B&W Matrix 805, Stand-mount Super Stars!

The compact B&W Matrix 805 Monitor (originally $1600/pair) employs many of the same design features found in the company's highly rated Matrix 801 system. Although the price was considerd high for a two-way mini-monitor, the 805 fit right into a growing high-end marketplace for such designs, one which emphasizes high quality in a small enclosure which will fit into most living-room environments without calling much attention to itself.

The 805's cabinet features B&W's multi-cell Matrix cross-bracing, which gives the 805 great solidity and low cabinet coloration; when tapped, the speaker rings about as much as a granite boulder. Cabinet interactions are further reduced by mounting the metal-dome tweeter atop the cabinet in what Martin Colloms had dubbed the "bullet" or "eyeball" tweeter configuration (Hi-Fi News & Record Review, June 1991, pp.42-45).

The 805's drivers are top quality. The unit's midwoofer, manufactured in-house, is a long-throw, 130mm (5.4"), resin-bonded Kevlar-cone midrange/woofer with a rubber-based surround and a die-cast frame. Its 30mm voice-coil is wound on a high-temperature Kapton former. The HF unit is a recent-vintage, 25mm (1") B&W aluminum-dome tweeter, identical to the unit used in the $5500B&W Matrix 801 III. The driver includes a corrective phase-plate to damp ultrasonic resonances and smooth the high treble response.

The 805's rear panel features heavy-duty gold-plated binding posts whose screws allow for bi-wiring and for very secure tightening on the spade lugs used with high-quality cables.

The bass alignment has basically a fourth-order rollout, like any reflex system. With the addition of the accessory bass-alignment filter, however, the system has a sixth-order Butterworth alignment, which the manufacturer suggests extends the 805's -3dB-down point to 42Hz, the lowest note of the four-string double bass. The system has been time-aligned by the external tweeter's placement behind the driver panel. High-quality parts are utilized on the crossover circuit boards, including polypropylene film capacitors and hefty cored inductors.

Overall, the build quality of this mini-monitor is top flight, with superb fit and finish... the overeaching tech sewn into these B&Ws, for there time, was second to none and it plays out in their performance which even today, is fabulous put against any speaker in this shop. Solid 9 in visual condition with only the slightest signs of regular ware. Performance is exemplary for a speaker this size, truly amazing. Imaging is precise, bottom end is present and defined, midrange is lush and liquid and high end is airy with just the right amount of sizzle.

Come give these Matrix 805 a listen here at the new Andover shop or buy with confidence via this site.

B&W Matrix 805 in beautiful Black Ash finish: $499.00 plus tax and shipping when applicable.

* Matching Sound Anchor stands are available for an additional $150 to complete the cool 90's vibe - stands are for in-house PU ONLY.