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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
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.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
60 day trial...sorry!  Also, they have Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary speakers w/o stands $1198...wt $1498!  They are full range and could be a forever speaker for you...stands recommended.  Ask for 15% off
jb1
97 posts
 
800 series floor: solid milled decoupled aluminum 
tube loaded diamond tweeter all models.
Solid milled decoupled aluminum turbine head on 800,802, 803 D3's
Decoupled Continum mid range driver: Matrix cabinet construction for bass speakers: Aerofoil designed bass design with a woven fabric proprietary material: 
804 do not have the turbine head and the 805 have single continuum driver.
700 series trickle down from 800's: 702 & 705 Have the solid milled aluminum tweeter tube. 702,703, 704 Floor standers have the decoupled continum midrange but no turbine head models & they use aerofoil designed bass drivers but cheaper material than what is used in the 800 series & no matrix construction: The 700 series tweeter is a decoupled design with an aluminum tweeter that is treated with fine layer of carbon: hence: the carbon tweeter to extend the breakup frequency & to smooth out the performance over the standard aluminum tweeter. 
The 600 series shares the continuum driver material & the B&W design team so there is continuity to the house sound when you travel up the line. It uses a decoupled aluminum tweeter minus the carbon tweeter & traditional bass drivers: The 700 series has a more solid cabinet construction & higher end furniture grade finishes with superior magnets in the drivers.
Hope this helps; I have been selling B&W for 10 years & have attended a number of their training events over the years.
yethong
2 posts
 
You will really need to listen with your own ears to feel the difference. I manage to sit in front of the 600, 700 and the 800 series playing with the same song, amp & room. I can really hear the difference between each of them especially between the 600 and 700. Of course you also need to note the life span as well since the matrix is an older system. Best of luck! 
xyobgyn's avatar
xyobgyn
42 posts
 
The Matrix 805 in question here has held its value incredibly well. I have two sets. 
I think you should buy a pair between 550 and 750 if possible. Bring them with you to A-B against the new model you want to compare them to. If you are polite, ask for a time they aren’t busy, a shop of good quality should allow this. Then you can decide with some reasonable expectation of getting it right which you prefer. They may not be beautiful, and WAF not where newer ones are, but the SQ is (IMHO) extraordinary. 
I have a set of M804 as well, m802S2 as well. 
The M805 really punch well above their weight. 
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