Hi there,
I have a pair of B&W Matrix 802 Sereis III's and am now (like yesterday after 2 listening sessions) seriously considering selling them in order to buy the ML Ascents. The 802's are an AMAZING speaker but I agree with many of the above comments in that the ML's do something to vocals and the complex higher frequencies found in violins and other strings that wants to make you cry. The sound is so real, so lifelike that you feel as if you are in the middle of it. It has been a long time since I have been that involved IN the music. I do not know how they will do in home theater but I can tell you that for music, there is no comparison. The 2 speakers are very different. In the end, it all comes down to personal taste, and what you listen to. For me the choice was simple, ML's. Good luck.
I have a pair of B&W Matrix 802 Sereis III's and am now (like yesterday after 2 listening sessions) seriously considering selling them in order to buy the ML Ascents. The 802's are an AMAZING speaker but I agree with many of the above comments in that the ML's do something to vocals and the complex higher frequencies found in violins and other strings that wants to make you cry. The sound is so real, so lifelike that you feel as if you are in the middle of it. It has been a long time since I have been that involved IN the music. I do not know how they will do in home theater but I can tell you that for music, there is no comparison. The 2 speakers are very different. In the end, it all comes down to personal taste, and what you listen to. For me the choice was simple, ML's. Good luck.