New 802D's and what amp?

[franklin_ron]

I have just bought a new B&W system. 802D, HTM2D, and 804s. I currently have a Krell KAV2250 and TAS driving the system. I am considering buying a McIntosh 402, Krell FPB400cx, or Nuforce Ref 9. I like the Mac, Krell is pretty expensive, does anyone have experience with the Nuforce and the 802d's.

[sikoniko]

I took my pair of ref9's to play on the 802d's. They were not broken in, maybe only 5 hours on them. I compared them to the fpb700cx. at the time the 700cx won. i hope to go back soon and compare again, as they are now broken in. either way, i think the better option would be to passively biamp the ref9's, as the extra power will help dramatically. we, the dealer and i, noticed that the ref9's weren't pushing the speaker as well as the krell. we both believed it to be that the krell's amount of power made the difference.

[franklin_ron]

Thanks, a question

Do you mean using 2 Nuforce 9's for each channel?. Actually, I had thought about Biamping using the Krell 2250 for the upper, and the Nuforce for the bass (or opposite if it sounded better)? I am currently using the 2250 for the top, and 2 of my TAS channels for the bottom. It does sound better than just the 2250.

[sikoniko]

you have to make sure the gains match on both amps or you could damage your speakers.

yes, 2 ref9's per speaker.

[DrJRapp]

I listened to 803Ds and 802Ds with some well broken in Ref9s (single not bi-amped 9.01) and a Halcro processor. I was impressed with how well the 803D stood up to the 802D using the Ref9. Because of the crossover design of the speaker, it has taken high power(300-350 wpc) amps to previously bring out the bass in the 803Ds. The speed and the 50Khz (now 100Khz in 9.02) extended top end of the Ref9s really help bring out the best in the diamond tweeter.

[DavidB]

I've just bought a Dynavector HX 1.2 Power Amp to go with my 802D's. I tested it against Naim and Bryston equivalents and thought it was absolutely fantastic, it's a fairly rare beast and has recently stopped production before the new version is released. If you can get your hands on one I would thoroughly recommend testing it, it's power and grip are fantastic. Much more involving than the Bryston with better rhythm and bass, the Naim was good but still lacking in comparison. It's grip is amazing, really has the ability to control and power the 802D's.

[ED K]

I had the 802Ds with the Mcintosh 402. Sounded good but not great. Dealer let me use a set of Bryston 7B SST monoblocks WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The bass was just incredible. Detail was perfect to my ears. Sold the 402 and bought the Brystons!!!

[nfjason]

There will be a "flood" of reviews in the next few months comparing NuForce Ref 9 SE (higher end version of Ref 9 standard) with ultra high end amps.

[Aussie Geoff]

Jason,

You seem confident in the Ref 9SE. I've heard the Ref 9 and it easily drove the 802Ds with impressive clarity and sound levels (which really surprised me given how power hungry they are)... In fact (though I didn't tell the dealer) it beat every amp in his store for quality. So if the Ref 9SE is a signficant step up again then it must be very special...

I look forward to those reviews and (one day when they make it to Aussie) hearing them...

Geoff

[goffriller]

I drive my 802Ds with Spectral 150 series 3 amp and series 3 # 20 preamp.
I went to Spectralelectronics a long time ago having done a fairly brief a-b of their stuff agains Goldman and Mark Levinson. I'm now totally happy with it, although if I had a windfall I'd be curious to bi-amp.
I notice that Spectal seem to be very rarely used- no-ones heard of them.
ANyone?
G