B&W 801 Matrix S2 (Value?)

[nickrobotron]

What would a pair of black 801 S2's in good condition be worth? I know it depends on the market, but I'm looking for a fair price range.

Is there anything to look out for with these speakers? Any parts that didn't age well since 1987?

 

[Wes_in_VA]

Looks like a pair painted white (!!) sold on ebay for $1115 recently. There's a pair in black on eaby now with a $2895 asking price.

As for aging, all I can add is that I have a pair of 803 Matrix S2 that are slightly newer but are perfect. 1987 was what, 26 years ago?

 

[nickrobotron]

400 WPC? Wow. I don't have that much power.

I auditioned them with a 100 WPC Classé amp. It sounded very, very nice to my ears at normal listening levels. I don't crank it. I'll keep that advice in mind and upgrade later, but as of right now, I'll be powering them with the amp section of a Kenwood Model 500 integrated, which is slightly over 100 WPC.

I haven't read about them being that power hungry anywhere else. Including the Stereophile review. My plan was to get a Parasound HCA-2200 II for them in the future. It's somewhere around 250 WPC, but lots of current.

Any thoughts on pricing?

 

[nickrobotron]

Looks like a pair painted white (!!) sold on ebay for $1115 recently. There's a pair in black on eaby now with a $2895 asking price.

As for aging, all I can add is that I have a pair of 803 Matrix S2 that are slightly newer but are perfect. 1987 was what, 26 years ago?

I was thinking around $1500 for these. They have the equalizer.

How do you like your 803's?

 

[junkaudio]

the thing to look at is the equalizer the 802 801 s2 came from factory with
dramatic improves dark bass (800 series high pass filter)
price is >grand

 

[Mrv8q]

IMO,1500 would be a very good price on those; it would be a good price for 802 S2s!

Currently own 802S2s, seen them go for 1200 to 2400, depending on wood finish; black finish usually is less expensive.

801s go for 1800 to 3500. Guy on the 'bay had 801s with NorthCreek Xovers and Sound Anchors for 3500... I was tempted!

Good luck!

 

[Wes_in_VA]

I was thinking around $1500 for these. They have the equalizer.

How do you like your 803's?

LOVE them. I drive them with a Legacy amp putting out 400w/ch.
Seems like the 803's often go for $1500-ish so $1500 for those 801's would seem to be a steal.

 

[tubeornotube]

$1500 to $2000 is the current going price.
I have a pair of S2's myself which I drive with a Krell KSA-100MKII which is 100/ch class A.
There is no known tweeter problem..lots of false info on the net.
As for screw to tighten midrange...um WHAT? no such thing..
Anyways...they do like power and can play loud as such but if you don't need loud 100/ch or so will do it.
I also have 801 Series 80's which are about 10 years older. Why? Because I like them. Series 80's really like power though.
There is little to go wrong with age in the S2's crossover.You can see it if you look up underneath the base.

Enjoy them..I know you will.:yes:

Matt...tubeornotube

 

[thymanst]

Best all round speaker I've had- pretty much good at everything - soundstage, highs, lows, midrange - the stands bring the tweeter hieght up and tighten the bass a little - the bass filter also tightens the sound - it was designed to help when playing records-