Nautilus 805S

About the Nautilus 805S

The Bowers & Wilkins Nautilus 805S is a refined evolution of the original 805 Nautilus speaker, designed as a compact two-way vented-box system with a stand-mount form factor. It features a 25mm (1") aluminum dome tweeter mounted externally on top of the cabinet with a tapered tube acting as a transmission line to absorb unwanted sound radiation, improving high-frequency clarity. The mid/bass driver is a 165mm (6.5") woven Kevlar cone with a 32mm voice coil and Balanced Drive magnet system to reduce distortion and improve clarity. The crossover frequency is 4kHz with a third-order Butterworth alignment and a bass reflex port with a front-firing Flowport design. The frequency response spans 49Hz to 22kHz ±3dB on axis, with -6dB points at 42Hz and 50kHz. Sensitivity is 88dB/W/m, nominal impedance 8 ohms (minimum 3.7 ohms), and recommended amplifier power is 50 to 120 watts. The cabinet is a curved plywood matrix structure available in Cherrywood, Rosenut, and Black Ash finishes. Dimensions are approximately 418mm high, 238mm wide, and 351mm deep, weighing about 11.5 kg (25 lbs). The 805S was introduced as an upgrade before the 805 Diamond series, with improved crossover and tweeter design for enhanced sound quality. It is no longer in production but remains highly regarded for its neutral, coherent, and full-bodied sound signature.