{"product_id":"b-w-801m-matrix-series-2-iconic-british-big-boys","title":"B\u0026W 801M Matrix Series 2 - Iconic British Big Boys!","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eBowers \u0026amp; Wilkins (B\u0026amp;W) Matrix 801 Series 2 \u003c\/strong\u003eis 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).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eTechnical Specifications:\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDesign\u003cstrong\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e3-way reflex-loaded, front-vented floorstanding speaker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTweeter:\u003c\/em\u003e 1\" (26mm) metal-dome tweeter housed in the topmost pod.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMidrange:\u003c\/em\u003e 5\" (126mm) woven Kevlar-cone midrange unit in a separate fiber-reinforced head.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWoofer: \u003c\/em\u003e12\" (300mm) high-power polymer-cone woofer in a massive matrix-braced cabinet.Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±2 dB (free-field).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCrossover Frequencies: \u003c\/em\u003e380 Hz and 3 kHz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSensitivity:\u003c\/em\u003e 87 dB \/ W \/ m.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNominal Impedance: \u003c\/em\u003e8 ohms (does not fall below 4 ohms).Weight: 110 lbs (approx. 50 kg) per speaker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDefining Characteristics\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMatrix Cabinet Bracing: \u003c\/em\u003eThis model introduced B\u0026amp;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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFront-Ported Design: \u003c\/em\u003eUnlike 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe \"Kevlar\" Sound:\u003c\/em\u003e 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\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEnormous Power Demands:\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBass Alignment Filter: \u003c\/em\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePlacement \u0026amp; Stands:\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis set is in overall excellent condition with just the slightest signs of natural wear. Considering their age, just fabulous \u0026amp; 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!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCome have a listen at the Andover shop...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eB\u0026amp;W Matrix 801M: $2,599.00 plus sales tax and shipping when applicable\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e* These need to go freight for obvious reasons - contact us for a quote\/plan\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Holt Hill Audio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43447188029507,"sku":null,"price":2599.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2197\/6387\/files\/PhotoJun222026_32313PM.jpg?v=1782225631","url":"https:\/\/holthill.com\/products\/b-w-801m-matrix-series-2-iconic-british-big-boys","provider":"Holt Hill Audio","version":"1.0","type":"link"}