matrix 803's.. i have chance to buy... worth it?

i am looking to buy these soon... so.... any advice would be great

Are the 803's the latest M version - Series 2. What is the price ? Many years ago (?) I used to have a HT Room with 803 matrix s2 front right and left, and 805 matrix center channel and rears.

i do not know the series yet... already asked via e mail.... he said he is the original owner and bought ten years ago... they are under 1k for all three.

Can you not listen to them?

I think they are almost twenty years old so they may need new surrounds soon, that would be my biggest concern.

You may get more bang for the buck with an older model like the Matrix, I am sure they will be a pretty good product, most B&Ws have been.

i do not know the series yet... already asked via e mail.... he said he is the original owner and bought ten years ago... they are under 1k for all three.

they are matrix

'I think they are almost twenty years old so they may need new surrounds soon, that would be my biggest concern".

Highly unlikely unless they were abused - so you need to see and hear them personally. I am still using 805 and 801. They still look like day 1.

So tell the owner to check the back label -big difference between 1 and 2 sonically. Matrix are totally undervalued. B&W did not get into the audiophile "price game" until nautilus. IMO.

If they are in great shape for all three pieces - $1000 is a real good price. But do not buy remote - go see them due to the age factor. If he says he has had them for 10 years he is not the original owner.

Good luck.

what about using them for the home theater? prices for the different models? how are they compared to what i have?
what years did they make the 803 matrix?

Here you go – scroll down the first column model to where matrix starts. This will give you model production years.

Archive B&W

MATRIX 803 FLOORSTANDING 1991-1993
MATRIX 803 S2 FLOORSTANDING 1992-1998

You want the S2 version. much improved.

Google online reviews and used sales.

They sounded great for HT. I also owned CdM1 and CDM1se's. They were nice too but not 800 level.

Good luck.

i Googled some and not much on prices and a great of reviews are older and do not really compare on a home theater level more on a stereo side. thanks for the years

My dad uses the Matrix 803 s2's. I haven't heard them in a HT setup, but from their performance in a stereo setup, I'd imagine they'd be a great choice. The price is good for either model, but a real nice price for the S2.

They have the 3 speakers per cabnet so I would say series 2. I really would like to know how they compare

B&W's are some of the best sounding speakers i ever heard when i was first getting into considering a high-end system- one example was the 802M series 2. BUT this was when listening
to a Bruckner symphony (#9) and not a movie soundtrack. powerful, tight, and
nearly impossible to overdrive. depending on the condition of these 803's as well as the condition of the cabinets you will have only one other problem- they magnify flaws in recordings and upstream components just like a good studio monitor is supposed to.

anyone else? i was really hoping for more input

I should add that when comparing the Matrix 803 s2 to the Nautilus and Diamonds, I've actually preferred the Matrix and Nautilus. I've found the entire Diamond line to be a little too bright for my taste. The Matrix series has plenty of punch and and the tonal balance is pleasing. Essentially, I've found them to have plenty of detail without being fatiguing. The Nautilus is somewhere in the middle, so if your preference leans toward the ultra-detailed and you don't get fatigued easily, maybe you'd prefer them; however, you'll pay a bigger chunk of cash for a speaker that you might not prefer.

Jazzerdave, great response. that is what I am looking for. Now what price? and what amp? or amps? I have a pioneer elite 92txh that I can bi- amp or I have pre-outs to run seprate amps off of my receiver. what ya think?

Baranowski,

Where are you located? I think I know which speakers you are referring to and they are in great shape from the photos seller sent me. Very good price for the left-center-right speakers.

Goodluck with them,

Bill

anyone else?

daytona beach fl

I am in Kissimmee. I almost jumped on them but my buddy was not around for me to borrow his truck. I did not want to drive 45+ miles each way if they would not fit in my car. It was a screaming deal IMO. Did you get them?

Bill

no... after repeated discussions i gave him my phone number to set up an appointment the next day to see them. he never called and i finally got a hold of him two days leter and he sold them. i just dont get it. this is the second time this has happened in one week with speaker buying.i am a little pissed off right now.

I'm not a fan of the B&W house sound, but they do sell a boat load of them. Obviously some must like them.

I owned a pair of the 803 matrix S1. I wish I held on to them. I also owned the 803Ds. The matrix is an excellent choice. You will not do better for a grand.