The 802D uses the same midrange and tweeter layout as the larger 800D and 801D, but its twin 200mm (8 in) bass drivers are housed in a narrower and more compact cabinet, making it ideal for those listeners that value the detail and imaging of the larger systems, but prefer a smaller aspect.

Despite its smaller volume and footprint, the 802D actually yields surprisingly little to its larger brethren in terms of bass extension and there is ample output capability for the majority of applications.

Although the styling is clearly based on its predecessor, the Nautilus™802, it has been revised and enhanced by changes to the plinth, the underside of the cabinet and the way the tweeter sits on the midrange enclosure. For those who prefer to operate the speaker with the grille in place, its curving profile detail lifts the whole look of the cabinet.

B&W first started using Kevlar® as a cone material in 1976, with the introduction of the DM6 speaker. Kevlar® is a synthetic aramid fibre, manufactured by DuPont, and probably best known for its use in bulletproof vests. Indeed, those same mechanical properties of strength and the ability to dissipate the energy of a bullet also have benefits for speaker cones.

Technical Specifications : 802D

Description: 3-way vented-box system
Dimensions Height: 1135mm (44.7in) (not including feet)
Width: 368mm (14.5in)
Depth: 563mm (22.2in)
Net Weight 80kg (176 lb)
Freq. Response 34Hz - 28kHz ±3dB on reference axis
Freq. Range -6dB at 27Hz and 33kHz
Sensitivity 90dB spl (2.83V, 1m)
Normal Impedance 8ohms (minimum 3.5 ohms)
Power Handling 50W - 500W into 8 ohms on unclipped programme
Drive Units Unit 1: 1x 25mm (1 in) diamond dome high-frequency
Unit 2: 1x 150mm (6 in) woven Kevlar® cone FST midrange
Unit 3: 2x 200mm (8 in) Rohacell® cone bass
Finish Cabinet: Real wood veneers of Cherrywood, Rosenut or Black Ash
Grille: Black cloth
Dispersion Description: Within 2dB of reference response
Horizontal: over 60º arc
Vertical: over 10º arc
Harmonic Distortion 2nd and 3rd harmonics (90dB, 1m) <1% 40Hz - 100kHz
<0.5% 70Hz - 100kHz
Crossover Frequency 350Hz, 4kHz
Max. Recommended Cable Impedance 0.1 ohms