803S Wattage Requirement

[emblemex]

I'm new to forum. Glad to find a B&W board.

I'm getting a pair of 803S soon (used). I have a McIntosh 2205, which is 200W per channel. For my medium size living room, I think that'll be fine. I don't listen that loudly anymore.

However, I'm interested in a tube McIntosh, MC2102 - which puts out a conservative 100W per channel. I listen to opera, symphony, and easy listening vocal. Do you with more B&W experience think that will be enough power?

How about hooking the 2205 to the lower drivers and the 2102 to the upper drivers? Does that sound crazy?

Tks for any help.
Pete

[stewfoo]

200w of mac is fine for 803s. I have 200w of classe and I am pleased

[Eliav]

Hi
I think 200w is enough, provided that these watts are coming from a good amp.. I used to drive my 803s with Rotel 1095 - it did a good job. having said this, the more power you use on these guys - the better. I think the Mac will do a good job on your 803s.
Cheers
Eliav

[dyazdani]

200W will be fine - the bi-amping might be an interesting way to go, provided the relative gains are appropriate. Could even go with 2x2102s - that would sound smooooth, I bet...

How big is your room?