B&W 801M vs. 801 Series 2, etc

Before Series 2 came out there were the series 80 models and a few other letters like the 801F and 801M.

confusing :^(

If the "801m" has a front port, and is bi-wire capable - I am willing to bet it’s the same as a Series 2 and this is a B&W marketing thing.
But - if either of those two characteristics are missing - and it has matrix construction inside - then indeed it is unique.

can anyone advice how much to pay for  B&W 801 Series 2 in good condition- Private buy. Thanks for any reply!

I just came across this thread and wanted to set out the models numbers for folks. There was a dealer’s newsletter once available on the internet to read, with all editions from the early 80s until 90s setting out the model changes and which they sold etc . Called "Audio Basics". It’s probably out there somewhere still. It's interesting to read as it criticises some of the models, some of the 802s for example, I think due to crossover design.

To sum up from reading those years ago:

Series 80 801 - the first model. Wooden midrange housing.
Series 80 801F - upgraded with a "fibrecrete" midrange housing (some fibreglass and concrete mix)
Series 80 801FS - upgraded tweeter. S="special"

You could upgrade your Series 80 801 and 802 to F or S or FS status (and it won’t say on the back).

Then came the Matrix models with new bass enclosures: Matrix bracing and ported.

801 Matrix (or 801M on the back)
801 Matrix s2 - new crossovers? Not sure.
801 Matrix s3 - new bass driver and crossovers.

My first 801s I had were Series 80 801Fs and I just straight swapped the tweeters for Matrix ones - Sounded fantastic. They were cheaper then, 15 years ago. Probably not technically right but who cares too much?