB against 88 dB, the Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 is the easier load to drive and plays louder from the same amplifier. The Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 reaches deeper in the bass, down to 15 Hz versus 18 Hz. Low frequencies come from a 250 mm cone on the Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 and a 219 mm cone on the Canton Reference 1. On price, the Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 sits higher — about $35,000 a pair against $25,000 for the Canton Reference 1.
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Bowers & Wilkins | Canton |
| Model | 801 D4 D4 | Reference 1 |
| HiFi ladder position | #216 of 281 floorstander | #244 of 281 floorstander |
| Height | 48.1 in | 52.4 in |
| Width | 16.5 in | 14.4 in |
| Depth | 23.6 in | 24.8 in |
| Weight | 221.8 lb | 178.6 lb |
| Enclosure | bass-reflex-down | bass-reflex-down |
| Drivers | 1× 1 in tweeter (diamond dome), 1× 5.9 in midrange (Continuum cone with FST surround), 2× 9.8 in woofer (Aerofoil cone) | 1× 1 in tweeter (aluminium-oxide ceramic dome), 1× 6.9 in midrange (Black Ceramic Tungsten cone), 3× 8.6 in woofer (Black Ceramic Tungsten cone) |
| Frequency — low | 15 Hz | 18 Hz |
| Frequency — high | 28000 Hz | 40000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB | 88 dB |
| Impedance | 8 Ω | 4 Ω |
| Recommended amp | 50–1000 W | — |
| MAP (USD) | $35,000 / pair | $25,000 / pair |
| Where to buy | Check availability ↗ | Check availability ↗ |
| Brand website | bowerswilkins.com ↗ | canton.de ↗ |
| Product page | Open product page ↗ | Open product page ↗ |
Larger value highlighted in green. For low-frequency extension, lower Hz = greater bass reach, so the deeper side is highlighted.

