Switching over from the venerable KEF Reference 105/3, I was at once dazzled by the new bass depth and dismayed at the loss of mid-range warmth and intimacy!
In exchange, the 803Mk II offers airy highs, tight deep bass and a boxless sound that ruthlessly tells all about the music it is called upon to convey. On the whole, a very likeable, authoritative model suitable for any kind of music. For small rooms, here's a tip: plug up the bass ports for less agressive bass levels while still obtaining deeper bass -- great!

I apologize for the 4 posts on the 803s. I had a problem with my computer and the posts were not visible on my screen. In my attempts to get the review posted, I tried to submit it a few times -- even under my nickname -- and I did not seem to have such luck. I found the reviews were posted this morning.
While I am not "ashamed of myself", as reviewer suggests I should be, I do want to let you all know that it was indeed an error and not my OVERSTATING my thoughts about B&W speakers!

A few months ago, I upgraded to a pair of B&W 803 Series 2 from the B&W 804. I am definitely impressed with the new sound. WOW... The feeling that I have musicians jamming in my basement everynight is almost a reality.
With same equipment; Rotel 981 amp, 972 pre-amp etc these speakers are even more revealing than the 804. Detail, accuracy, and dispersion in the vocals, mid and deeper bass is DEEPER but remaining as tight as the 804's. The soundstage is larger, I think from the rear porting effect. Also these speakers are louder, more efficient at 90dB 1 watt from the 804's 89dB. The only downside to owning these "works of art", is now more than ever, their too revealing quality of, uncontrolled deep bass and ear fatiguing midrange flaw's in my Marantz 52 CD player. This proves decent electronics are required and a must.

Do not purchase any speaker in the $3000 and under price rangewithout auditioning a pair of B&W Matrix 803 series 2's. They retail
for 3 grand, but reality is you'll probably pay between $2600 and
$2800.

I auditioned these listening to Eric Clapton (among others). I have
never heard such clarity and control. "Wonderful Tonight" could have
brought tears to my eyes (and this was with the "Time Pieces"
version).

These speakers won't produce the deepest bass you have ever heard,
but what it does produce is tight and free of resonances (due to the
design of the cabinets). Where these speakers truly excel is in the
mid-range (were music lives) and the high end (it seems to never run
out of energy - no tizzy sound here). Very dynamic.

The Matrix 803II are truly exceptional speakers. They have a very neutral, true and honest sound. They are very dynamic and can be played very loud before any distortion sets in. But remember that if your setup or ancillary equipment is not up to task the sound can become dull and boomy (not the fault of the speakers). Here's my advice, use quality short stands meant for floorstanders and make sure speaker doesn't move at all not even 0.00001mm otherwise you defeat the purpose of matrix system. Next the stand will also raise it to the proper height, ear level slightly below centre of midrange woofer not at tweeter axis. Finally use a good quality high current amplifier. Believe me you will be blown away whether its music or home theater.

I spent approx. 2 months of evenings and weekends listening to many different speaker systems, noting that every brand I heard was "the best speakers in their price range". This range started out at $2000.00. I saw Epos, Nuance, JBL, Infinity,Paradigm, the list goes on. Then I went to the B&W dealer and checked out the available products. I saw the 803 Series 2 and was in love. The $3600 CDN. list price told me I had to look at the other models in the store. I listened to the CDM7SE's and was not very excited. I then listened to the 803's and my speaker budget grew to whatever was required to get these things into my music room at home. I have had them for 3 weeks and they are getting better all the time. I like good solid bass, these have this kind of bass, but it is in less quantity than the typical North American speaker designs, I think the B&W's are much more accurate than these other types. The build quality is superb. I believe these are the truest set of speakers that I have heard, and I did listen to some very expensive designs on some very expensive hardware and I do not believe I heard anything better at even 3 times the cost. Thanks to Rod at SMART Home Systems for taking care of me and holding my speakers even when 3 other customers wanted to pay more for them than the deal we made. I'll be buried with these.

I think this week i was the most lucky person in audiophile history... I listened to the matrix 803's pretty often but my budget is way too low for speakers of this class.(i'm 23 years old) A few days ago an audiophile called me and told me he read my advert in a second-hand-sales magazine. He offered me a pair of B&W 803 series 2 speakers that really look like new, not a scratch or anything. His pice was the most beautifull one i could spend on a set of these speakers: $500 each. It was a dream come true.
After listening to them for about 3 days now i still am amazed every minute of playtime. They sound so extremely in control and calm but still "fast"and dynamic. It's unbelievable!

A read all other reviews before submitting mine and there's one thing i'd like to say something about.
Someone wrote that they should be controlled by a tube amplifier. I do not think you can put it that way, tube or transistor is a personal taste please let everybody descide for it's own listening pleasure.

They also perform incredibly well on a high detailed transistor pre- and 2x power amp combination.
Just listen to Roger Waters "amused to death" or Dire Straits "private investigations" and you'll know what i'm trying to say. It gave me tears in my eyes.

Listen with love!

803S2 looks elegant, sounds natural. I have this pair hooked up with my Marantz PM-14 amp and CD-16D CD player and it reproduce every details of recordings lively. Absolutely 5-star. The new Nautilus 803 does not sound much better than the old Matrix 803 but costs you almost three times.

I just purchased the B&W Matrix 803 last week and I love them. Without a doubt, they're the BEST speakers I have heard. I tested the Paradigm line, M&K, Vandersteen, and many others. But, they could not touch the Matrix 803.
I also bought the subwoofer: B&W ASW 3000. The lows I get are much lower than most speakers and even lower and more solid in bass than the legendary Matrix 801.

I recommend this combination of speakers and subwoofer to anyone who is serious about sound.

Also, Center is B&W Matrix HTM and rears are the M&K Tripoles.

B&W Matrix 803 - $3000
B&W Matrix HTM - $800
M&K Tripoles - $1200 (white cost $150 extra)
B&W ASW 3000 subwoofer - $1500
Interconnects and wires ( lost track)

Entire set is about $7000.


GO FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!!

Never, ever has there been ANYTHING that was as nice as the B&W Matrix SeriesThe 801 leads the way with its awesome highs and thundering bass in its lows. I took someone's advise from a review and bought the exact set up. I too went with the:

B&W Matrix 803 Left and Right Fronts
B&W Matrix HTM Center Channel
M&K Tripole Letf and Right Rears
B&W ASW 3000 Subwoofer

I am a believer and must say that the lows achieved by this combination are not believeable. They're so good I can't describe it. If ANYONE is seriously considering getting good equipement, try and listen to these speakers. I guarantee you will be glad you did.