Bowers & Wilkins flagship D5 loudspeakers are the “ultimate embodiment” of its True Sound philosophy


At High-End Vienna, Bowers & Wilkins took the wraps off its flagship 800 Series loudspeakers, which it says are its most “advanced” loudspeakers yet.

The new D5 range marks the fifth generation of Bowers’ 800 series, and its first major loudspeaker launch after Sound United was acquired by Harman.

The new 800 Series Diamond range is made up of seven models, which are:

  • Two-way 805 D5 stand-mount
  • Three-way 804 D5, 805 D5, 802 D5, 801 D5 floorstanders
  • HTM81 D5 and HTM82 D5 centre channels for home theatre use

Bowers & Wilkins describes the new 800 Series Diamond as fusing “acoustic and mechanical excellence with elegant and meaningful design”. The design has been optimised with a new top plate, spine,and plinth, as well as revised drive unit, pods, tweeter body, trim rings and grilles.

All of these design changes are complemented by new finishes, including an all-new dark walnut finish that replaces the option of the satin rosenut in the D5 range, and was inspired by the limited production 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition. Other options include stealth black and warm white.

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Acoustic changes are significant. The Space Frame Bracing stiffens the enclosure to reduce unwanted vibration and resonance within the cabinet. All floorstanding models feature a revised aluminium plinth that aims to improve performance to resist unwanted vibration.

Bowers Wilkins 801 D5 Aluminium Top Plate
Image Credit (Bowers & Wilkins)

The aluminium top plate features thicker aluminium ribbing sections for “greater stiffness” and more mechanical location points to optimise “coupling to the top of the enclosure and revised decoupling mounts to support the Turbine Head or Solid-Body-Tweeter assembly,” improving the mechanical behaviour at the top of each cabinet.

The grille meshes for the Diamond Dome tweeters have designed to be more acoustically transparent, improving off-axis performance and upping the resolution of the sound. Every midrange, bass/midrange and bass drive unit has been given an upgraded with the introduction of lower distortion motor systems for a cleaner, more accurate sound, with better “resolution, transient response and dynamics.”

All the stereo models in the range feature a crossover assembly that’s housed on an all-aluminium plate construction, rigidly coupled into the cabinet and Space Frame Bracing, increasing the stiffness of the cabinet.

Pricing for the new 800 Series Diamond is as follows. Be sure to check you bank account first.

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  • 801 D5 | £43,000 / $65,000 / €50,000
  • 802 D5 | £32,500 / $45,000 / €37,000
  • 803 D5 | £25,500 / $35,000 / €30,000
  • 804 D5 | £16,000 / $25,000 / €18,000
  • 805 D5 | £10,000 / $15,000 / €12,000
  • HTM81 D5 | £10,000 / $15,000 / €12,000
  • HTM82 D5 | £8,000 / $12,000 / €10,000
  • FS-805 D5 | £1,600 / $2,000 / €1,800
  • FS-HTM D5 | £1,100 / $1,500 / €1,300

You’ll have to wait a while until you can hear the new series, with availability starting September 9th. If you are at High End Vienna, you’ll be able to at least see them there.



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2026 has shaped up to be a big year for Milwaukee, and the company shows no signs of slowing down as it expands its product line. For example, it has announced that some solid new Milwaukee hand tools and organizers will be arriving throughout the summer, but that’s not all. At the end of the day, you need somewhere to put all of this stuff, and while the Milwaukee Packout storage system is deep and varied as is, the company will expand the line in the summer months.

More methods for organizing your tools are on the way, too, with the Milwaukee Packout line set to introduce some new entries this summer. They vary in size, purpose, and price point, but they’re all compatible with the wider Packout line. That means they can connect to each other, making transportation easier. In some cases, they’ll be able to help keep tools and other items secure and organized while on the move. Additionally, all of these new Packout products are covered by Milwaukee’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

So, what new products does Milwaukee have to offer from its Packout line this summer? Here are the drops you can look forward to throughout June and July 2026.

Milwaukee compact crate

Sometimes, a massive Packout crate isn’t a necessity, which is why the line has its share of smaller options. Yet another will be coming to the Milwaukee catalog in the form of the Milwaukee Packout compact crate, which is set for a June 2026 release and will cost $39.97. It has a 30-pound weight capacity, comes in at 8.75 inches tall, 9.5 inches wide, 15.5 inches long, and 3.75 pounds, and includes two removable dividers to create up to three sections within the crate. The dividers can also be customized by cutting them to size along the pre-made score lines.

This compact crate features a wide front opening for easy access to its contents while on the job, as well as a metal top handle to carry it around on its own. Should you want to add it to your current Packout stack, you can use the connection points at the top and bottom of the crate. Speaking of durability, Milwaukee notes that it has an impact-resistant body along with weep holes to prevent water collection. At the same time, there is some nuance regarding the waterproof nature of Milwaukee Packout products, so keep that in mind before letting this crate get soaked.

Milwaukee Packout low-profile crate

A shorter but equally mighty Milwaukee Packout container is also on its way to customers this summer. The Milwaukee Packout low-profile crate is the shortest of the new releases at just 6.625 inches tall, though it makes up for what it lacks in height with a 15-inch length and an 18.625-inch width. Even though it’s slightly heavier than the compact crate at 4.85 pounds, it wins out in weight capacity with a 50-pound limit. It will be released in June 2026 and will cost $44.97.

For added modularity, the low-profile crate includes three different divider types: eight short, two long, and one for the middle of the container. When combined, they form up to 12 individual sections for tool and accessory organization. In terms of connecting to other Packout containers, it can do so from the top and bottom. Alternatively, built-in side handles are integrated into the design to make it easier to carry the crate on its own. The crate has weep holes for water drainage and an impact-resistant body.

Milwaukee Packout XL crate

Moving on to one of the larger upcoming Milwaukee Packout releases — even if it ultimately lands somewhere in the middle of the smallest and largest Packout containers for sale — there’s the aptly-named Milwaukee Packout XL crate. This release will hit shelves in June 2026 and comes with a $69.97 price tag. The 8.03-pound crate can take on some serious tools with its 75-pound weight capacity. It measures 15 inches tall, 15.75 inches long, and 18.625 inches wide. Despite its size, it can be hung up on a wall like most other Packout containers.

While some may hang this crate in their workshop, many will use it as part of their mobile Packout stack. You can connect it to your existing setup via the top and bottom connection points. It can also be used with Milwaukee toolbox attachments to hold smaller tools and batteries with connection points on the sides. Alternatively, you can move the crate around using its built-in side handles. It’s advertised as having an impact-resistant body along with anti-water collection weep holes. Suffice to say, there’s more to this seemingly simple crate than initially meets the eye.

Milwaukee Packout Wire Pulling XL Crate

For the most part, the Milwaukee Packout line is so popular because of its versatility. While most entries can be used for just about anything, there are those that come with a specialized function. Case in point, the forthcoming Milwaukee Packout Wire Pulling XL crate, which is designed for dispensing wire. This involves inserting and locking in spools of the user’s needed material, threading the wire through the wire retention slots, and using the fold-down panel to keep the end of the wire from rolling back into the box.

Overall, this crate has the same dimensions and weight capacity as the previously covered Packout XL crate, though it is the heavier of the two at 9.85 pounds. It can accommodate up to six spools, can be stacked onto other Packout containers or hung up, and has an impact-resistant body. This is the most expensive of the new Packout releases at a hefty $119.97, and it’s set to release during July 2026. Alongside the best Milwaukee power tools for electrical work, this crate seems like a vital piece for any Milwaukee-enthusiast electrician’s kit.

New Milwaukee Packout inserts are coming, too

That’s it for the new Milwaukee Packout containers set to debut this summer, but there are more new releases yet to cover. To pair with some of these containers and improve their levels of organization and function, come two new insert sets. First is the divider for the Milwaukee Packout XL crate, which splits the container into two sections. It simply slides down the middle of the crate and fits snugly into place, while retaining its ability to connect with smaller Packout attachments. It will be released in July 2026 for $29.97.

Alongside the Packout XL crate divider is the set of Packout wire pulling inserts for the XL crate. You’ll need these if you end up buying an XL crate and later want to use it as a wire-pulling crate. These inserts allow you to convert it instead of having to buy a new designated wire pulling crate. They attach to two of the inner sides of the crate via T-25 screws and include wire puller guards as well. The Milwaukee product listing says these inserts are meant for 1/2-inch EMT conduit. This insert set also comes out in July and will cost $49.97. 





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