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Upgrade to B&W Matrix 805
#325704 10/15/10 06:36 PM
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Hi all,
I am looking at a upgrade to B&W Matrix 805 paired with a threshold s/150 and a passive DIY pre amp. My source is digital music from my computer feeding a modded DacMagic MK2.

I am considering M3's. Since I dont have the option or time to audition them in India, I need to make a decision based on owners reviews.

Need inputs from you all on my predicament.

cheers!

Re: Upgrade to B&W Matrix 805
madbullram #325705 10/15/10 06:58 PM
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Welcome, madbullram. Recently at the Axiom 30th Anniversary gathering, approx 30 of us had the opportunity to blind test the M3 against it's B&W counterpart which unless I am mistaken, was the latest 805. The results showed a preference for the M3's over the B&W....if I recall....12 votes M3, 9 votes B&W and 5 ties. The M3's were about 1/7 to 1/8th the price of the B&W's for comparison. My own take on the two speakers were that they were "similarily good" with subtle, but audible differences.


Half of communication is listening. You can't listen with your mouth.
Re: Upgrade to B&W Matrix 805
Adrian #325706 10/15/10 07:09 PM
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Adrian,

Do you recall that thread after the 30th party and the listening tests, where everyone weighed in with their impressions of the double-blind tests and their reactions when the identity of the speakers was revealed?

I can't seem to find it.

Thanks,
Alan


Alan Lofft,
Axiom Resident Expert (Retired)
Re: Upgrade to B&W Matrix 805
alan #325709 10/15/10 07:44 PM
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If they are similar but the M3s are 1/7th of the price, is this really an upgrade?


Bruno
M80s/VP180/QS8s/EP600/AVR-890
------------------------------------
"The problem is choice..."
Re: Upgrade to B&W Matrix 805
bdpf #325711 10/15/10 07:50 PM
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The M3s would have been a better initial purchase, but since he has the 805s already, might as well stay with them.


Pioneer PDP-5020FD, Marantz SR6011
Axiom M5HP, VP160HP, QS8
Sony PS4, surround backs
-Chris
Re: Upgrade to B&W Matrix 805
ClubNeon #325713 10/15/10 08:38 PM
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@Club: ARe you saying I wouldn't really benefit from M3 over Matrix 805? Upgrading from 805 seems to be a tough choice !!!

Also, in that case I am also thinking of secondary system for my office area at home. Was planning on moving the Matrix 805 there, so instead I can get the M3s and use at the office space which would be equal to my Matrix 805?

Re: Upgrade to B&W Matrix 805
madbullram #325715 10/15/10 08:39 PM
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Adrian: What were the speakers connected to?

Re: Upgrade to B&W Matrix 805
madbullram #325717 10/15/10 08:54 PM
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Ram,

The speakers in the Axiom listening room are always driven by an Axiom A1400 power amplifier and a Sherwood Newcastle AV preamp.

Alan


Alan Lofft,
Axiom Resident Expert (Retired)
Re: Upgrade to B&W Matrix 805
madbullram #325718 10/15/10 08:56 PM
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My understanding from past threads is that each speaker was powered by an Axiom A1400 amplifier. Other components I am aware Axioms uses are a Sherwood Newcastle pre-processor and Panasonic Blu-ray player as one of its sources.


I’m armed and I’m drinking. You don’t want to listen to advice from me, amigo.

-Max Payne
Re: Upgrade to B&W Matrix 805
madbullram #325719 10/15/10 08:57 PM
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Originally Posted By: madbullram
@Club: ARe you saying I wouldn't really benefit from M3 over Matrix 805? Upgrading from 805 seems to be a tough choice !!!

Also, in that case I am also thinking of secondary system for my office area at home. Was planning on moving the Matrix 805 there, so instead I can get the M3s and use at the office space which would be equal to my Matrix 805?

In the blind test the Axiom conducted the listeners were pretty evenly split between the M3s and 805s. Which says a lot about the value of the M3. But yeah, the M3 isn't really an upgrade over the 805. They were found to be very equal to each other.

But if you were wanting something that is similar to your 805 in another location, but not wanting to spend the same amount of money the M3s would be a good choice.


Pioneer PDP-5020FD, Marantz SR6011
Axiom M5HP, VP160HP, QS8
Sony PS4, surround backs
-Chris
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