Bowers & Wilkins and Abbey Road Studios have announced the release of the 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition, a tribute to one of the most enduring partnerships in British recording history. This special-edition loudspeaker, based on the acclaimed 801 D4 Signature, is being offered in a strictly limited run of just 140 pairs worldwide. Each unit pays homage to the legendary legacy of Abbey Road Studios and the role Bowers & Wilkins has played in helping shape the sound of countless recordings made within its walls.
This collaboration commemorates the 45-year relationship between two iconic names in sound, with each speaker meticulously crafted to embody both reference-quality audio performance and aesthetic details inspired by Abbey Road’s iconic studio spaces and instruments. Designed to bring the spirit of the world’s most famous recording studio into homes, the 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition is a collector’s piece that blends technological innovation, historical resonance, and sonic precision.
A Tribute to the Home of Music Making
Since opening its doors in 1931, Abbey Road Studios has been the birthplace of musical revolutions. Renowned for its pioneering spirit, the studio was instrumental in breakthroughs such as stereo sound, Artificial Double Tracking (ADT), and numerous recording techniques that have become industry standards.
The studio has hosted some of the most influential musicians and engineers of the past century, serving as both a creative haven and a testing ground for innovations in music production.
The design of the 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition draws heavily from this legacy. The cabinet is finished in Vintage Walnut, echoing the warm tones of the studio’s interiors and classic instruments used across generations of recordings. The speakers are trimmed with bespoke red leather from Connolly, referencing both the unique look of Abbey Road’s Studio Two control room and the red leather chairs used by countless performers over the decades.
Engineered for Sonic Purity
Since its founding in Worthing, UK, in 1966, Bowers & Wilkins has stood for uncompromising sound quality. Company founder John Bowers believed that a loudspeaker should deliver sound as transparently as possible, what he called “True Sound”, like a flawless pane of glass through which the listener hears every nuance exactly as the artist intended.
This philosophy led Bowers to design the original 801 loudspeaker, which he showcased to Abbey Road engineers in 1980. Developed to serve both professional studios and the most discerning home audiophiles, the 801 was immediately embraced by the Abbey Road team. It became their monitor of choice, marking the beginning of a partnership that would span six generations of Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series speakers.
Celebrating a Sonic Legacy
The 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition builds upon the legacy of the 801 D4 Signature, Bowers & Wilkins’ current flagship model. The new limited edition retains all of the audio engineering excellence that defines the D4 Signature while elevating the visual and emotional appeal with a design steeped in musical heritage.
In addition to its unique finish and trim, each pair of loudspeakers includes a custom identification plate mounted on the rear panel, emphasising its exclusivity as one of just 140 pairs. Buyers will also receive a specially commissioned book chronicling the deep and rich history shared by Abbey Road Studios and Bowers & Wilkins.
This collector’s volume features never-before-published photographs and stories from behind the scenes, offering an intimate look at the partnership that has shaped modern music.
Voices Behind the Collaboration
Giles Pocock, Vice-President of Brand Marketing at Bowers & Wilkins, expressed his enthusiasm about the launch: “I couldn’t be more thrilled to bring this story to the market. We’re immensely proud of our partnership with our friends at Abbey Road, and we think the 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition is the perfect way to celebrate that.”
Jeremy Huffelmann, General Manager at Abbey Road Studios, echoed the sentiment: “Abbey Road’s relationship with Bowers & Wilkins is a decades-long celebration of sound and technology. I’m delighted we have collaborated to create the 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition together, honouring our shared history with an outstanding representation of the values, heritage and credibility of both our brands.”
The Ultimate Expression of Sound and Craftsmanship
Available in July 2025 at a retail price of £55,000 | €60,000 | $70,000, the 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition is far more than a premium loudspeaker.
It’s a monument to music history, British craftsmanship, and the relentless pursuit of audio perfection.
For collectors, audiophiles, and music lovers alike, it represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of the recording legacy. Built not just to be heard, but to be treasured.
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