Poll 800 Series Owners

[Freddie40]

Looking through the pictures of everyones set-ups I was wondering how the 800 family divided out, i.e. what percentage of owners own what. So, if you are a 800 series owner (any generation) please chime in as to what you own. If you own 2 different ones multiple choice is allowed

[mjb]

I think the 802's are the sweet point of the range, although I'd spring for 800's if I won the lottery.

[Freddie40]

I heard the Nautilus' the other day. Those are the ones to own, of course with 8 Bryston 28Bs LOL 60k for the speakers, 72k for the Power amps, but just 5k for the Bryston BP26 Pre-Amp. What a deal.

[Blindamood]

Of course, this doesn't tell the whole story. My 805S are augmented with HTM4S and SCMS for an enveloping and balanced 5.1 surround effect, rather than just focused on the front L & R.

[HedgeHog]

Had the 802D then upgraded to 802D Diamonds.

If I had to do it again, I may try other brands and electronics. While really nice, I find these too laid back and a wee bit clinical.

[Rod#S]

I currently own the 802 Diamonds and actually the HTM2 Diamond. This coming week I'll be adding the 800 Diamonds. The 802's will be staying put as surrounds.

[Freddie40]

I currently own the 802 Diamonds and actually the HTM2 Diamond. This coming week I'll be adding the 800 Diamonds. The 802's will be staying put as surrounds.

Nice I do have a Pair of Matrix 802Series2, but they are in their original box waiting for an assignment

[Briz vegas]

My 804s are surrounds, htm7 still lives in the centre when I go surround, which is much much less these days. Not everyone is sold on the 802D.

[Rod#S]

Nice I do have a Pair of Matrix 802Series2, but they are in their original box waiting for an assignment

Thanks

I'm definitely looking forward to having 4 marlan head speakers around me. Shame I'm running a tv setup that can't be wall mounted because I would love to have a tower for the center but the HTM2 does a very fine job.

[dukester]

Running 803Di/HTM2Di. Considering Wilson Sophia or Sonus Faber Elipsa as I like their softer sound. However I fear missing the forward sound of my set-up. I feel I audition other speakers due to feeling stagnant but ironically end up appreciating my set-up a little more.

[Freddie40]

Running 803Di/HTM2Di. Considering Wilson Sophia or Sonus Faber Elipsa as I like their softer sound. However I fear missing the forward sound of my set-up. I feel I audition other speakers due to feeling stagnant but ironically end up appreciating my set-up a little more.

You have a very nice system and should be proud of it!

Dave

[kaitkei]

Had the 802D then upgraded to 802D Diamonds.

If I had to do it again, I may try other brands and electronics. While really nice, I find these too laid back and a wee bit clinical.

Do you mean by this statement in bold that the midrange in recessed and the treble is a little hot? Could you use the PEQ in your beloved SSP-800 to fix this?

[BVLDARI]

Looking through the pictures of everyones set-ups I was wondering how the 800 family divided out, i.e. what percentage of owners own what. So, if you are a 800 series owner (any generation) please chime in as to what you own. If you own 2 different ones multiple choice is allowed

Why close the poll on 5/10? Might as well keep a running tally no?

I have 802D2 and will likely add HTM2 in the next couple of weeks... Although for some reason i've been eyeing mac amps and am debating on getting one of those vs. the center speaker

[audiogear]

I'm running 802Di/805D but have always wondered how 5x 802D will sound with each paired to Mac monoblocks. :P

[Freddie40]

Why close the poll on 5/10? Might as well keep a running tally no?

I have 802D2 and will likely add HTM2 in the next couple of weeks... Although for some reason i've been eyeing mac amps and am debating on getting one of those vs. the center speaker

Yes that it a good idea, however, I don't think I have the power to do that. Maybe some one with more powers than I can change it

Dave

[PewterTA]

Dukester, I'm surprised you don't find your sound soft and warm... last time I heard a MAC combo on the 802Ds I thought it was pretty darn warm. I'd be afraid of "loosing" anymore detail...but that's just me.

One thing I've found is with modifying my Rotel pre/amp and power conditioner, I've actually pushed my sound stage back to right at the speakers if not a foot or two behind them. It's been a neat process having this happen and having others validate that the soundstage has gone back. No longer are my 802Ds forward like they once were (or like B&Ws tend to be). And having done nothing to the 802Dis, it just goes to show that finding the right electronics and getting the best connections possible to keep the signal pure definitely can change how things sound.

[dukester]

Dukester, I'm surprised you don't find your sound soft and warm... last time I heard a MAC combo on the 802Ds I thought it was pretty darn warm. I'd be afraid of "loosing" anymore detail...but that's just me.

I agree, the combination of my Mac amp/preamp has a warm tone. I was referring to the primary vocals/instruments in the soundstage as being forward, as well as slightly elevated, but nothing to do with tone or detail. After auditioning 'laid-back' sounding speakers, I realize I favor a more 'forward' sound.

I auditioned the 802Di's and really liked them...but could only stretch my budget for the 803Di's. However, my sub brings my set-up very close to their performance, and when the upgrade bug hits (when I get the cash), I will explore the 800's

[PewterTA]

I got you now dukester, makes sense... and I've very similar.

That's where the modifications to my Rotel equipment has come into play, voices for me no longer are very forward, they are basically in line with or just slightly behind the speakers now. Instruments no longer come out of the speaker and feel like they are right beside you. Dont' get me wrong, when something's called for to stand out, the system will still do that, but it's not as much. I've found they are what I would now more claim as being completely neutral... no longer a forward nor a laid back type of speaker. Amazing how tweaking things can change how we perceive things.