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