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!

rukiteriaq

Showing 1 response by vanson1

I had a pair of 705s and also had a pair of 805s.

Both were brand new with a free return for refund. Only way to truly test a product is in your home. 

They both had the same mid driver but different tweeter.  Also the bass port was in the front vs the back. 

They both sounded fantastic and for the money I would choose the 705s.

However the 805s do add more definition and detail.  Probably not $3000 worth but after having both,  i did settle on the 805s.

If I didn't have both i would have settled on the 705.

It just shows that speaker technology is still advancing and newer is probably better.