At Audio Advice Live 2026, Kevin Zarow talks about the gear in this room at the show, which includes Bowers & Wilkins' 801 D5 floorstanding loudspeakers, in an interview with Ken Micallef that's now posted on our YouTube channel.
Unlike every other system featuring expensive speakers—some flagship pairs among them— Bowers & Wilkins' new 801 D5 floorstanders, which I heard in this room at Audio Advice Live 2026, surprised not just for their sonic bells and whistles, but for their ability to get out of the way and just let the music play.
Yes, the 801 D5s had a definable sonic personality: seamless coherence, mayonnaise-creamy treble, even creamier mids, and more than ample bass. What impressed me the most was the way they simply played the music, warts and all.
Seventies recordings, like Joni Mitchell's 1974 benchmark Asylum LP Court and Spark, retained their period flatness and carved-in-space imaging. And the title track to Steely Dan's 1980 MCA swansong Gaucho was practically airless, profoundly palpable, crisp—and whole.
Meanwhile, a big-band track propelled by guitarist Freddie Green's insistent strumming came through with guts and grandeur. And though the big B&W rig played a touch rolled off on top, the sum total of lushness, sweetness, and bass warmth added up to a grandly winning sound.
Equipment list: Digital source: Marantz Link 10n network audio player ($14,000). Integrated amplifier: Marantz Model 10 ($15,000 each). Speakers: Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5 ($65,000/pair). Power conditioner: AudioQuest Niagara 5000 ($6900). Cables and interconnects: AudioQuest cables; BassZilla speaker cables ($17,900/10ft pair); FireBird XTRM speaker cables ($20,900/ 10ft pair); Black Beauty XLR interconnects ($1470/1.5m pair); Hurricane C13 power cables ($2995/2m); FireBird C19 power cable ($9600/3m).
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