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Submitted by
chef judge
a AudioPhileDate Reviewed: February 6, 2011
Bottom Line:
clarity wise it's really good... the mid..and the high... the low is conservative...
it's with me for a long time... love it... my advice if you want to invest in 802 series 2,
use a good player, pre amp, and a good amp... pls your cable don't forget...
i have a lot of very good speakers 802 s2 is 1 of my favorite in my music room...
Used product for: More than 1 year
Duration Product Used: AudioPhile
Product model year: Pre 1995
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Audiomaven
a AudioPhileDate Reviewed: August 11, 2008
Bottom Line: Bought the B&W Matrix 802 series 3, black ashe finish, from an Audiogoner. Stands included. Always loved this speaker, but could never afford them when in production. Upgraded from Polk monitor10. was using a B&K EX-442 , upgraded to a Classe' DR25 Using an ARC LS-7 Tube preamp. The Transparency and imaging are incredible. Tremendous bass, not bass shy at all.( Play track 7 of Micky Harts, planet Drum) Amazing midrange, I bought them 4 years ago or so and not looking to upgrede any time soon. If you have a pair and are not completely satisfied, look to upgrade your upstream components and cables. Im using Tara labs Prime 1000 Bi-wire. Very Happy!!. Stands are a must. Sound anchor dedicated stands needed to elevate and free the bass, giving more clarity. What can I say. Excellent speaker. Tubes help to give bloom and soundstage. I have the matrix htm for center and 602's for rear in the 5.1 configuration
Used product for: More than 1 year
Duration Product Used: AudioPhile
Product model year: 1998
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At: Audiogon
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
j dhont
a AudioPhileDate Reviewed: December 19, 2003
Bottom Line: I bought my 802's (series 2) six years ago (second hand) after they had served some years as show-room models. They replaced my DM2a's which could no longer adequately B&W handle the dynamics of CDs. During the first listening sessions, the 802's sounded much more open and dynamic than what I was used to; however, they did not sound incredibly good. Two months ago, I discovered that the perception of lack of performance was not intrinsic to the 802's, but to the source material. I recently renewed my entire system, Vincent SV-238 Amp, NAD C-542 CDplayer, Silltech cable, etc. , put the entire system on spikes and tried the same CD's I'm used to listen to for many years. I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT, THE SOUND WAS INCREDIBLE! Total openness, a wonderful beautiful treble (!), impressive detail, and yes, fast and controlled bass. They sound dramatically musical and transparant; even CDs with old recordings revived in a way I thought was impossible.
Bass does of course not go as deep as a 801, but if you connect them to high quality amps as a Vincent, Mark Levinson, Krell, etc. you will be surprised. Really.
This is the point I wanted to make: I disagree that the 802s (series 2) deliver limited bass, as can often be read in reviews. To increase bass performance, you need to put them, if possible, in the corners of your listening room, and add a high-end power amplifier of at least 200W/8Ohm. Since I rediscovered my 802's, I have postponed my decision to purchase the B&W Nautilus 802.
Used product for: More than 1 year
Duration Product Used: AudioPhile
Product model year: 1995
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Denniz
a AudioPhileDate Reviewed: February 26, 2003
Bottom Line: I own these speakers for about 10 years now. I recently upgraded my Amp (Sony 555ES mkII --> Marantz PM-14) and since that moment I know what these 802's are capable of. Sounstage is fantastic, midrange and treble as well. Bass output could be improved, but over all I'm very satisfied with these speakers. The B&W's give (have given) us very much pleasure...
If you can buy them second-hand, do not hesitate.
Used product for: More than 1 year
Duration Product Used: AudioPhile
Product model year: Pre 1995
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At: secondhand
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Big Dave
a Audio EnthusiastDate Reviewed: May 14, 2002
Bottom Line: I bought a pair of these several years ago, and kept them for a few months. They put out a clear, clean sound; the midrange is WONDERFUL. But they're bass-shy, and when I got a chance to sell 'em at a good profit, I did so. Otherwise, I probably would have kept them, as they are high-quality speakers, and fine for most types of music.
Used product for: 1 to 3 months
Duration Product Used: Audio Enthusiast
Product model year: Pre 1995
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At: used
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