Magico S3 2023 vs Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4
The Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 vs Magico S3 2023 pits two reference-grade Dynamic Passive Floorstanding Speakers against each other, both three-way designs praised by reviewers as "giant-killers" at the top of the high-end market. The 801 D4 is a vented-box design with a 25mm Diamond dome tweeter, 150mm Continuum cone FST midrange and twin 250mm Aerofoil bass units, rated at 90dB sensitivity and 8Ω. The S3 2023 uses a sealed aluminum enclosure with a diamond-coated beryllium dome, 5-inch midrange and dual 9-inch bass drivers, rated at 88dB and a demanding 4Ω load. Both deliver deep, controlled bass, expansive imaging and effortless dynamics, but demand powerful, high-quality amplification, careful room placement and generous space. This comparison helps weigh ported versus sealed bass, amplifier matching and transparency against the pair's weight and system requirements.
Quick Take
Best for Larger Rooms
Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4
Twin 250mm Aerofoil bass units and effortless concert-level dynamics let the 801 D4 energize large spaces, with HiFi News noting room-energising low end without strain.
Best Full-Range Sound
Magico S3 2023
The S3 2023 scores 97 for sound quality, pairing in-room bass reaching 20Hz with airy, extended treble and exceptional transparency across the range.
Best Bass Without Sub
Magico S3 2023
Reviewers reported the sealed dual-9-inch system delivering authoritative, gut-puncher bass with in-room output reaching an astonishing 20Hz.
Best Main System Speaker
Magico S3 2023
With the higher overall review score of 96.25 and reference-grade transparency, dynamics and imaging, the S3 2023 is the standout anchor for a carefully matched high-end system.
Watt'n Potatoes Analysis
Magico S3 2023
96/100
Deliciously Crispy
Reviewer Summary
The Magico S3 2023 couples rock-solid bass with wall-to-wall imaging, delivering richly colored tone
Read MoreScore Breakdown
Sound Quality
97
Build Quality
96
Value for Money
94
Pros & Cons
Pros
Deep, tightly controlled bass combines exceptional extension with powerful dynamic impact.
Expansive, dimensional soundstaging remains impressively stable even for off-axis listeners.
Low-distortion, highly resolving presentation retains composure and nuance at high levels.
Cons
Its extreme transparency can expose weaknesses in upstream electronics and poor or compressed recordings.
Careful room placement and toe-in are important to optimize bass performance from the sealed enclosure.
Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4
95/100
Deliciously Crispy
Reviewer Summary
The 801 D4 unleashes deep, controlled bass, explosive dynamics and a remarkably three-dimensional so
Read MoreScore Breakdown
Sound Quality
96
Build Quality
97
Value for Money
91
Pros & Cons
Pros
Deep, fast and exceptionally controlled bass combines serious impact with tonal nuance.
Expansive, sharply focused imaging places performers precisely within a large, dimensional stage.
Effortless dynamic range remains clean and composed from delicate passages to concert-level volume.
Exceptional cabinet construction, finish and luxury detailing match its reference-level performance.
Cons
Needs powerful, high-quality amplification and careful system matching to reach its full potential.
Its 100kg-per-speaker mass and need for generous room space make installation demanding.
Final Verdict
Choose Magico S3 2023 if you want:
You prioritize the highest reviewed sound quality, with a 96.25 overall score and effortless, low-distortion transparency.
You want sealed-box bass that reviewers measured reaching an astonishing 20Hz in-room with gut-puncher impact.
You listen off-axis or share the room, as the S3 keeps imaging and tonal balance stable away from the sweet spot.
You have well-recorded material and high-end electronics that can reward its candid, revealing presentation.
You prefer airy, extended treble combined with smoothness free of sibilance and glare.
Choose Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 if you want:
You have a large room and want twin 250mm Aerofoil bass drivers for deep, controlled, room-energising low frequencies.
Its 90dB sensitivity and 8Ω load (minimum 3.0Ω) make amplifier matching somewhat easier than a 4Ω design.
You value a slightly sweeter, more natural diamond-tweeter treble that SoundStage Solo found better integrated than the prior generation.
You want reference-level build with luxurious Connolly leather detailing and an extensively braced Matrix cabinet.
You play orchestral, rock and live material that benefits from effortless large-scale dynamics.