B&W N802s - How many watts for HT?

[audiophied]

I power my B&W N802s with a 100W integrated (Classe CAP 2100) which I find adequate for 2 channel audio...

I was wondering whether 100 Watts would work just as well for HT duties? The center channel is an B&W HTM-1. I'm wondering - is power defficieny more or less obvious in HT (relative to 2 channel music)?

If I won't be satisfied with 100Watts in HT, I'm better off selling the CAP 2100 and buying 200 Watts of power across 5 channels or atleast 3 (perhaps the classe CA 3200).... If 100 watts WILL work I can buy something cheaper (still using the CAP 2100 in ht passthrough mode for 2 front channels)


My thinking is --
I'd rather not spend more money now on upgrading electronics so that I can use the money in the future towards a B&W 802D upgrade (which require less current than N802s anyway...). So unless, 100 watts will be insufficient/crap for HT I'd like to go this way. So I need this forum's input on this one as I have no experience with HT...

THanks!

[Aldo]

If you found the Classe CAP 2100 right for stereo, you are going to be happy with it in HT aplication because HT demands less in terms of quality and power, that if you have a SUBwoofer and route all LFE to it!

[audiophied]

Thanks Aldo,

Is 100 watts enough for the center channel also?

[Aldo]

With amps like classe, yes! That taking in to account that you are happy with the CA2100 and the 802's!

[audiophied]

thanks again Aldo

I am satisfied with the CAP 2100 (for now) for the fronts....

Now I just need to figure out which amp to buy for the HTM-1 and rear channels...

[Race Car Driver]

I am curious if you are satisfied with the low end of your 802s with 100 watts?

[audiophied]

100 watts are fine for the most part. Once in a while though it is apparent that the bottom end needs more oomph.. (bottom end is def. lacking if I play "GO" by Pearl Jam). On an every day basis though, the power is sufficient and its not because I listen to music with very little bass... I'm into DMB etc..

all 100 watts are not alike though, the cap 2100 does double down at 4 ohms...

[caleb]

Audiophied,
What makes you think that the 802Ds will need less power than the 802s??

IME I have found that 800s, and 802s definately denefit from at least 200 watts of DECENT power.

ML or CLASSE, will provide that, but I am very doubtfull that 100 watts will give you the CONTROL that these speakers need.

[dyazdani]

I would also suggest 200 WPC, you could get by with 100, but it would be stressed a bit.

Actually, I heard some 802Ds today driven by a Classe 5200 (5x200) - very nice setup.

[audiophied]

Caleb - I was under the impression that 802D are less power hungry than the N802s... I may be wrong though...

You are right 200 watts would be better, but the marginal difference is not as wide as some make it out to be... (atleast in mind... this is obviously very subjective.. to each their own)

[chinets]

I think you'll need 200W for HT to give it that Dynamic presence and oomph. With a SUB or 2 would even be better for HT duties!!
100W I am sure would do the job, but it will be working double hard and stressed to squeeze the last juice power out of that Amp. to get the Dynamics you'll need ,plus you would have to turn the Volume higher to get that Dynamic sound you are looking for in HT!! 200W would make that a lot easier and the sound will be more open less stressed and detailed.

That is my opinion and my experience, as I love HT !!!!

Hope that helps you Audiophied??

Cheers!!