Review: B&W 802 Speaker


Category: Speakers

These speakers offer a rich and warm sound. The play music extremely well. However, they offer the best theatre experience I have heard outside of a movie theatre for the price. They require a great deal of energy. I originally installed a Pass Labs x 150w (per channel in 8ohms) for the pair, but found that they needed more drive. When I installed the Pass Labs X250 (250w oer channel in 8ohms), the speakers took on a new life.

STRENGTHS: Great clean sound at all listening levels. These are truly the best speakers that I have owned and would recommend them to anyone who is a true home theatre and sound enthusiast.

WEAKNESS: Require alot of energy to realize their true potential.

Associated gear
Lexicon MC-1, Pass Labs X250 Amp

Similar products
Avalon, Infiniti, Klipsch,
lebmiami2
Had a series 1 running for 21 years with great satisfaction. Added a Classe 15 amp in 1995 giving "only" 175 watts into 8 ohm. That rocks! Have been testing the Nautilus 802 too, but stayed with the "old" boxes.
I have my Matrix 802 S3 for 8 years and still going strong. They are out for some Xover upgrades. Think Ill hang on to them for a couple more years.
These Babies are still my favorite speaker. Had the Xover capaciters upgraded and the soundstaging and imaging are scary good. Bass is incredible and the sweet airy treble is amazing. Im now using a Mcintosh MC2205 which mates very well with the B&W's Def use high quality bi wire cables, Dedicated speaker stands, and a tubed preamp. prepare to be transported to audio heaven.