B&W matrix 801 s2 still a relavant speaker.


is B&W matrix 801 s2 still a relavant speaker in todays world and worth keeping.
digital3
Don't confuse marketing with design competence. If it's good, it's always going to be just that no matter what it is.
@ Zenblaster: Wow, $1500, that's quite a bargain. That's a lot of speaker for the money. But yeah, an investment in big amps and what have you is necessary.
Yes. I tried to push mine with 200 wpc Levinsons and never really got them going. Perhaps they're the only dynamic speakers that should be plugged into a wall outlet! (Just kidding). BIG, SOLID STATE CURRENT PUMPS are a necessity and proper cabling (don't get anything too "soft") is my opinion.
I drove my pair with a levinson 23.5 amp (200w/ch) with wonderful sound.
the midrange driver (kevlar) is still very relevant, and the bass extension, esp.
with an alignment filter, is still difficult to top, although the bass driver lags a bit behind the other drivers (which are very fast reacting). Of course you can further modify them with better crossovers, and good stands are absolutely essential- i had sound anchors with tip-toes that worked VERY well.
Of course, when i upgraded to Eggleston Andra speakers, the superior integration of the drivers was instantly noticeable from the 1st note, but comparing $5K speakers to $14K speakers isn't fair. OTOH if you give up size for quality, you can get great sound for $4K-$5K, just without deep bass.
the 802's are also a great choice- quicker bass with the same level of quality, and less money.
I started out running a 250w Bryston in stereo eventually I purchased another 250w Bryston and then they were happy. Over the years I added Bass Alignment and Sound Anchor stands. I agree with Jeff the Kevlar mids are very nice and the bass drivers do have a hard time keeping up but the extra horsepower helps with that. Eventually it was the tweeter I could no longer live with.
I am currently building a system around a pair of Joseph Audio monitors. Incredible mids and tweeter and not so power hungry but not as dynamic as the 801's.