Help w/very difficult decision?

[ManofIron]

Hello, first time poster long time reader!

I am in the process of building a new ht and could use some advise. I am going to start with a 2.1 system. I already have a sub (av123 mfw-15) and a receiver (Denon avr-4308) and will be purchasing amps depending on which model speakers I go with. Will probably be going with Emotiva 500w monoblocks either way.

B&W Matrix 801 series 2

or a pair of

B&W 805s('s)

Can someone please give me a run down of the sonic charateristics of each? How do they differ and in what area's do they shine? Other than bass, how do they sound? Compare to the 805d's?


I will eventually be adding a center and surrounds. What I like and am shooting for is a speaker that has crisp, clear, detailed highs with good midrange sound. I will be listening to all types of music but mostly rock and classic rock. I have heard the 805d's and loved them! But they are out of my price range! I can get the Matrix 801's for alot less than the 805s('s) which is a huge plus.

[aarsoe]

The 801 matrix is not a bad speaker, even at today's standards. However the 805s is a much never design and you will be able to hear that.
In any case the 805 will never be able to give you the same punch and full range as the 801, but on the other side the 801 is a much harder speaker for any amp to drive. If you are planning on the Emotivas bigger versions then I would not be afraid of buying the 801.
On the other side I would upgrade the crossover and get the tweeter from series 3 and replace the existing ones.

Ultimately I think it is all a matter of the design and if you, or your significant other, will accept something as retro as the 801 series 2. Under no circumstances can it be called a modern clean design..

[ManofIron]

Thanks for the reply bro! I should note that I am looking at the Nautilus 805 and not the 805s. Sorry I was confused. Can you tell me how the top end of the matrtix 801 compares to the top end on the 805? Which has more clarity and airyness? Also which is the most reveiling?

[Freddie40]

The Matrix 801 with the Bass alignment filter is an excellent speaker, can't go wrong

[Schoegge]

Hi there. 3 weeks ago I bought the B&W 802 Matrix Series 2, which replaced my B&W 703s. The 802s were built in 1989, so are 22 years old. But they still easily blow away the 703s, which are from 2005. I assume the 801s would do the same...

[Pedro]

Forget the N805 especially for rock or those genres which requires a lot of bass and dynamics. If you got a room with 30sqm (min) then you can take the M801. The M801 still the best for punchy bass, and dynamics after B&W 802 if not 800. Many M801 users just became 100% satisfied when they jumper to 801D or 800D.

[KRC]

Both of your suggested speakers are apples and oranges to each other, you are not comparing something that can be looked at with the same process. The 801 is sporting a 12 inch woofer in a dedicated space with mid and tweeter while the 805 is a two way with six inch woofer/mid. Both are 20 plus years of technology not to mention use and unless you knew who you were buying from, you would be gambling that neither were abused. The 801 "could" play louder in a larger room but the 805 in a nearfield arrangement could be superior depending on choice of music, room size etc. People replying to you question will be applying their own bias on either side as both these speakers have been around for awhile. Your question would be different in context if you we asking what should I get 705/805 or PM1 with the following conditions ..... My two cents.

Kevin