MATRIX 804
Stand-mount or
bookshelf loudspeaker system
The Matrix 804
contain an upper bass/midrange unit in Kevlar - a B&W innovation and a
Cobex cone bass unit with a modified matrix 801 tweeter mounted on top of the
enclosure.
A 165 mm
96-1/2") Kevlar coned bass/midrange driver unit, incorporating a 30 mm
(1-1/8") high-temperature voice coil on Kapton former. Kevlar cone drivers
are employed to produce a unique break-up pattern which enables the speakers
response to roll-off in a controlled manner above their working range. Kevlar's
unusual directional weave induces a lergely self-cancelling resonant pattern
across the cone.air is moved around close to the surface but no intrusive
output is produced by the resonance. In consequence the Kevlar cone
bass/midrange driver offers up a significantly more neutral sound with higher
information retrieval.
The Cobex cone lower
bass driver is optimised for bass frequencies as its performance is confined to
below the lower midrange. A specially formulated rubber surround enhances both
drivers performance giving higher electrical/mechanical damping ratios, resulting
in a more accurate and faster sound when reproducing bass transients.
At high frequencies,
the modified Matrix 801 tweeter incorporates magnetic fluid cooling to damp any
unwanted resonances leading to noticeably smoother response, and in the
process, more than doubling the tweeter's power handling. The tweeter's
position on top of the enclosure provides a spaciousness of image not found in
many other loudspeakers.
From the outset the
design brief for the Matrix 805 was to produce a compact loudspeaker in the 800
Series suitable for both stand or shelf mounting - particularly the latter wher
the practical size limit is around 10 - 12 liters. Consequently, the size of
the Matrix 805 is only one third of the next loudspeaker in the series, the
804. unlike similar sized speakers however, this has not meant sacrificing
either efficiency or bass extension, thanks to B&W's sixth-order alignment.
In addition many of the lessons learned from the 800 Series have been
incorporated into the 805 - not least B&W's pioneering matrix cabineet
construction. Other major features include a kevlar coned bass/midrange driver
incorporating a 30 mm high-temperature voice coil on a Kapton former and low
hysteresis surround for optimum transient performance.
High frequencies are
handled by a tim-aligned metal-domed tweeter, adapted from the Matrix 801,
which has been mounted on the top of the enclosure, to substantially increase
the spaciouness of the sound image. This unit incorporates all the latest
advances in materials technology to ensure good power handling and freedom from
compression effects - essential for the faithful reproduction of the transient
information present in moder digital recordings. Of course, high quality units
in themselves are of no advantage if the crossover is not of similar quality.
To this end, all the capacitors in the direct high frequency path are of the
superior polypropylene type, and onlly heavy duty inductors are used for the
low frequency filter. As a final refinement, the high- and low-frequency
sections of the crossover are physically separated to minimise component
interactions.
Product Summary
The Matrix 805 is
the smallest of the Matrix 800 Series, but it has all the technology and
characteristics, clarity, power and
performance of the bigger monitors.
The tweeter on top
is ferrofluid cooled. The 165mm bass/mid-range driver is a Kevlar® cone. And as with all the Matrix 800 Series, the
drive units use the minimum number of crossover components and the high and
low-pass section are physically separated to minimise component crosstalk. The
Matrix 805 is a compact, highly sensitive 87 dB shelf or stand-mounted monitor.
As a home Hi-Fi
monitor, it is ideal when space is at a premium. As a front or rear channel
monitor in a Home Cinema system, the Matrix 805 excels. The entire Matrix 800
Series is.
Acoustically Voice
Matched to deliver the same tonal balance. The Matrix 805, used in conjunction
with the Matrix 800 ASW and the Matrix HTM will deliver seamless surround sound
with depth, power and accuracy.
Kevlar®: B&W
developed and patented the method of using Kevlar® for loudspeaker cones to
reduce unwanted standing waves. DuPont originally reated Kevlar® for use in
bulletproof vests.
Tweeter on top:
B&W's Tweeter on top technology ensures that the sound remains focused and
time-sensitive and that the stereo-image is presented with unparalleled three
dimensional accuracy.
Matrix: The basic
construction of nearly all loudspeakers is exactly the same - panels of
wood-based materials, bonded to form a rectangular box. B&W studied and
evaluated how each aspect of cabinet behaviour and the efficiency of various
materials and construction methods affects sound.
Specifications
Type: 2-way vented-box system
Drive Units
High Frequency
: 1 x 26 mm metal dome, hightemperatre
voice coil and ferrofluid cooling tweeter
Low/Midrange
Frequency : 1 x 165 mm Kevlar cone
Frequency
Range: 35 Hz - 22 kHz (-6 dB points)
Bass Loading: Sixth-order Butterworth alignment 42 Hz
cut-off
Free-Field Response:
Listening Axis
: 45 Hz - 20 kHz ( ±2 dB)
Horizontal ±30°
: ±2 dB to 10 kHz
Vertical ±5° : ±2 dB to 20 kHz
Frequency
Response: 52 Hz - 20 kHz ±3 dB on ref.
Axis
Sensitivity: 87 dB spl (2,83 v/1 m)
Distortion (for 90
dB at 1 m):
Second Harmonic
:
20 Hz - 150 Hz
: less than 2,0%
150 Hz - 20 kHz
: less than 1,0%
Third Harmonic:
20 Hz - 150 Hz
: less than 1,5%
150 Hz - 20 khzz
: less than 1,0%
Nominal
Impedance: 8 Ω (4 Ω minimum)
Crossover
Frequency: 3 kHz
Power Handling: 50 W - 120 W into 8 Ω on unclipped programme
Dimensions (W x H x
D): 260 x 407 x 210 mm
Weight: 8,5 kg 918,7 lbs)
Finish: Balck Ash, Walnut, Rosewood
Grille: Black Cloth
