The B&W Matrix series was a superbly engineered and executed speaker design, but the Xovers are a real compromise. They had to save money somewhere, so they used pretty cheap components there. There is an aftermarket upgrade available which takes the system to another level of clarity, smoothness, and dynamics. The North Creek Music outboard Xovers are designed to be the cost no object substitute for B&W's cheesey design. They are an astounding improvement to an already excellent speaker.
B W 802 Matrix III: Bright shrieky?
I have a friend who recently purchased B&W 802 Nautilus spkrs. After break-in, I must say I am impressed with the sound, & they are not BRIGHT, as I expected them to be. He tends to like more upfront & brighter sound than I do, so when he told me that the 802 Matrix III's he had before these (I hadn't heard these), WERE quite bright. He also says they don't hold a CANDLE to the Nautilus 802s.
I like the Nautilus, but don't want to spend that kind of money. I am wondering if B&W ophiles have any opinions on these two speakers. Would used 802 III's sound anything like his Nautilus? Or would I be disappointed---
I like the Nautilus, but don't want to spend that kind of money. I am wondering if B&W ophiles have any opinions on these two speakers. Would used 802 III's sound anything like his Nautilus? Or would I be disappointed---