B&W Matrix 802 series 2 vs series 3 vs ATC SCM40

matrix 3

You've heard B&W Matrix 802's? IMO, if you want "authority and slam" look elsewhere. Also, no matter what powerful SS amp(s) you use, you'll never get tight, well defined bass, at least with the S3's.

What they do well is classical orchestral music, where they have that "big British sound". Also they're old now, & drivers & x-overs can/do fail. Schlepping them for repair is not fun, nor cheap.

Just my 2 cents......

Do all series 2 have the IPOC circuit installed? I just came across a pair that doesn't have the leds on the front bottom.

I am not totally positive but I think both the Matrix 801 and 802 series 2 both had the IPOC circuitry..From what I can remember the biggest improvement ( in stock form ) in the Series 3 came from the removal of the IPOC circuit..I think they removed the IPOC in the Anniversary Edition which was in between the Series 2 and 3....
B&W also may have made a change in the bass drivers in the Series 3 802.. Check with B&W for the IPOC info to find out for sure.......You may also find out that most Matrix 801 and 802 owners thought the B&W bass alignment filter was garbage..I tried it once and removed it and found they sounded much better without the B&W filter..( my taste anyways ) ....

They 'slam' if its on the recording, and don't when its not. The series 2 has a little more 'bloom' in the upper bass, but its a classic as well.