Any input on B&W 800 series speakers repairs

Aaabelha,

Is this the same 12" driver used in the B&W801 and B&W800?

Richard

Yes it is the same driver used in the 801 Matrix.

On the B&W website, it states that they keep parts for the 800 series for 15 years.
Aaabelha, you should be able to get the driver for awhile.
Won't changing the driver change the sound quality?

Richard

That's what I replied back to the distributor, that the website says 15 years.
I think what happenned is that some tech got my initial inquiry email about getting a replacement or recone kit. He either didn't know what he was talking about or misunderstood my model number or something and told me "not available any longer". When I replied back that it should be available for 15 years and explained how disapointed I was, I got the second email at the end of the day saying "My supervisor said that we would be getting one more round of these drivers" - "sorry for the mixup"
I just think he screwed up and didn't want to admit to it.

TThe reason I am considering an aftermarket replacement is that I just don't think I want to spend 520 bucks for a replacment B&W driver. I know that the signature will change with something else, but since there are a lot of good drivers out there for around 150 dollars it might be worth a try since the cabinet and amp are OK.

Options

1. Pay the 519 and be happy, keeping the sonic signature of the original design.

2. Spend 150 on something like the Titanic II from Parts Express. Will change the signature, but possibly still kick butt.

3. Buy a brand new current design.

I just don't know if spending 520 on the B&W replacement is worth it. I have heard many awesome subs out there in the 750 to 1000 dollar range, so I am considering junking it all together.

I live in England and Worthington is just up the road from me. I contacted them about repairs to any of the B&W speakers in the 800 matrix series, and they said "if your driver(s) go out, there are NO replacement drivers!" I even asked about after-market ones, maybe built in Mexico, and the resposne was: I hope not we make the only drivers for those speakers. Therefore, I reccomend anyone to take it easy on their B&W matrix speakers and subs. If anyone has experiemnted with new drivers, please let us all know how they sound. I am concerned because I have 801SII, ASW 800, 805s, DS6s, SCM8s, and FCM 8 speakers.