Bowers & Wilkins and Abbey Road Studios are commemorating their 45-year collaboration with the launch of the 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition loudspeaker, a stunning tribute to one of the most influential partnerships in British music recording history. Limited to just 140 pairs worldwide, this exclusive, reference-quality speaker, based on the acclaimed 801 D4 Signature, celebrates the shared legacy of audio excellence and innovation between two iconic brands.
A Historic Collaboration
Since 1980, Bowers & Wilkins and Abbey Road Studios have worked hand-in-hand to redefine audio precision. The partnership began when John Bowers, founder of Bowers & Wilkins, visited Abbey Road to demonstrate his groundbreaking 801 loudspeaker. Designed for both discerning audiophiles and professional studio use, the 801 was immediately adopted as the preferred monitor by Abbey Road’s engineers, making the studio the first to use it full-time. Over the past 45 years, six generations of Bowers & Wilkins’ 800 Series loudspeakers have served as the trusted reference monitors in Abbey Road’s control rooms, shaping the sound of countless iconic recordings.
Abbey Road, opened in 1931 as the world’s first purpose-built recording studio, has been a cornerstone of music history, hosting legendary artists and pioneering technologies like Alan Blumlein’s 1934 stereo recording in Studio Two. Bowers & Wilkins, founded in 1966, has pursued “True Sound”—a philosophy of delivering audio that remains faithful to the original recording, uncolored and precise. Together, these institutions have set the standard for high-fidelity sound, blending cutting-edge engineering with a deep respect for musical heritage.
The 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition: A Masterpiece of Design and Sound
The 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition elevates the 801 D4 Signature, Bowers & Wilkins’ flagship loudspeaker, with a design that pays homage to Abbey Road’s storied spaces. Each pair features a Vintage Walnut cabinet, inspired by the studio’s iconic interiors and the historic instruments that have defined its sound. A striking red Connolly leather finish nods to the aesthetic of Studio Two’s control room and the red leather chairs used by generations of artists. A rear panel plaque marks each pair as one of only 140 produced, and buyers receive a bespoke book detailing the rich history of both brands, complete with previously unpublished photos.
We’re immensely proud of our collaboration with Abbey Road, and the 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition is the perfect way to celebrate it, said Giles Pocock, Vice-President of Brand Marketing at Bowers & Wilkins.
Jeremy Huffelmann, General Manager of Abbey Road, added, This partnership has always been about exceptional sound and technology. The 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition beautifully represents our shared values, heritage, and credibility.
Priced at €60,000 per pair, the 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition is a testament to unparalleled engineering and timeless craftsmanship. With only 15 pairs allocated for Japan and a global run of 140, these speakers are a rare opportunity for collectors and audiophiles to own a piece of music history.
A Legacy of Innovation
The collaboration between Bowers & Wilkins and Abbey Road extends beyond the studio, influencing consumer and automotive audio. Since 2018, Bowers & Wilkins has been Abbey Road’s official speaker and headphone partner, with the 800 Series Diamond D3 loudspeakers installed across its studios. Recent ventures include the Abbey Road Studios Mode, introduced in 2025 for Bowers & Wilkins audio systems in the Polestar 3 and Volvo EX90, bringing the studio’s sonic signature to in-car listening.
Availability
The 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition is available for order now, with deliveries expected to begin in August 2025.
