Bi-Amp 803S Speakers?

[dmccombs]

I am running B&W 803s speakers in the front, driven by a Krell KAV-250a amplifier. The speakers are rated at 250 wpc, and the Krell is rated at 250 wpc @ 8 ohms, and 500 wpc at 4 ohms.

I do have a an SVS 20-39pci sub in the mix with the Mains crossed at 80hz. The takes some of the load off the 803s and provides some extra headroom.

1) Do the 803s sound significantly better with more than 250 wpc?

2) If I added another Krell 250a amp, and bi-amped the speakers, would they sound significantly better than with just one amp?

Thanks,
Darrell

[hifiguymi]

What is the rest of your system? Is there something you don't like about the sound you have? It sounds like your trying to get more out of your system and I don't think bi-amping will do it. Speakers usually sound better when they are bi-amped, but the differences are not always that big. If the sound you have is not what you're after, then maybe addressing something else is what you need to do.

As far as the amount of power is concerned I don't think you need more power than what you have. Watts per channel is not the same for every amp. Sometimes a smaller amp (on paper),or one of similar power, can sound bigger or louder than a bigger one. I would bet a Krell Evolution 302 (which is just about to ship) at 300 watts per channel would outperform a Krell KAV-250a or KAV-2250 at 250 watts per channel. (Before someone points it out I know the EVO302 is bigger.) The EVO302 is $10,500.00 US and the KAV-2250 is $4,500.00 US but they are similar in power. That 50 watts will get you .5dB in volume but a whole lot more control. An amp like the Rotel RB-1092 at 500 watts per channel might not sound as good as the amp you have (and I think it sounds great for a $2500.00 US amp) and it's twice the power.

Eric

[Kobus]

1) Do the 803s sound significantly better with more than 250 wpc?

I doubt it.

2) If I added another Krell 250a amp, and bi-amped the speakers, would they sound significantly better than with just one amp?

I most certainly will not go this route.

Kobus

[ShadowZA]

As Kobus says :T

[RebelMan]

As a previous 803S owner I second ShadowZA and Kobus. Bi-amping or otherwise is definitely not the thing to do. What you have now is more than capable.

[dmccombs]

Hey, I really appreciate the feedback. I will leave well enough alone (on the amps anyway).

It does sound good now, and I think my real weakness is in my Prepro. I am using a Denon 3806, but am in the process of upgrading to a Halcro SSP-100. I think the Halcro will open things up even futher.

[sikoniko]

make sure you demo anything before you buy.

My local dealer demo'd Halcro stuff, all the way up to their $43k DM88 amps and decided not to carry the line. hey didnt care for it.

Everyone is different, so you may like it..

[dmccombs]

I agree with your advise to demo, but I live in Albuquerque and my mid to high end options are very limited. My in town Prepro options are Krell, Arcam, and NHT.

I did demo a Krell HTS 7.1 and it sounded nice. The Krell has no HDMI upgrade path though. I bought the Halcro based on numerous on-line user recommendations. It is supposed to sound terrific, and it has HDMI (which will be upgraded via firmware to full capability soon).

I got the Halcro at a good price so if I don't like it, I am pretty sure I can sell it and recoup my costs with no loss. With that in mind, it is like a demo.

Did your dealer try Prepros too, or just amps?

[Kobus]

I would go for a dedicated 2ch pre-amp. For HT it must allow for pass through.

That is if 2ch is important to you.

And, by the way, where is Albuquerque.

Kobus

[dmccombs]

Kobus,

I have considered a 2CH pre. I am guessing I will be quite happy with the 2CH performance of the Halcro though. If not, I will look at getting a dedicated pre as you suggested.

Albuquerque is in New Mexico (between Texas and Arizona). I only know of 2-3 high end shops here (depending on what you define as high end), and each place only carries ~1 high end brand that users can demo.

[sikoniko]

Did your dealer try Prepros too, or just amps?

he had the ssp-100, the amp that went with it, the dm amps and the 2 ch proc that went with them.

he loved the low end of the halcro, said the best he had ever heard, but liked the mid and highs better on other offerings, especially at significantly cheaper prices.

[dmccombs]

Sikono,

Well in a few days I hope to give some feedback on the Halco. I will have the Halcro prepro matched with Krell 250a amps. The low end should be terrific anyway. I hope it is a good match with my 803s/804s setup. time will tell and I am sure it will be a little better than my Denon 3806 prepro. ;-)

Regards,
Darrell

[sikoniko]

I have not heard it, so I can't give an opinion one way or the other. I wish you the best and hope you enjoy it!