Question about B&W 802s3

[JerryLove]

I'm just curious how it stacks up to the current model 802? I want an 802D but don't have the funds, there's an 802s3 in an affordable range (wow those things are ugly), and I don't expect it to be as good, but is it "mostly as good" or is there a significance difference?

 

[WmAx]

If you want 802D-like performance for relatively cheap, search for the 80's ear B&W 801 Matrix Series II and Series III. I have seen excellent condition pairs go for $2500-$4000 USD. The old 802, I do not particularly recommend as a close match to the 802D. The old 802N is rather similar to the 802D, however, but with slightly less flat response. But other than that, it has most of the characteristics, and looks nearly identical to the 802D. Excellent condition pairs go for $5000-$8000, with $5000 being rare.

-Chris

 

[JerryLove]

What about http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1261753849&/B-W-802-nautilus-rosenut-near- ?

Also, the pair I can get locally looks like this one http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1261621411&/B-W-802-Matrix-series-3-Black

Is that a MatrixIII (what you recommended)?

 

[jamie2112]

Those are both very good speakers.I would get either of those 2 if the cash is available.

 

[WmAx]

What about http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1261753849&/B-W-802-nautilus-rosenut-near- ?

Also, the pair I can get locally looks like this one http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1261621411&/B-W-802-Matrix-series-3-Black

Is that a MatrixIII (what you recommended)?

Yes to the Nautilus 802. No to the Matrix 802. I specified Matrix 801, Series II and III.

-Chris

 

[fredk]

If you want 802D-like performance for relatively cheap, search for the 80's ear B&W 801 Matrix Series II and Series III.

-Chris

How much life can one expect from a speaker built almost 30 years ago? The surrounds on my old Advents went after about 15 years.

 

[JerryLove]

How much life can one expect from a speaker built almost 30 years ago? The surrounds on my old Advents went after about 15 years.

I've got units from the mid 80s running fine.

 

[fredk]

So whats the difference, the surround material? I also read about caps drifting in value as they age so I wonder about crossover components.

15 years is a reasonable life expetancy for a car (in cold corrosive Canada [unless it was an AMC Pacer ). What is a reasonable expectation for speakers?

Edit: And how would you assess that?

 

[WmAx]

Higher cost speakers generally do not use electrolytic capacitors in value sensitive parts of the crossover circuits. More common is plastic film type (polypropylene, Mylar, etc.).

The foam surrounds are generally good from most 80's ear speakers. They started using chemical treatments in this era to prevent the dry rotting so common with foam surrounds from the 50s-70s. Even if the foam was needing replacement; it's not a expensive repair; certainly not a detractor from getting a bargain on an otherwise fully functioning high quality speaker.

-Chris

 

[fredk]

They started using chemical treatments in this era to prevent the dry rotting so common with foam surrounds from the 50s-70s.

Wouldn't you know it, my Advents were '76/'77. The receiver from that system gave up the ghost this spring.

I was reading up on the design of the 80xD series tonight relating to subs and cabinet resonance. They sure spent a lot of time (and money) on the development of these things.