After 45 years of musical collaboration, Bowers & Wilkins and Abbey Road Studios have decided to celebrate.
The audio giant and the iconic recording studio have teamed up on a pair of exclusive loudspeakers based on B&W’s 801 D4 Signature. The 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition lives up to its moniker as only 140 pairs will be available worldwide.
The design of the new speakers pay homage to Abbey Road Studios’ Studio 2. The pair both feature a bespoke red leather by Connolly trim, which matches rather well with the features of the recording space; the duo is also hand-finished in vintage walnut, inspired by the various instruments that have graced the studio throughout the decades. Each loudspeaker comes with a unique plate on its rear panel, denoting that it is one of those 140 pairs. And, as a cherry on top, the pair is accompanied by a special book, which shares the history of both storied companies.
The speakers’ coloring is an homage to Studio 2.
Bowers & Wilkins
After all, Bowers & Wilkins and Abbey Road Studios have been a duo for quite some time. The partnership started back in 1980, when the audio brand’s founder, John Bowers, stopped by Abbey Roads Studio to show off his new speaker, the 801. Designed to be the ultimate loudspeaker for hi-fi enthusiasts, it was also made to be incredible accurate in the studio. Abbey Roads Studio quickly became the first in the world to use the 801; since then, six generations of B&W 800 creations have been put to use by the team at Abbey Road. The recording hot spot, famously known for its work with the Beatles, has also crafted music for the Harry Potter, Black Panther, and Barbie films, as well as Lady Gaga’s Born This Way album.
“Abbey Road’s relationship with Bowers & Wilkins is a decades-long celebration of sound and technology,” Jeremy Huffelmann, Abbey Road’s general manager, said in a statement. “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.”
The 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition, retailing for $70,000, is already sold out, so you’ll have to find the pair on the secondary market. But if you’d like to experience other audio offerings, Bowers and Wilkins has plenty up for grabs on its website.
