Bowers & Wilkins Matrix 805 (1995)

At 9.5kg, it feels solid in your hands—not heavy, but dense, like a block of engineered silence.

Overview

The Bowers & Wilkins Matrix 805 is a bookshelf/standmount loudspeaker introduced in 1995, though some sources suggest a 1993 debut. Part of the broader Matrix series, it represents B&W’s commitment to minimizing cabinet resonance through structural innovation. Owners report a speaker that, decades later, remains a compelling listen—described by one long-term user as “still a treat to listen to,” with a presence that “regularly returns to the spotlight” in well-kept systems. It wasn’t built for flash or fashion; it was engineered for neutrality, with a design philosophy rooted in studio accuracy rather than domestic flattery.

While not a flagship like the 801, the Matrix 805 inherits the core DNA of its larger siblings: a rigid, acoustically inert enclosure and a driver complement focused on clarity. The 165mm Kevlar cone mid/bass driver and 25mm metal dome tweeter are mounted in a cabinet that resists flex and ring. Knock on the side panel and it gives back a dull thud—no rattle, no resonance, just mass. That’s the point. These aren’t speakers designed to disappear sonically; they’re meant to let the music do that instead.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Bowers & Wilkins
Model	Matrix 805
Type	2-way, bass reflex
Enclosure	Matrix
Drive units	1x 25mm (1") metal dome tweeter, 1x 165mm (6.5") Kevlar cone bass/midrange driver
Frequency Response	55Hz - 20kHz (±3dB)
Sensitivity	87dB spl (2.83V, 1m)
Nominal Impedance	8Ω (minimum 4.3Ω)
Recommended Amplifier Power	50W - 120W into 8Ω on unclipped programme
Crossover Frequency	4kHz
Dimensions (H x W x D)	405 x 238 x 298mm (16 x 9.4 x 11.7 inches)
Weight	9.5kg (20.9lbs)
Finish	Black Ash, Cherry, Mahogany

Key Features

Matrix Bracing System

The defining feature of the Matrix 805 is its namesake bracing system—an internal honeycomb of interlocking panels that transforms the cabinet from a potential resonator into a rigid, inert structure. B&W identified cabinet vibration as “the other great enemy of loudspeaker accuracy,” and the Matrix design directly confronts it. The result is a speaker that doesn’t color the sound with boxy overtones or panel ringing. When struck, the cabinet responds with a solid, dead thump—so much so that “if you knock on a Matrix-series B&W cabinet, your knuckles hurt. That’s the point.”

165mm Kevlar Cone Bass/Midrange Driver

25mm Metal Dome Tweeter

Historical Context

The Matrix series originated in the mid-1980s, a response to the limitations of traditional box speakers whose cabinets often resonated and smeared transients. The flagship 801 Matrix became a standard in recording studios, particularly for classical music, where its accuracy was valued over sonic embellishment. The Matrix 805 arrived later—officially in 1995—as a compact expression of that same engineering ethos, bringing the Matrix bracing and Kevlar driver technology to a smaller, bookshelf-friendly format. It was never marketed as a “mini 801,” but the lineage is clear in its construction and intent.

Collectibility & Value

Market listings suggest the Matrix 805 holds residual value among vintage audio enthusiasts, with recent asking prices ranging from $700 to $898.88 USD, or $750 AUD in Australia. One listing boldly declares, “Here is your chance to own a legend in the speaker world,” reflecting the esteem in which some hold the model. However, there is no documented original MSRP, and production end dates remain unconfirmed. While no systemic failures are recorded, the availability of replacement tweeters indicates that driver degradation—particularly in the metal dome unit—is a known consideration for long-term ownership. Maintenance and parts sourcing are not formally supported, leaving repairs to third-party or generic solutions.