I have owned many high end speakers through out the years but mostly B&W lines. I started out with 804 Matrix. it sounds awesome for it size and price. Then I upgraded to 804N, 802N and then down grade to 801 Matrix series II. When I first hooked up to 801 Matrix with the same driven power amp and pre-amp (Mcintosh MC2500 and MX119). Wow what was a different between used price 802N and 801 Matrix (average $4500 comp. to $1700, respectively.)802N lacks of bass and high. 801 Matrix is really details, clarity, and warm. But mid of 801 is not clear as 802N. I won't get tired or bored listen to 801 Matrix II. I probably hold on to this longer after upgrading and changing speakers from Martin Logan, Mcintosh XR19, LS360, Klipsch Belles, AR3. I absolutely agree to most threads above. For 801 Matrix, you really needs strong SS amp, recommended 300 watt/ch and up. I did try to compare between MC2500 and MC7270. The bass which driven by MC7270 kind of rumble/hash bass compare to the other driven by MC2500.
B&W 801 Matrix or JBL L150
I know Matrix is a much more expencive, Hi-End kind of speaker but still I'm allready used to kick ass huge sound of JBL driven by Mac 6900. I'm thinking about getting myself a McIntosh MC2500 amp and possibly a replacing JBL with 801 Matrix. How do they compare? I'm sure B&W will be cleaner but I'm afraid of it's brightness (not that the highs on JBL are anything special, but they are pretty comfortable with the right system). Will it give the same HUGE sound and bass? Looks like it should but still...