NAUTILUS 801D vs MATRIX 800

[Jorgitox]

Hi, chums!

Question's easy to ask, but maybe not as much to answer. Well, for you.. would you prefer the classic school sound from the big towers (B&W Matrix 800) or the newest kind of sound within the "D" designs, such as the weighty 801D?

[gross30]

Jorgitox, have not heard the matrix 800 towers, but have heard the 801d on demo only w/classe set up. Nice to say the least. But I am assuming with all the new research and technology put into the "d" series, it would be an improvement for sure. I have the matrix 801 s3, classe mono's, and the 801d blew them out of the water. Give your ears some pleasure and demo a set with your favorite amp config. You will not be dissapointed. just my honest opinion.

[Pedro]

A friend of mine owns M802 S3, he prefered the 803D, he tells me that the soundstage, detail and bass of the 803D were way better.

[RNKC]

I can't comment directly on the Matrix 800, but I can comment on Matrix 801 vs Nautilus 802. Broadly speaking the Matrix is a more relaxed sound. It's easier to drive as well so you don't necessarily need a top of line amp and associated equipment (though it surely wouldn't hurt to have it).

The Nautilus on the other hand is a much more active speaker. The sound really jumps out at you more. Nautilus is a more analytical speaker and it does make higher demands on the rest of your system.

I kind of compare Matrix and Nautilus with a good quality analogue recording vs a good quality digital recording. You hear much more on the digital side of things, but a good analogue recording still sounds pretty darn good.

Personally I prefer the Nautilus sound, particularly in the mids and highs. But the old Matrix sound is still very nice and certainly above average quality. I don't think you'd be unhappy with a Matrix sound, but you'd certainly wonder what you're missing by not having 801D or even 800D.

[Pedro]

Hello RNKC

The Nautilus 802 you´ve compared, had Diamond tweeter or was the aluminium one???

Just asking because the Diamond 800 speakers, bring a much more relaxed or warm sound