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Opinions on B&W 801F, prior to Matrix and Nautilus

Need advice. I have an opportunity to purchase a pair for 1300$ but I read their bass is overwhelming and it requires a monster amp. Alternatives are Monitor S6, Thiel CS1.6 or Wharfedale Diamond 9.6, all new. I can afford a pair of Vincent SP-997 monoblocks, a NAD C272 or a Quad 909 power. This is for a first generation model 801F, not the Matrix or Nautilus versions. Suggestions welcome.
michelc1953

Showing 1 response by parksfamily38ae

parksfamily38ae
1 posts
 
I have had a pair of 801's for approx 20 years - of constant
use. The cross-over was the only thing that has given me
a problem - even after I had a failure in the driving amp -
it put approx 50 volts dc into the speaker - nothing blew up.
B&W replaced all the caps in two cross-over circuits for ~$100
CDN. I use ~ 100 watts/channel ( real watts ) with good results. We also have a pair of B&W 610i's and 602 S3 ( this year vintage ) - the old 801's are the least coloured.
Listening to them as I write this.
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