First released in 1998
Nautilus 801
Visually stunning, the new Nautilus 801's form is governed by its function: the faithful reproduction of music, as intended by the artist, with the clarity, accuracy and dynamic scale required by discerning audiophiles and recording engineers. ● Since its launch the Nautilus 801 has gained rave reviews from composers, musicians, recording professionals and Hi-Fi press alike. Groundbreaking Nautilus™ technology is incorporated into the three-way passive system of bass unit, midrange driver and tweeter. ● By situating each driver in purpose designed enclosures, B&W eliminates back resonance thus delivering unrivalled clarity, accuracy and dynamic scale. The head enclosures are Marlan®, a moulded synthetic, mineral filled resin. It's granite hard, yet still sufficiently manageable to handle the crucially fine tolerances required in manufacturer. The result is an audio experience that is thrilling, absorbing and utterly satisfying. weeter on top: B&W's Tweeter on top technology ensures that the sound remains focused and time-sensitive and that the stereo-image is presented with unparalleled three dimensional accuracy. Kevlar®: B&W developed and patented the method of using Kevlar® for loudspeaker cones to reduce unwanted standing waves. DuPont originally created Kevlar® for use in bulletproof vests. Flowport™: Golf ball aerodynamics theory points the way towards lower distortion reflex ports. Dimples improve the way the air flows over the surface of any object. In the case of reflex ports, they offer a significant improvement over simply flaring the port ends in reducing air flow turbulence at each end of the port; so you get less chuffing noise and less compression at high sound levels. Matrix™: The basic construction of nearly all loudspeakers is exactly the same - panels of wood-based materials, bonded to form a rectangular box. B&W studied and evaluated how each aspect of cabinet behaviour and the efficiency of various materials and construction methods affects sound.