Bowers & Wilkins Matrix 3

At 29kg, these floorstanders have dense cabinets that don't give an inch to vibration or flex.

Overview

The Bowers & Wilkins Matrix 3 is a floorstanding passive loudspeaker from the British firm's Matrix series, a line built to attack one of high-fidelity's most persistent problems: cabinet resonance. Exact production dates are undocumented, but the Matrix series as a whole was introduced in the mid-1980s. The speaker belongs to a family defined more by structural innovation than flash, built for listeners who valued accuracy over looks.

The design centers on B&W's proprietary Matrix bracing system, an internal honeycomb framework of interlocking panels that turns the cabinet walls from resonant surfaces into inert, dead structures. The chassis is so rigid that knocking on it reportedly hurts the knuckles.

The Matrix 3 exists in at least two iterations, referred to in the market as Series 1 and Series 2. The exact technical differences between them are not detailed in available documentation. Listings confirm both "Matrix 3 Series 1" and "Matrix 3 Series 2," and some sellers specify upgrades like new tweeters or fresh foam surrounds. Users are encouraged to "read the very good reviews on the internet," though no formal contemporary critiques are cited in the source material.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Bowers & Wilkins
Model	Matrix 3 Series 2
Type	Floorstanding
Impedance	4 Ohms
Drivers	1 x 25mm metal domed tweeter, 2 x 200mm polypropylene cones
Dimensions	260 x 910 x 410mm
Weight	29kg / 63.8lbs
Frequency Response	43Hz - 35kHz
Sensitivity	90dB
Type	Passive

Key Features

Matrix Bracing System with Honeycomb Internal Panels

The defining feature of the Matrix 3 is not its drivers or crossover, but its cabinet. B&W's Matrix bracing system replaces conventional internal bracing with a three-dimensional honeycomb of interlocking panels, which turns the enclosure into a rigid monocoque structure. This targets cabinet resonance, long considered a source of sonic smearing, by damping panel vibrations before they can radiate sound. A rap on the side of the cabinet feels less like striking wood and more like hitting a dense composite block.

25mm Metal-Domed Tweeter with Dual 200mm Polypropylene Woofers

The driver complement is a single 25mm metal-domed tweeter and two 200mm polypropylene-cone woofers. The metal dome offers extended high-frequency response, reportedly up to 35kHz, well beyond the limits of human hearing but potentially useful for transient accuracy and air. The dual woofers suggest a design focused on bass authority and reduced distortion, though the exact loading is not specified. Polypropylene for the mid-bass cones points to a balance of stiffness and damping, and it became a common choice in mid-to-high-end speakers of the period for its consistent performance and resistance to environmental changes.

4 Ohm Nominal Impedance with 90dB Sensitivity

The Matrix 3 has a nominal impedance of 4 ohms and a sensitivity of 90dB. That is a moderate load that demands a capable amplifier. The 4-ohm rating means it draws more current than an 8-ohm speaker, which can challenge budget or underpowered amplifiers, especially during dynamic peaks. The 90dB sensitivity helps offset this, giving reasonable volume levels without extreme power demands. Owners will want amplifiers known for stable operation into lower impedances,

Collectibility & Value

The Matrix 3 has kept a quiet but steady presence in the used market, with asking prices varying significantly by condition and series. A pair of "B&W Matrix 3 Series II" sold for $385, while another pair of Series 2 in walnut veneer with new tweeters was offered at $680. Unspecified "Matrix 3" models have been listed as low as $400, with European prices ranging from €200 to €350. Condition, finish, and component refurbishment, particularly tweeters and surrounds, heavily influence value. A Dutch forum, Htforum.nl, noted that the woofer surrounds were "tight and like new," which implies that foam degradation is a known failure point and that intact surrounds are a good sign. As with many vintage speakers, recapped crossovers and refreshed drivers may be necessary for long-term reliability, though no specific failure rates or service histories are documented.