Wow! I still have the 802s of this version series 80 . Might be a little older but I love the sound and imaging. My friend had the 801s. Excellent. As to how they compare with the present ones, I couldn't say as I never had the opportunity to listen.
I had 803 D1, the first version with diamond tweeter; I can say without hesitation, the older B&W's sound better than new ones, I mean D3 and D4's. funny side is that the price increase is insane. Nearly a week ago I was in my friend's house and he has B&W 702 s3, the sound is like there is a curtain between you and speaker, I think it's a result of badly tuned crossover.
Had these speakers in the early 2000s as well . But wouldn’t have combined those with a relatively small powered tube amp … as their bass driver needs some really juicy power to come to life. But if you’re listening at low volumes only and the music you play isn’t bass heavy… then it might be okay. Anyway: nice speaker …still have an itch for it. Even though I‘m more than happy with my Wilson Audio since I sold my N801.
I still have my Matrix 801-S2's made in 1988. They're not perfect, but have a certain magic to them that I love. I've upgraded many of the crossover parts over the years, and externally they are still in perfect condition. I wish I could have the newer 801's but the 15" woofer versions are simply too big & heavy for me to manage by myself.
@@GoodVibeMilano I'd heard that the 15" woofer was pretty tight, and needed some volume to get energized. The older 12" woofer has a very compliant suspension, and sounds a bit "looser". Some might complain about this, but I rather like the more generous output in the 30's. I would be interested in your comments about the older 12" 801 vs. the 15" version.
@@TheMirolab I had done some tests in the past and will release a new video soon with the Matrix S3. I remember that my first impressions were that the 15" requires much more power to be controlled than the 12", at least 200W (you can year this in my other video with the Parasound A21). With less power you have still a deep bass but "long". With the Ongaku you can feel a sort of "loudness" effect under the 100hz as it has difficulties in controlling the driver and keeping it firm.
@@GoodVibeMilano Thanks... I was not referring to the amp power, but rather the volume of playback. Some speakers want to be played more loudly to get the low end energized, while others sound full at low levels. My old 801's are good in this respect, and have good LF at low volume. They are very sensitive to different amplifiers due to the complex load they present, and benefit from a high current capable amplifier.
@@TheMirolab Hello, now I got what you mean. These 801D have a nice bass also at a very low listening level, you do not need to push the volume to beat the inertia of the woofer, it is very reactive. Its "problem" id that you need good watts to control the woofer as it has a very high mass and if you do not have enough damping the should of the bass becomes "long", let me know if I have explained clearly, English is not my mothertongue
Wow! I still have the 802s of this version series 80 . Might be a little older but I love the sound and imaging. My friend had the 801s. Excellent. As to how they compare with the present ones, I couldn't say as I never had the opportunity to listen.
I had 803 D1, the first version with diamond tweeter; I can say without hesitation, the older B&W's sound better than new ones, I mean D3 and D4's. funny side is that the price increase is insane.
Nearly a week ago I was in my friend's house and he has B&W 702 s3, the sound is like there is a curtain between you and speaker, I think it's a result of badly tuned crossover.
Had these speakers in the early 2000s as well . But wouldn’t have combined those with a relatively small powered tube amp … as their bass driver needs some really juicy power to come to life. But if you’re listening at low volumes only and the music you play isn’t bass heavy… then it might be okay. Anyway: nice speaker …still have an itch for it. Even though I‘m more than happy with my Wilson Audio since I sold my N801.
I do agree, if you want the bass to be controlled properly you need much more power.
What is the title of this beautiful piece of music?
it is "soft Landing" by Hadouk Trio, a great album, wonderfully recorded
@@GoodVibeMilano their albums are all top recording quality for sure
@@xfloodcasual8124 I agree 100% and I love their music too. If you have any suggestion for some more superbly recorded good music please share
I still have my Matrix 801-S2's made in 1988. They're not perfect, but have a certain magic to them that I love. I've upgraded many of the crossover parts over the years, and externally they are still in perfect condition. I wish I could have the newer 801's but the 15" woofer versions are simply too big & heavy for me to manage by myself.
I am setting up soon a pair of 801 matrix S3 for the next video, I think the 12" might work better in that room
@@GoodVibeMilano I'd heard that the 15" woofer was pretty tight, and needed some volume to get energized. The older 12" woofer has a very compliant suspension, and sounds a bit "looser". Some might complain about this, but I rather like the more generous output in the 30's. I would be interested in your comments about the older 12" 801 vs. the 15" version.
@@TheMirolab I had done some tests in the past and will release a new video soon with the Matrix S3. I remember that my first impressions were that the 15" requires much more power to be controlled than the 12", at least 200W (you can year this in my other video with the Parasound A21). With less power you have still a deep bass but "long". With the Ongaku you can feel a sort of "loudness" effect under the 100hz as it has difficulties in controlling the driver and keeping it firm.
@@GoodVibeMilano Thanks... I was not referring to the amp power, but rather the volume of playback. Some speakers want to be played more loudly to get the low end energized, while others sound full at low levels. My old 801's are good in this respect, and have good LF at low volume. They are very sensitive to different amplifiers due to the complex load they present, and benefit from a high current capable amplifier.
@@TheMirolab Hello, now I got what you mean. These 801D have a nice bass also at a very low listening level, you do not need to push the volume to beat the inertia of the woofer, it is very reactive. Its "problem" id that you need good watts to control the woofer as it has a very high mass and if you do not have enough damping the should of the bass becomes "long", let me know if I have explained clearly, English is not my mothertongue