B&W 801 2or 3

Jjmali, apparently I was unusually ignorant when i bought my M802's -:), so didn't really comprehend the need for a lot of power until recently. I have a 240 wpc C-J MF2500A coming this week, which I'm hoping will "do it for me". I also agree with Kevziek about how revealing they are. Sometimes I feel like owning these speakers is like "wearing a hair shirt"--they are great, but you may go insane trying to upgrade your other components to a level that will make them sound their best. The plus side is, you learn a lot about other components you try as you will hear everything. I've also just bought a Cary pre-amp; I'm hoping the SS power of the MF2500A with the tube warmth of the Cary will make for a nice combo. Pls. e-mail me if you have any more insights. I also like to learn more about the Northcreek crossovers. thanks, steve

Thanks eveyone for answering my email question. I didn't really mean to smash the quality of the Natilus series of speakers. I just think that when a company is asking $8000 plus for the 802 Natilus and above then I would like a little nicer finish than the dark or light cherry that B&W is putting on there speakers. Monitor Audio at one time made the cabinets for B&W and has had access to some very rare and exoctic finishes. B&W now has there own factory doing there wood working finishes for them and they just don't have the beauty of the former say 801 or 802 Matrix two or three in especially the Rosewood finish which blows away the finish that B&W now offers. The Natilus 800 does offer the Tiger Eye and I belive a Birds Eye Maple that is very attractive but there again it should be for $20,000. As far as the new bullit head on top the 802,801,800 its very nice but its got a more contempary look and thats fine if thats what you like but I prefer a more traditional look when it comes to speakers in general. As far as sound goes I would think the new series is better but everyone has different opinions on this subject. I'am 47 years old and have been doing this for 30 years so I guess I'am a little old fashion and like the old stuff better in alot of ways. This subject was not intended to offend Natilus users or owners but is just my personal opinion and everyone has a right to his or hers. "Happy Listening"

I have a pair of 801 series 3 that I used to drive with a Rotel 200 watt RB-990BX. The setup sounded good, but shifted up to really great when I put in a pair of Bryston 7BST 500 watt monoblocks. The change for the better was immediately apparant in both detail and musical heft. I also installed the Northcreek crossover upgrades about a year ago and I am very pleased with the futher improvement in bass response, dynamics and sound staging that resulted. I prepared a lengthly .pdf with photos of the installation detailing my experience with the Northcreeks that I would be happy to email to any Audiogon member who wants to read it - just drop me an email through the Audiogon server.

I have a pair of 801 series 3 that I used to drive with a Rotel 200 watt RB-990BX. The setup sounded good, but shifted up to really great when I put in a pair of Bryston 7BST 500 watt monoblocks. The change for the better was immediately apparant in both detail and musical heft. I also installed the Northcreek crossover upgrades about a year ago and I am very pleased with the futher improvement in bass response, dynamics and sound staging that resulted. I prepared a lengthly .pdf with photos of the installation detailing my experience with the Northcreeks that I would be happy to email to any Audiogon member who wants to read it - just drop me an email through the Audiogon server.

I proudly own a pair of Matrix 801s SII I bought new back in the late 80s. I was using a Nakamichi PA7 power amp, but then upgraded in a BIG way to a Mark Levinson 336 power amp, and I think it has enough power--and the speakers sings! The only concern I have with my speakers is that repair parts for them are for the most part nonexisitant. The woofers are not made anymore, and that is a problem for anyone considering buying a pair used. If the woofer goes out, one must decide on replacing both of them with another brand of higher quality and going for an outboard crossover to dial the speakers back to specs. I plan to retire mine to my second system and drive them with a pair of Krell FPB 250 mono blocks. Any others have plans for their B&W M801s?