B&W 803s and new amp: Classe or Mac

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  • beaverlake
    Junior Member
    • Dec 2008
    • 14

    B&W 803s and new amp: Classe or Mac

    (also posted in Audio Hideout)

    I know, I know - B&W/Classe is a "classic" pairing from the same audio group. But in spite of a comfortable budget I have to keep my costs in mind.

    I'm replacing 3 x Musical Fidelity XP-200s (LCR, 200w each bridged) and a Rotel 1562 (100wpc). I have 2 x B&W 803s, an HTM2 center and a pair of B&W in-ceiling rears rounded out with a Paradigm sub. The front end is a Meridian G61R/HD621. The room is about 17 x 18, carpeted, draped, and has a couple offset angles along with a large micro-fiber covered u-shaped sectional.

    Maybe it's old age, but I'm finding that when pushed a bit in our new TV room (SIM2 Mico50 and Carada 114" screen) the 803s have a bit of an edge. The room is great and it loads the bass really well while remaining tight and controlled. Voices are good, midrange is good - it's the "edge" that seems to have crept in that I'm trying to get a handle on.

    I can't afford a full gear swap out and I've tried some interconnect and cable cable swaps with no luck. I thought about a Meridian swap to DSP-5200s but that would still set me back about $12K after selling out the amps and B&Ws. So it's a Classe CT-5300 or a Mac 205 (again, a bit of apples to oranges from a power perspective).

    Thoughts?
    (Note I have some dealer loyalty here, so it's Classe, Mac, or NAD and Audio Research is out of my league).

    gordon
    gordon
  • mjb
    Super Senior Member
    • Mar 2005
    • 1483

    #2
    Please don't cross post!
    - Mike

    Main System:
    B&W 802D, HTM2D, SCMS
    Classé SSP-800, CA-2200, CA-5100

    Comment

    • audioqueso
      Super Senior Member
      • Nov 2004
      • 1930

      #3
      I would recommend that you find a dealer who has both and listen to them.
      Classe or Mac... they both have a different sound. So you can't really say one is better than the other (regardless of power). I prefer Mac, but I know some prefer Classe.
      If the same dealer doesn't have both, but you are able to find both in two different stores, you could ask if you could put a deposit for the item, and test it out at home. Then you can hear what both would sound like in your own home.
      B&W 804S/Velodyne SPL-1000R/Anthem MRX720

      Comment

      • beaverlake
        Junior Member
        • Dec 2008
        • 14

        #4
        Mea Culpa

        Originally posted by mjb
        My bad - I wasn't sure about the best heading. Won't happen again.

        gordon
        gordon

        Comment

        • wkhanna
          Grumpy Old Super Moderator Emeritus
          • Jan 2006
          • 5673

          #5
          That is OK, Gordon.

          We are V glad to have you here.

          We are just trying to make sure questions & information get to where they are most easily found by everyone.

          Now back the regularly scheduled program.
          _


          Bill

          Practicing Curmudgeon & Audio Snob
          ....just an "ON" switch, Please!

          FinleyAudio

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