MBL - USA MBL 116 F vs Magico S3 2023 vs Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4
Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 vs Magico S3 2023 vs MBL - USA MBL 116 F sets three very different dynamic passive floorstanding speakers side by side. The B&W 801 D4 is a three-way vented reference with dual 250mm Aerofoil bass units, a diamond tweeter and Continuum midrange, reviewed as deep, controlled and effortlessly dynamic. The Magico S3 2023 is a sealed, aluminium-enclosure three-way using dual 9-inch bass drivers and a diamond-coated beryllium tweeter, praised by reviewers for transparency, tight bass and wall-to-wall imaging. The MBL 116 F is a four-way bass-reflex omnidirectional Radialstrahler with carbon-fibre radial drivers and a lighter 42kg cabinet. All three are high-end designs demanding capable amplification; this comparison helps weigh bass character, room needs and system matching, noting that only the 801 D4 and S3 carry reviewer scores here.
Quick Take
Best for Larger Rooms
Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4
Reviewers describe immense scale and room-energising bass from its dual 250mm drivers, with effortless concert-level dynamics ideal for larger spaces.
Best Full-Range Sound
Magico S3 2023
The S3 2023 earns the highest sound-quality score, praised for coherent, low-distortion full-range presentation from deep bass to airy, extended treble.
Best Bass Without Sub
Magico S3 2023
Dual 9-inch sealed bass drivers reportedly reach in-room output near 20Hz with exceptional control, speed and slam, needing no subwoofer.
Best Main System Speaker
Magico S3 2023
Its top overall review score, reference-grade transparency, huge staging and dynamic headroom make it the strongest centrepiece for a high-end system.
Watt'n Potatoes Analysis
MBL - USA MBL 116 F
88/100
Nicely Roasted
Reviewer Summary
The MBL 116 F delivers a remarkably coherent full-range presentation, blending push-push aluminium b
Read MoreScore Breakdown
Sound Quality
90
Build Quality
83
Value for Money
85
Pros & Cons
Pros
Refined integration between the woofers, mid-woofers, and radial drivers supports a notably coherent four-way presentation.
Carbon-fiber HT37 radial tweeter and MT50 radial midrange bring MBL's 360-degree driver technology to the design.
Professional coverage rates it as a top-tier loudspeaker overall.
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 MBL - USA MBL 116 F if you want:
You want an omnidirectional Radialstrahler design with carbon-fibre radial midrange and tweeter for a different dispersion character.
You prefer a four-way bass-reflex system with dual 8-inch and dual 5-inch aluminium push-push drivers.
You need a comparatively lighter 42kg cabinet that is easier to handle than the ~100kg rivals.
You have high-power amplification available, matching its 340W to 1,800W rating into 4 Ohm.
Choose Magico S3 2023 if you want:
You want the highest-scoring sound quality here, with reference-grade transparency and the speaker 'disappearing' into the music.
You seek deep, tightly controlled sealed-box bass with extension near 20Hz and gut-punching dynamic slam.
You listen to well-recorded material through a carefully matched high-end system, as its candour exposes weak sources.
You value stable, wall-to-wall imaging that holds up even off-axis.
You can accommodate careful placement and toe-in to optimise the sealed enclosure.
Choose Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 if you want:
You want a reference floorstander praised for deep, fast and exceptionally controlled bass with serious impact and tonal nuance.
You value expansive, sharply focused imaging placing performers precisely in a large, dimensional stage.
You have a large room and powerful, high-quality amplification to drive its 100kg, 8Ω (minimum 3.0Ω) design.
You prioritise luxurious cabinet construction and finish, rated among the best by reviewers.