STATUS - AVAILABLE
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Description :
The B&W 802 Matrix loudspeakers were a later domesticated version of the 801 Matrix speakers. There was a considerable reduction in physical size, particularly in occupied floor area, a third off the cost and some sacrifice in low-frequency response. The 802 retained the 801's 'penthouse pod' containing the Kevlar coned midrange unit below the streamlined dome tweeter and therefore the performance in those two important areas were identical to the 801. In common with the majority of B&W's range, the cabinet had been `Matrixed', their term for a grid of interlocking internal partitions which divided up the cabinet volume and greatly reinforced the cabinet walls. Because of its performance, the 802 Matrix became popular with professionals at home, and was provided to many of GRAMOPHONE'S record critics, who enjoyed a major part of the sound essence as it would have been heard on the 801 Matrix monitors in the studio control room.

Upon testing, the B&W 802 Matrix speakers prove fairly non-critical in position which is an indication of a well controlled sound distribution. In terms of tonal balance, there seem to be bias towards a strong lower middle response. Tenor voices are well projected, though not aggressively, representing a sort of audio bel canto. 'Bel canto' in this case means 'beautiful voice' in Italian. This effect appears to be a product of the sound added by the bass units in that area, possibly supported by floor reflections which adds to its warmth rather lowering down the scale. The clean mid-range and crystal treble are of course carries over and lend a remarkable realism to almost everything one hears. The bass extensions are wonderful though some may find the bass rather old fashioned. Others may disagree and in any case the other virtues of these loudspeakers are commanding.

The B&W 802 Matrix speakers have the ability to handle a great deal of power without distress which, allied to its sensitivity, making it a very loud speaker indeed. Two of B&W's protection circuits have been fitted in so excess power will not harm the speakers though the speakers certainly do like to be played at volume and the louder, the better.

Specifications :
Drive Units..........................................1 x 26mm multi-filament polyester weave dome; 26mm dia. high temperature voice coil
               ...........................................1 x 100mm Midrange frequency drive unit; 25mm voice coil
               ...........................................2 x 165mm low frequency drive units;38mm voice coil
Frequency Response...........................55Hz to 20kHz ±2dB
Sensitivity............................................85dB spl (2.83V 1m)
Nominal Impedance..............................8 ohms
Power Handling....................................Minimum amplifier 100 watts into 8 ohms
                      .....................................No upper limit due to automatic protection device.
Frequency response.............................30Hz - 20kHz ± 3dB
Sensitivity............................................89dB for 2.83V @ 1m
Impedance...........................................6 Ohms
Power handling....................................100W (music programme)
Dimensions(w x d x h)..........................30 x 36 x 104cm
Weight................................................37kg per side

Miscellaneous :
Made in...............................................UK, England
Condition.............................................7/10 (1 Tweeter Cover Missing)

Product Information :
http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/Downloads/Product/Archive/ENG_FT00005_802fs_info_sheet.pdf (Manufacturer's Website)

Reviews :
http://www.gramophone.net/Issue/Page/February%201989/117/791598 (B&W 802 Matrix Series 2)
http://www.audioreview.com/cat/speakers/floorstanding-speakers/b-and-w/matrix-802/prd_120867_1594crx.aspx
http://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum/viewtopic.php?t=12778