The Matrix 800 (1990)

 

The Matrix 800 introduced by B&W in 1990 is a unique speaker. Its unique construction features woofer enclosures located on top and bottom while the midrange/tweeter enclosure is vertically sandwiched between the two woofer modules. These three cabinets rest on a flat base made of heavy-gauge cast alloy filled with non-resonant Fibrecrete. The cabinets are connected with a rear-mounted steel coupling bridge. The speakers are mirror images of one another. The visual design is the work of longtime collaborator/designer, Kenneth Grange. The bass drivers are made from a material named Cobex while the midrange uses kevlar cone, both already used in the 801 speakers. Original sale price: $18,000/pair (rosewood veneer), $15,000/pair (English walnut, black ash veneers, or painted "satin-black" finish)

Specification:

3-way bass reflex, floorstanding speaker

Woofer: 2x 300 mm high-power polymer cone

Midrange driver: 2x 126 mm Kevlar cone

Tweeter: 1x 32 mm ferrofluid-cooled, metal dome

Recommended amplifier power: 150 - 800 W

Efficiency: 93 dB (2.83 V, 1 m)

Frequency response: 23 - 20,000 (±2 dB)

Impedance: 4 Ohm (minimum 3.0 Ohm)

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