2. speakers
  3. 1047881668

Differences between B&W Matrix 802 and801

I'm a B&W Matrix 802 owner. I love the sound, but wonder what I'm missing because I didn't get the 801 model. To all B&W owners and admirers that have experience with both models, what are the differences you have heard, and what ancillary equipment did you use with them ie; amps, preamps, cables,tubes,solidstate, etc. I've always loved the sound of these speakers and anyone who says their sound is mid-fi or bright didn't have the right set up. I'm using Matrix 802 series 3 on dedicated stands driven by B&K EX 442 amp 200 watts per channel (dual mono), ARC LS-7 tube preamp and Tara labs RSC prime 1000 Bi-wire (15 ft.) Let me Know what you think. Thanks for your comments. Poloman
128x128poloman
lafish
151 posts
 
The only difference of M802 and 801 at your place is...........you need to spend more to upgrade your amp section. I dont think B&K has good enough power to drive M801 well.

Cheers.
vayasteve
171 posts
 
802s are easier to drive,can go with less power,801s especially the eariler matrix and 2 need a minimun of 200 wpc,they sound great but the 15"woofer needs and eats up power,the dual woofers in the 802 are more tighter in my opinion,and the stands make a difference.I would go with the 802s and it,s not because I own a pair it,s that I was able to hear both the 801s and 802 side by side with S/S and even tubes and the 802s sound better.Cant you see why that the new 802 Natilus when they are up for sale on Audiogon sell very fast.
poloman's avatar
poloman OP
96 posts
 
The Matrix 801 Has a 12 " woofer not a 15, that is in the Nautalus version. I love the M802 and they are on stands. I wonder if there is an upgrade. Would be nice to outfit the Matrix 802 with Nautilus woofers. The dust caps on the Matrix are so cheap looking( soft plastic) The N802 look so much more substatial. Anyone have anything to say about after market crossovers like the Maughan box or the B&W crossovers to lower the bottom end?
More to discover