My 2 cents... I have just upgraded from 802 series 3 to a USED pair of Thiel CS6. WOW!!!! Maybe not as good as Vandersteen (which I was going to buy) but I got them for $4500.00.
How to upgrade B&W Matrix Series 2
The upgrade frame-of-mind is starting to set in and I am considering upgrades to the B&W Matrix Series 2 speakers, purchased new in the late 1980s. Unfortunately, the only local dealers are midfi at best although there is a Vandersteen dealer within a 90 minute drive. The amplification components are all Pass/Threshold with the S550e amp and Fet 10e preamp and Sony SCD 777ES CD player. I think the speakers still carry a good trade-in value. The budget could probably accomodate new speakers in the list price range of $4,000 or so and then I would work to trade or sell the 801's. Auditioning in my location is difficult, so I am searching for opinions which can make my search a little more efficient. Thanks.