Blown Woofers in Matrix 802 S3

Marakanetz

Sorry, I forgot to put this in my post. The speakers are not marked left and right. So, yes, if you move the left speaker to the right, it should still blow the driver. Honestly, though, I can't remember if any of us actually tried it.

As far as warranty goes, the 802 s3 was discontunied in the mid to late 90's; probably 97-98. I doubt that B&W would warranty something that old.

#1 They should warrant the woofer at least.
#2 If left would move to the right and get blown, than it's even more the fault of amp right channel.

Marakanetz

As far as #1 goes, don't hold your breath. B&W's customer service is terrible when it comes to things like this. I moved a few years ago and brought along a pair of B&W speakers that I had for only 2-3 months. There was no local dealer in my new location, so I asked them if they could just send me the part (crossover)and I would install it myself. Offered to send them the old crossover, as well. Anytime B&W hears the words shipping or mail, they go nuts. To make a long story short, They were kind enough to sell me a new crossover at full list and I had to drive over 100 miles to pick it up at a dealer. They made it very clear that they were doing me a big favour.

Looking at your #2, I really don't think it was the amp. In order to consider the amp as the cause, It would have to be used on all 5 pairs of speakers. I know for a fact that there wasn't one amp that went on all 5 pairs. Even if it did, how do you explain the same thing happening David_doerfer's pair? For me, at least, 6 pairs with the exact same problem, is beyond chance. There is also one other thing to consider with regards to the amp being the source of the problem. The amps that were used with the 802's were also used with many other speakers with no problems. That's why I though it might be one of the demo CD's. Its the only I can think of.

I would be glad to believe statistics and patterns, but the word 'right' kinda freaks me.
Glad I've never liked any of the Bowers. Aerial sent me a replacement woofer with 1 year warranty... Love'em my 10t's.

David,

I know this thread goes back a couple of weeks- but where did you source the woofers?
It was my understanding that B&W themselves no longer have inventory, and I found a specialty audio shop up in CT. or Mass that sells them for like $340 plus shipping. Did you find them for less?

I don't need them- YET- but two of the four have started to develop the classis B&W "wrinkle" in the suspension which I have seen in a LOT of their woofers from that period. The specialized shop I called said it has little/ no effect on the woofer sound, but it likely need replacement down the road- and I push them pretty hard. I actually love them and believe the sound is different and much more musical then the bulk of their speakers. Probably, along with the classic 801's, the most musically enjoyable speakers B&W ever made. IMO.

Thanks. Gary