2. speakers
  3. 164481-157960

Trying to understand B&W’s trickle down strategy

Hi everybody,

I'm trying to understand what B&W's trickle down tech strategy actually means. I've searched the internet, but not much comes up. So I figured I'd try here instead.

Does the B&W approach e.g. mean that a modern entry level speaker such as the 606 S2 AE sounds as good as (or better) than the older high end Matrix 805?

I know there is a difference in the bracing of the cabinet (in which, as I understand it, the Matrix 805 is far superior). 

To my knowledge it would seem that a 606 S2 AE uses the same midrange as the 805 D3 - which is insane. I don't know about the tweeter though, but since the Matrix 805-design is 31 years old my guess is that the 606 S2-tweeter would also be trickled down several generations ago and that this newer one is as good as (or better) than the Matrix 805.

Is it only the drivers they are trickling down or is it also the crossovers and the whole technology here which tell the drivers how to interact?

I'm debating this because I'd like to know if my money is better spent on a used Matrix 805 than a new 606 S2 AE. The used price of the Matrix 805 is very similar to the new price of 606 S2 Anniversary Edition (at least where I live).

I hope someone can shed some light upon this issue - thanks!

rukiteriaq
daj
87 posts
 
" Millercarbon,
    I don't think you understand how a river forms. Actually it's a trickle in the mountains and doesn't become a river until the lowlands."

Ha ha... nice. The dude has been known to author some real gems, of the weird variety.
petg60
1,486 posts
 
Derivative from a concept or model but not up to that standard.

G

crustycoot
644 posts
 
The cone on a 606 is made of the same material as the MR on an 802, but the driver is different b/c the rubber surround on the 606 has to allow for long excursions where the FST midrange does not. Also, the 800 series uses much higher grade crossover parts and is close tolerance throughout, where the 606 is mass produced. The Matrix series was a higher end item, but known for its low sensitivity even then. That said, the latest 606 is a darn good 2-way box. Compare to Focal Chora, which has more coloration but sounds more dynamic too.
vanson1
126 posts
 
I had a pair of 705s and also had a pair of 805s.

Both were brand new with a free return for refund. Only way to truly test a product is in your home. 

They both had the same mid driver but different tweeter.  Also the bass port was in the front vs the back. 

They both sounded fantastic and for the money I would choose the 705s.

However the 805s do add more definition and detail.  Probably not $3000 worth but after having both,  i did settle on the 805s.

If I didn't have both i would have settled on the 705.

It just shows that speaker technology is still advancing and newer is probably better. 


dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
The 804D2’s were one of the best speakers they ever made...I should have kept them.  If you could get a pair of those, you would be set for life.  I have the 802D3’s currently, which are wonderful sounding...but if your budget is under $1000 the 606S2 is amazing for $899!  Music Direct 30day trial available...give them a spin.  I would get them over the Matrix 805’s any day.
More to discover