B&W matrix 801 s2 still a relavant speaker.

They're definitely classics. I think it's the biggest selling high end speaker of all time? Whether they're relevant is entirely up to you.

@ Zenblaster: Wow, $1500, that's quite a bargain. That's a lot of speaker for the money. But yeah, an investment in big amps and what have you is necessary.

What do you make of the anniversary edition? Same as the 2's? Or 3's? Or better than both?

Ct0517, thank you for the detailed explanation! If I didn't already get the JBL S4700s late last year (with 15" woofers,) I would have bought the 801s, and it sounds like the Series 3 are the way to go. Again, hell of a deal on the used market!