B&W 801M Matrix Series 2 - Iconic British Big Boys!

The Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) Matrix 801 Series 2 is a legendary, full-range studio monitor and audiophile loudspeaker. Released in the late 1980s, it famously served as the definitive reference monitor in prominent classical music recording studios worldwide (such as Abbey Road).

Technical Specifications:

The Matrix 801 Series 2 features a unique "stacked" three-way design where each driver is isolated in its own optimized enclosure to prevent internal interference.

Design: 3-way reflex-loaded, front-vented floorstanding speaker.

Tweeter: 1" (26mm) metal-dome tweeter housed in the topmost pod.

Midrange: 5" (126mm) woven Kevlar-cone midrange unit in a separate fiber-reinforced head.

Woofer: 12" (300mm) high-power polymer-cone woofer in a massive matrix-braced cabinet.Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±2 dB (free-field).

Crossover Frequencies: 380 Hz and 3 kHz.

Sensitivity: 87 dB / W / m.

Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms (does not fall below 4 ohms).Weight: 110 lbs (approx. 50 kg) per speaker.

Defining Characteristics

Matrix Cabinet Bracing: This model introduced B&W's internal "Matrix" structure—a honeycomb-like grid of interlocking panels inside the woofer cabinet. This grid virtually eliminates cabinet resonance and coloration, producing incredibly clean, honest bass decay.

Front-Ported Design: Unlike the original sealed 801, the Series 2 features a front-facing bass port. This design significantly extends low-frequency response down to 20 Hz, though it requires a larger room to avoid bloating the bass.

The "Kevlar" Sound: The specialized Kevlar midrange gives the speaker a highly revealing, uncolored mid-band. It delivers an incredibly detailed, non-fatiguing soundstage that mirrors exactly what the recording engineer intended.Important Ownership Considerations

Enormous Power Demands: Despite an 8-ohm rating, these speakers can be a challenge to drive. They thrive with high-current solid-state power amplifiers yielding 50 to 600 watts. Popular vintage pairings include brute-force amplifiers from brands like Krell, Threshold and Adcom.

Bass Alignment Filter: The speakers were originally bundled with an external, active high-pass alignment filter box. While the speakers operate fine without it, using the filter (or a modern DSP equivalent) is required to achieve flat bass response all the way down to 20 Hz.

Placement & Stands: Because they sit relatively low to the ground, most audiophiles rely on aftermarket Sound Anchor Stands to lift them 10–11 inches off the floor however, this set utilized the OM castor system of ease of movement.

The 801M is easily one of the most impressive speaker systems we've experienced at this shop. It's just a jaw dropping experience to say the least. Bass is fast, heavy and layered. Midrange is accurate, lush and vocals are breathy and sublime. High-end brings just the right amount of sizzle and cymbal decay... never harsh or overbearing. There's a reason Abbey Road used these as monitors - the hype is REAL. We have them connected to a Threshold Model S1000 mono block set /FET 10 pre package on the business end and OMG, spectacular full range presentation beyond reproach.

This set is in overall excellent condition with just the slightest signs of natural wear. Considering their age, just fabulous & well taken care of. They have been fully gone through front to back by our in-house expert speaker techs and they are playing wonderfully. All systems go!

Come have a listen at the Andover shop...

B&W Matrix 801M: $2,599.00 plus sales tax and shipping when applicable

* These need to go freight for obvious reasons - contact us for a quote/plan