The cone on a 606 is made of the same material as the MR on an 802, but the driver is different b/c the rubber surround on the 606 has to allow for long excursions where the FST midrange does not. Also, the 800 series uses much higher grade crossover parts and is close tolerance throughout, where the 606 is mass produced. The Matrix series was a higher end item, but known for its low sensitivity even then. That said, the latest 606 is a darn good 2-way box. Compare to Focal Chora, which has more coloration but sounds more dynamic too.
Trying to understand B&W’s trickle down strategy
Hi everybody,
I'm trying to understand what B&W's trickle down tech strategy actually means. I've searched the internet, but not much comes up. So I figured I'd try here instead.
Does the B&W approach e.g. mean that a modern entry level speaker such as the 606 S2 AE sounds as good as (or better) than the older high end Matrix 805?
I know there is a difference in the bracing of the cabinet (in which, as I understand it, the Matrix 805 is far superior).
To my knowledge it would seem that a 606 S2 AE uses the same midrange as the 805 D3 - which is insane. I don't know about the tweeter though, but since the Matrix 805-design is 31 years old my guess is that the 606 S2-tweeter would also be trickled down several generations ago and that this newer one is as good as (or better) than the Matrix 805.
Is it only the drivers they are trickling down or is it also the crossovers and the whole technology here which tell the drivers how to interact?
I'm debating this because I'd like to know if my money is better spent on a used Matrix 805 than a new 606 S2 AE. The used price of the Matrix 805 is very similar to the new price of 606 S2 Anniversary Edition (at least where I live).
I hope someone can shed some light upon this issue - thanks!