B&W Matrix 800: Bi-amping thoughts?

@knotscott I contacted B&W about the tweeters. They told me they are sealed units and not servicable. To make it worse, they don't have any replacements. So if they're inop, I'll just have to replace them. 

Chances are I'll have to figure out the gain issue. I'm guessing that the ML-335 will have just a bit more oomph than either the Defy7 or ARC VS-110 I have.  

@68pete With regards to the condition of the ML-335, I don't know yet. I'm planning on sending it to Pyramid Audio in Austin to get it tested and serviced before powering it up. Were I to power it up and a cap went up, it would take out one or more of the unobtanium circuit boards then I'd have a boat anchor on my hands. It too has been sitting for 30 years. Chances are it'll need a recap.

Before figuring out any potential bi-amp scheme I'm planning on doing some listening with each amp in a singleton configuration like pop had it set up. Who knows? With all this hardware at my disposal I could even tri-amp here! 

Happy listening.

musicfan2349

Smart to have the 335 checked out. once complete re done i believe the sound will surprise you. The tweeters- I was told they had to be done by B@W in England. B@W America does not have the parts. If i remember right there are a couple members here that did replace the Ferro fluid in the 800 Matrix. there where to types of ferro fluid, one work well and the other not so much. I would open  another forum on replacing the fluid and see if any of them pop in. As my electronics, power and cables got better was no longer a problem.

Good luck

@68pete B&W in the UK were the ones I checked with. I'm on my own. If it gets down to it, I'll fire up a post about how to change the fluid but no sense doing it now when all this is likely 18 months away still. 

BTW, I'd like to thank everyone here for your polite and thoughtful responses! 

Happy listening.

Hello to all…first time joining in. Surprised to see a discussion mirroring a similar adventure in process…pretty much old school here. Have struggled with the forum for too long attempting  to absorb today’s alien technologies…Needle’s still firmly rooted in vinyl

So, Matrix 800’s for probably 30 years, lying fallow for some time, but dusted off and the bi-amp itch now scratched. A pair of custom 845/300B monoblocs-conjured by a fellow named Kenny in his Brooklyn basement  before the 800’s landed- for use beyond the bass…liked them better than the demo MC275 I bought as a kid in college for $200 too many years ago…275’s still here and going strong.

I’ve noted underpowering caution here regarding the 800 woofers, but I jumped ahead a few months ago and will try with the Krell KSA200’s I’ve lugged in.

Have been looking for a Krell KBX crossover for several years, but alas, no joy…so would appreciate any thoughts from those who might have experience with the dbx 234XS, SPL Crossover MK23, or Bryston10B.

Will also be looking for a phono preamp to upgrade in that department. Will be pairing with a Basis Debut Gold Standard Vacuum table, Air Tangent arm and  Koetsu Rosewood Signature cartridge.

Just to keep the system firmly old school, will also bring an REL Precedent to the party and hope to satisfy myself that the sound of all will still be in the game!

Before too many potentially wrong turns taken, this system would surely benefit from the collective experience here.

Thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Sublime makes electronic crossovers 3 way.there is also someone on ebay making update crossovers for the 800 matrix. I bought the pair from aural hifi.the story is the were painted white to match waf cabinets.the beryllium tweeter in it is fantastic for me and madisound sells them.the advantage is it pushes cone distortion or breakup above 20k and humans can't hear much above that.thus the dog whistle ie higher frequency.the wood work from aural hifi is fantastic.they do good work and have great customer service.have bought some tube amps with thier custom woodwork that look awsome.its his signature in audio nich. I run mine with high power amps michi m8 2kw in 4 ohms runs it all or mcintosh 1.25 kw or emotiva xpr 1 yes I know but read the review on that amp. I know you can get emf feedback to the amp from woofers but don't seem to have that problem with matrix 800. Class d amps seem to not have a problem with base woofers and are more cost effective. I have some Pascal d sonic I like on base m3 is 1.6 k watts 2 k into 4 ohms. I have alot of beryllium tweets on my tektons ulfbrich and they sound great. Enjoy the so called bookends matrix 800.