B&W 802 Matrix Series 1 Sound

That's a great idea but I try to buy local if at all possible...no more dealing with damaged stuff...

I have the Matrix 802 s3 and love them. Im in the process of upgrading the caps in the crossovers. Hoping to get better transparency and dynamics with a broader soundstage. Ill update when they're back and broken in. But not too many speakers impress me with that wow factor. These do. If you have the right associated equipment they are really incredible.

Huh, good to know, there are/were some 802 Series 80's available...have not heard them yet...went to hear some ML Quest Z's - IMpressed :) (different thread) so not I'm tending towards un-box' speakers...thx for the info...

I've got a set of B&W 803 S2 and Vandys 3A in a 16' by 15' room. The B&W's are much easier to place in the room and sound clear. The vandys are sensitive to placement and have a tendency to sound muddy.

Some observations:

Piano sounds better on the Vandy's (more bass)
Vocals sound better on the B&W's, bass is tighter but less of it.
Sound stage on the Vandy's is bigger, but not as focused.

I've had several people do blind listenings and most go for the B&W's, but then again, its probably more about speaker placement than anything else. I think the B&W's are more forgiving in my room.

For me, they are overpriced and not very good.