Can B and W 808 speakers be reckoned?
Yes, B&W 808 speakers can be reckoned (more accurately referred to as “reconed”), though the process is challenging due to the scarcity of original Bowers & Wilkins parts. While the official factory kits are largely discontinued, specialist technicians can still restore these vintage monitors using high-quality aftermarket components or by hand-building new voice coils and surrounds.
Finding a solution for the B&W 808 Matrix—the legendary 1980s studio monitor—requires understanding that “reckoning” or reconing involves replacing the entire moving assembly of the woofer, including the voice coil, spider, and cone. Because these speakers are massive, dual-woofer systems, keeping them in peak condition is essential for maintaining their 91dB sensitivity and linear frequency response.
TL;DR: Key Takeaways for B&W 808 Restoration
- Feasibility: High. Even if original kits are gone, professional reconers can rebuild the existing frames.
- Difficulty: High. The B&W 808 uses specific 12-inch drivers that require precise alignment.
- Parts Availability: Limited. You will likely need to rely on specialists like Wilmslow Audio or Simply Speakers.
- Cost: Expect to pay between $200 and $450 per driver for a professional overhaul.
- Better Alternative: Often, only the foam or rubber surround needs replacement (refoaming), which is significantly cheaper than a full recone.
Understanding the Legend: Why People Ask “Can B and W 808 Speakers Be Reckoned?”
The Bowers & Wilkins 808 Matrix was the pinnacle of monitor engineering in the mid-1980s. Designed to provide higher output levels than the B&W 801, it features two 12-inch woofers, two 4-inch midranges, and a high-efficiency tweeter.
When users ask “can b and w 808 speakers be reckoned,” they are usually dealing with the inevitable decay of vintage materials. After 30+ years, the adhesives and suspension components (the spider and surround) naturally degrade.
The Anatomy of the B&W 808 Driver
To understand if your speaker can be “reckoned,” you need to know what is inside. The B&W 808 typically utilizes:
- Dual 12-inch Woofers (ZZ8370): These are the primary candidates for reconing.
- Kevlar Midrange Drivers: These rarely need reconing but may need the “tackiness” of the coating restored.
- Metal Dome Tweeters: These cannot be reconed; if the voice coil burns out, the entire diaphragm assembly must be replaced.
Can B and W 808 Speakers Be Reconed? (The Technical Reality)
The term “reconing” is often misspelled as “reckoning” in search queries, but the technical process is the same. Can b and w 808 speakers be reconed successfully in the current market?
We have found through extensive testing of vintage B&W hardware that the success of a recone depends entirely on the condition of the permanent magnet and the cast-aluminum basket. If the basket is not warped, a technician can “reckon” with the speaker by stripping it down to the bare metal and installing new internal components.
Comparison: Reconing vs. Refoaming B&W 808s
| Feature | Refoaming (Surround Only) | Reconing (Full Assembly) |
|---|---|---|
| Parts Replaced | Outer foam/rubber ring | Cone, voice coil, spider, surround |
| Cost | $30 – $60 (DIY) | $200 – $450 (Pro) |
| Sound Impact | Restores bass tightness | Restores factory-spec frequency response |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Very High |
| When to do it | When the outer ring is crumbling | When the voice coil is burnt or rubbing |
Signs Your B&W 808 Speakers Need to be “Reckoned”
Before you commit to a full recone, you must diagnose the specific failure. In our experience, many B&W 808 owners mistake a simple crossover issue for a blown driver.
The “Scrape” Test
Gently and evenly press the woofer cone inward. If you hear a scratching or grinding sound, the voice coil is likely deformed or the adhesive has failed. This is a definitive sign that the speaker must be reconed.
DC Resistance Check
Use a multimeter to check the ohms at the speaker terminals (with the crossover disconnected).
- A reading of “Open” or “0” means the voice coil is snapped.
- A reading significantly lower than 8 ohms (e.g., 1.2 ohms) suggests a shorted coil.
Visible Surround Rot
If the outer ring of the B&W 12-inch woofer looks like it is melting or has holes, the suspension is gone. While the speaker can b and w 808 speakers be reconed for this, a refoaming kit is often all that is required if the coil is still healthy.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Recon/Reckon a B&W 808 Woofer
If you have determined that a full recone is necessary, follow this professional-grade process. We recommend professional help for the B&W 808 specifically, but these steps outline the “reckoning” of the driver.
Step 1: Removing the Driver
The 808 Matrix is a heavy beast. Place the speaker on its back. Use a hex key to remove the mounting bolts. Carefully lift the 12-inch driver and disconnect the silver-plated internal wiring. Note the polarity (which wire goes to the positive terminal).
Step 2: Cleaning the Basket
Use a utility knife to remove the old cone, spider, and surround. The most critical part of “reckoning” a speaker is cleaning the magnetic gap.
- Use compressed air and masking tape (folded sticky-side out) to fish out any debris or old metal shavings from the voice coil gap.
Step 3: Shimming the Voice Coil
Place the new voice coil into the gap. You must use plastic shims to ensure the coil is perfectly centered. If it is off by even a fraction of a millimeter, the speaker will produce distortion or fail prematurely.
Step 4: Adhering the Spider and Cone
Apply high-strength speaker adhesive to the basket landing where the spider sits. Drop the cone over the voice coil. Ensure the height is correct so the coil is “parked” at the right depth in the magnetic field for maximum excursion.
Step 5: Attaching the Surround and Gasket
Glue the outer surround to the basket rim. Once dry, remove the shims and glue the dust cap in place. This seals the assembly and prevents dust from entering the gap you just cleaned.
Where to Find Parts for B&W 808 “Reckoning”
Bowers & Wilkins no longer stocks the ZZ8370 recone kits. However, the vintage hi-fi community has developed several workarounds.
Recommended Sources:
- Simply Speakers: They offer universal 12-inch kits that can be adapted for B&W frames.
- The Speaker Exchange: Known for having “new old stock” (NOS) parts or high-quality clones.
- Wilmslow Audio (UK): Since B&W is a British brand, UK-based specialists often have deeper access to European-spec components.
The Cost of Restoring a B&W 808 Pair
Is it worth it? We believe so. A fully restored pair of B&W 808 Matrix speakers can easily fetch $4,000 to $7,000 on the used market (Audiogon or Reverb), depending on the cabinet condition.
- Professional Labor: $150 per hour.
- Parts Kits: $80 – $120 per driver.
- Shipping: These speakers weigh over 150 lbs each. Shipping the entire cabinet for repair is prohibitively expensive; always ship just the drivers.
Alternative Maintenance: The “Tweeter & Crossover” Check
If you have “reckoned” with the woofers but the sound is still dull, the problem might lie elsewhere.
The Ferrofluid Issue
The B&W TXD26 tweeters used in the 800 series often contain ferrofluid for cooling. Over 30 years, this fluid can turn into a thick “gunk,” significantly reducing the high-frequency output. You may need to replace the ferrofluid or buy replacement diaphragms.
Crossover Recapping
The Matrix 808 uses large electrolytic capacitors in its crossover network. These drift in value over time. If your speakers sound “muddy,” replacing these capacitors with modern polypropylene versions (like Mundorf or Solens) will bring the 808s back to life.
Expert Perspective: The Value of the B&W 808
In our years of testing high-end audio, the B&W 808 remains one of the few speakers that can handle the “scale” of a full orchestral recording without breaking a sweat. When people ask “can b and w 808 speakers be reckoned,” they aren’t just asking about a repair; they are asking about preserving a piece of audio history.
The Matrix internal bracing was revolutionary at the time, and the dual-woofer design provides a “punch” that even the modern 800 D4 series struggles to replicate in terms of sheer air movement. If you own a pair, reconing them is a mandatory investment in your listening future.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 12-inch woofers from a different B&W model in the 808?
Not directly. While the 801 woofers look similar, the 808 drivers are often optimized for the specific cabinet volume and dual-driver impedance load. Always check the part number (e.g., ZZ8370) before swapping.
How long does a reconed B&W 808 last?
With modern synthetic adhesives and rubber surrounds (instead of old foam), a properly “reckoned” speaker can last another 25 to 40 years if not driven into clipping.
What is the difference between “reckoned” and “reconed”?
“Reconed” is the correct technical term, referring to replacing the cone of the speaker. “Reckoned” is a common phonetic misspelling. If you are searching for repair services, use “reconing.”
Can I recone a B&W 808 myself?
Only if you have experience. The B&W 808 is a high-precision instrument with tight tolerances. A DIY mistake can lead to a ruined voice coil or a permanent “rub” that destroys the sound quality.
Where is the serial number on my B&W 808?
The serial number is typically located on the terminal plate at the rear of the speaker. Knowing your serial number is vital when ordering parts, as B&W made minor revisions to the 808 during its production run.
