matrix 803's.. i have chance to buy... worth it?

'I think they are almost twenty years old so they may need new surrounds soon, that would be my biggest concern".

Highly unlikely unless they were abused - so you need to see and hear them personally. I am still using 805 and 801. They still look like day 1.

So tell the owner to check the back label -big difference between 1 and 2 sonically. Matrix are totally undervalued. B&W did not get into the audiophile "price game" until nautilus. IMO.

If they are in great shape for all three pieces - $1000 is a real good price. But do not buy remote - go see them due to the age factor. If he says he has had them for 10 years he is not the original owner.

Good luck.

what about using them for the home theater? prices for the different models? how are they compared to what i have?
what years did they make the 803 matrix?

Here you go – scroll down the first column model to where matrix starts. This will give you model production years.

Archive B&W

MATRIX 803 FLOORSTANDING 1991-1993
MATRIX 803 S2 FLOORSTANDING 1992-1998

You want the S2 version. much improved.

Google online reviews and used sales.

They sounded great for HT. I also owned CdM1 and CDM1se's. They were nice too but not 800 level.

Good luck.

i Googled some and not much on prices and a great of reviews are older and do not really compare on a home theater level more on a stereo side. thanks for the years

My dad uses the Matrix 803 s2's. I haven't heard them in a HT setup, but from their performance in a stereo setup, I'd imagine they'd be a great choice. The price is good for either model, but a real nice price for the S2.