Which electronics should I get with my B&W speakers?

[patrick64]

patrick64,

First of all, welcome to the forum! :T You have a nice system.

Thanks

As to your question. No, I do not think that receiver will really do justice to 683's. It may even underpower them in certain high demand loads (underpowering can damamge a driver). While on paper, the wattage seems pretty good (105 wpc I believe), those are at individual channel levels, not all at the same time. B&W speakers love current, which is typically where a reciever has a hard time keeping up.

That receiver; Do you mean my Denon or the Pioneer I've mentioned as an option to replace my Denon?

683's would be significantly better performers on a dedicated amp, with their ability to deliver current. And not have to share with anyone else. The Rotel 1070 you mentioned would be quite nice. Everything across the board would be better. Soundstage, dynamics, depth, detail, and definitely bass. You would really see what you purchased in the 683's.

You say the Rotel 1070 would be nice, the 1050 not? Not enough power?

If the Denon 2311 is underpowered for the 683, maybe the 684 would have been a better match with the 2311. Maybe I can ask my B&W dealer if he will take back the 683 and I'll take the 684, if that's better in combination with the Denon 2311.

It's confusing

[htsteve]

patrick64,

I was referring to your existing Denon. I believe the same issues will occur with the Pioneer, but to a lesser extent (as it has a bit more juice).


The 1050 is a nice amp, but I don't think it will drive the 683's to their fullest.
The 1070 is a pretty robust amp, that will deliver more current than the 1050.

I would definitely hang onto the 683's (as opposed to going to the 684's). It has the very good FST midrange driver, plus an extra bass driver. The 683 really is a very good sounding full range speaker.

The 1070 is an older product. You hopefully can find a good deal on one.

If you are willing to spend money for the Pioneer, then save that money and spend it in a good amp for the 683's. Or maybe even a 5 channel amp and kick up the whole system.


Hope this helps.

[dukester]

Thanks



That receiver; Do you mean my Denon or the Pioneer I've mentioned as an option to replace my Denon?



You say the Rotel 1070 would be nice, the 1050 not? Not enough power?

If the Denon 2311 is underpowered for the 683, maybe the 684 would have been a better match with the 2311. Maybe I can ask my B&W dealer if he will take back the 683 and I'll take the 684, if that's better in combination with the Denon 2311.

It's confusing

Trading in your 683's for 684's to match an underpowered amp/av rcvr is like returning a T-Bone steak for a hamburger pattie because it's easier to cut the pattie with your plastic knife.

I think speakers offer the largest impact to any A/V set-up. That said, i think the 683's are superior to the 684's in all respects, and to trade down to match a weak link (amp or rcvr) in your chain would be a mistake (i've owned the the 683's; awesome bass). You've got excellent speakers in the 683's, keep them and find a better knife...unless you'd rather have a hambuger pattie just my opinion.

[emig5m]

As a owner of the 685, 684, and 683... definitely stick with the 683.

Clearer and more open mids.
Deeper and more weight to the bass.
Bigger soundstage and plays louder.

[patrick64]

OK, thanks for the answers.

I understand that I should keep the 683's. I know that it's a better speaker than the 684 with a better sound but I was looking for a compromise because there's no budget for an amp for the moment so I have to carry on with my Denon for a while.
Will it help to bi-amp the 683's?

@ dukester: Nice , the T-bone steak story :T

[stuofsci02]

My brother has a set of 683 with a Denon 2311. As a former owner of 683s I did not find it too bad at all. There is definately better, but at the same time this is a hobby that takes time. The 2311 can power them at my listening volumes without problem.

I have been trying to convince my brother to use the bi-amp feature, but he is either a lazy @$$ or doesn't want to run two sets of cables.. I would like to see if this makes a difference.

[patrick64]

My brother has a set of 683 with a Denon 2311. As a former owner of 683s I did not find it too bad at all. There is definately better, but at the same time this is a hobby that takes time. The 2311 can power them at my listening volumes without problem.

I have been trying to convince my brother to use the bi-amp feature, but he is either a lazy @$$ or doesn't want to run two sets of cables.. I would like to see if this makes a difference.

That's something I gonna try, and in the (near) future I can add an amp. Like you said, it's a hobby that takes time

[wettou]

Better have a good monoblock than bi-amping

[dukester]

That's something I gonna try, and in the (near) future I can add an amp. Like you said, it's a hobby that takes time

My NAD T785 has a bi-amp feature (internal) that utilizes the 6th and 7th surround amps to bi-amp the mains and it actually made it slightly better (before i added a 2ch amp), with emphasis on slightly. If your Denon's feature is the same, it's as simple as menu selection on your GUI...yours might make a bigger difference.

[patrick64]

My NAD T785 has a bi-amp feature (internal) that utilizes the 6th and 7th surround amps to bi-amp the mains and it actually made it slightly better (before i added a 2ch amp), with emphasis on slightly. If your Denon's feature is the same, it's as simple as menu selection on your GUI...yours might make a bigger difference.

My Denon has that feature too, that's the way i'm gonna do it

[emig5m]

Yea but aren't you still running off the same rinky-dink AVR power supply and still limited to it's current capability? Like-wise, it's a known fact that when more channels are driven, AVRs loose power output per channel. Personally, I think it's a waste of time bi-amping with a AVR. Kinda like adding more wheels to the same engine to go faster. Well... try it, you never know and it only costs extra speaker wire.

[dukester]

My Denon has that feature too, that's the way i'm gonna do it

Well... try it, you never know and it only costs extra speaker wire.

If anything like mine, it won't involve additional speaker wire, only a selection in your menu. However I do agree with emig5m, any improvements will be negligible if any at all.

[BdoUK]

I'm the lucky new owner of a pair of CM9s (and a CMC2) that I took possession of a little over a week ago. So far I'm loving the sound of these speakers compared to my old 602 S3s. They are quite a bit more laid back.

However the CM9s do draw quite a bit more power than my previous B&Ws. Currently I'm bi-amping the CM9s with the 120 watt per channel Rotel RB-1075. While this amp was more than sufficient for the 602s, I'm starting to get the impression the CM9s may be a bit too much for it, especially at high volumes.

First, the 1075 is running much warmer now that it's attached to the CM9s. A number of times the top of the unit has been almost too hot to touch after extended listening sessions. Second I've noticed that with certian types of music (namely orchestral and jazz), that the speakers sometimes convey a slight popping sound. This popping sound is in no way loud, but is audible on certian material. Is this related to the amp clipping since enough power is not present?

I know the CM9s are rated at 8 ohms, but can drop into the 3 ohm range. The Rotel RB-1075 has a minimum load of 4 ohms, so I'm wondering if this difficult material is causing the Rotel to go beyond its capabilities.

I'd like any opinions on the matter. Is anyone running a 1075 with CM9s? Also for those CM9 owners out there, which amp are you using to power your system?

[colo-colo]

McIntosh x Bryston

Hi all
I have been lurking around some time now and have learned a lot from this forum. This is my first post. I recently have upgraded from B&W 803D to the new 802D. After some 3 weeks of use, the” upgradetitis” virus is still not gone and now I want to upgrade the amps. I have a Classé CA-3200 driving the L&R 802D and I want to try monoblocks. The obvious route (I guess) was the new Classé CA-M300 or CA-M600. But the Brazilian authorized dealer has gone mad with prices. We are used to pay 2x the US list price, but for the new CA-M600 they are asking the whooping amount (even for Brazilian standards) of US$ 23,500/each!!! So I was hoping if you guys could help me out here as audition of this kind of electronics is almost impossible. Prime candidates are McIntosh and Bryston. PassLabs would be nice, but there is no dealer in Brazil. I know that there is a new McIntosh (MC601) and the well reviewed MC2301 (although I have never tried tube electronics). I am also interested in people experience in driving the 802Di with McIntosh and Bryston amps.
Thanks a lot
Enrique

[Skyblue]

Hi all
I have been lurking around some time now and have learned a lot from this forum. This is my first post. I recently have upgraded from B&W 803D to the new 802D. After some 3 weeks of use, the” upgradetitis” virus is still not gone and now I want to upgrade the amps. I have a Classé CA-3200 driving the L&R 802D and I want to try monoblocks. The obvious route (I guess) was the new Classé CA-M300 or CA-M600. But the Brazilian authorized dealer has gone mad with prices. We are used to pay 2x the US list price, but for the new CA-M600 they are asking the whooping amount (even for Brazilian standards) of US$ 23,500/each!!! So I was hoping if you guys could help me out here as audition of this kind of electronics is almost impossible. Prime candidates are McIntosh and Bryston. PassLabs would be nice, but there is no dealer in Brazil. I know that there is a new McIntosh (MC601) and the well reviewed MC2301 (although I have never tried tube electronics). I am also interested in people experience in driving the 802Di with McIntosh and Bryston amps.
Thanks a lot
Enrique

I dont know what the voltage is, but for the price, you could get a limo to the airport, a fligth to the us or eu (or australia or hong kong or whereever), pick up some new amps, fly the remainder of the trip round earth and arrive home with amps and some great memories..

Btw. I would go M600 straight away ... But not at those prices...

[colo-colo]

I dont know what the voltage is, but for the price, you could get a limo to the airport, a fligth to the us or eu (or australia or hong kong or whereever), pick up some new amps, fly the remainder of the trip round earth and arrive home with amps and some great memories..
Btw. I would go M600 straight away ... But not at those prices...

I know, no kidding I have thought about it (and many people around here!!) but although I usually go to the US around 6 times a year, there is a weight limit imposed by airlines: they will not check in nothing over 50 Kg. So for this kind of electronics, we got stuck with the dealers. McIntosh has reasonable prices (for Brazilian standards). I have yet to check Bryston.
Enrique

[Skyblue]

I know, no kidding I have thought about it (and many people around here!!) but although I usually go to the US around 6 times a year, there is a weight limit imposed by airlines: they will not check in nothing over 50 Kg. So for this kind of electronics, we got stuck with the dealers. McIntosh has reasonable prices (for Brazilian standards). I have yet to check Bryston.
Enrique

You could ship it with UPS or DHL or whatever local shipping company there is. Or you could buy a small car and drive them home yourself, from New York

[wettou]

Hi all
I have been lurking around some time now and have learned a lot from this forum. This is my first post. I recently have upgraded from B&W 803D to the new 802D. After some 3 weeks of use, the” upgradetitis” virus is still not gone and now I want to upgrade the amps. I have a Classé CA-3200 driving the L&R 802D and I want to try monoblocks. The obvious route (I guess) was the new Classé CA-M300 or CA-M600. But the Brazilian authorized dealer has gone mad with prices. We are used to pay 2x the US list price, but for the new CA-M600 they are asking the whooping amount (even for Brazilian standards) of US$ 23,500/each!!! So I was hoping if you guys could help me out here as audition of this kind of electronics is almost impossible. Prime candidates are McIntosh and Bryston. PassLabs would be nice, but there is no dealer in Brazil. I know that there is a new McIntosh (MC601) and the well reviewed MC2301 (although I have never tried tube electronics). I am also interested in people experience in driving the 802Di with McIntosh and Bryston amps.
Thanks a lot
Enrique

You should buy yourself a ticket to Oregon and buy your CA-M600 here :T

[brushrop03]

1st post

Hey guys, i've been reading around a bunch of different forums. I've been reading this the forum the past few days reading and looking at all the nice setups.

I just got some 683's. My first serious set of speakers. About to upgrade my receiver from Denon 591 to either Pioneer VSX 32, Denon 2311, Marantz 5005. What do you guys think? (I probably will get a dedicated amp later on when i move out of my apartment).

Also I'm trying to figure out my center speaker. I've heard bad things about the HTM61 when it comes to dialogue. Even read that the 685 is a cleaner sounding center. I plan on going to check it out this weekend when I have time. Anyone have experience with it?

685's for rears coming later also when I get the space.

Thanks guys ;x(

[emig5m]

Hey guys, i've been reading around a bunch of different forums. I've been reading this the forum the past few days reading and looking at all the nice setups.

I just got some 683's. My first serious set of speakers. About to upgrade my receiver from Denon 591 to either Pioneer VSX 32, Denon 2311, Marantz 5005. What do you guys think? (I probably will get a dedicated amp later on when i move out of my apartment).

Also I'm trying to figure out my center speaker. I've heard bad things about the HTM61 when it comes to dialogue. Even read that the 685 is a cleaner sounding center. I plan on going to check it out this weekend when I have time. Anyone have experience with it?

685's for rears coming later also when I get the space.

Thanks guys ;x(

Well I thought the HTM61 was just fine after I plugged the bass port with the supplied port "bung" and boosted the treble a little bit but I only listened to it in the main centered listening position - maybe the complaints are mainly of off axis performance? I currently own a Denon (3311ci) but still don't hesitate to recommend Yamaha for B&W as my Yamaha/683/HTM61/685 setup sounded absolutely superb! When I was shopping a few months back it seemed like Denon gave the most bang for the buck....

[brushrop03]

Well I thought the HTM61 was just fine after I plugged the bass port with the supplied port "bung" and boosted the treble a little bit but I only listened to it in the main centered listening position - maybe the complaints are mainly of off axis performance? I currently own a Denon (3311ci) but still don't hesitate to recommend Yamaha for B&W as my Yamaha/683/HTM61/685 setup sounded absolutely superb! When I was shopping a few months back it seemed like Denon gave the most bang for the buck....

Yeah I was considering the Yamaha A1000.

Honestly I have yet to decide on how much I want to spend on the receiver. I'll check out the Yamaha tomorrow

Here's the review I was reading for the 683 surround sound . Just found it interesting. I won't pass judgement till i hear it myself though.

[Hammie]

Hey, guys...

I've been throwing around the idea of trying our McIntosh amps. I have 804S's for the fronts, the HTM3S for the center, and CWM DS8S's for surrounds. Would it be over kill to get a MC501 for each of my fronts and a MC402 for the surrounds. I'm looking used so my total output should be around $15K over 2-3 years -- ~$6K year one, $3K year two and $5K year three.

I've recently upgraded to the Onkyo Pro 5508 for my AV processor. I use Apple TV to stream my ALAC files and the Oppo BDP-83 for my SACD music and movie viewing.

Any other suggestions in this category of amps?

[Skyblue]

Hey, guys...

I've been throwing around the idea of trying our McIntosh amps. I have 804S's for the fronts, the HTM3S for the center, and CWM DS8S's for surrounds. Would it be over kill to get a MC501 for each of my fronts and a MC402 for the surrounds.

Yes.

[htsteve]

Hey, guys...

I have 804S's for the fronts, the HTM3S for the center, and CWM DS8S's for surrounds. Would it be over kill to get a MC501 for each of my fronts and a MC402 for the surrounds. I'm looking used so my total output should be around $15K over 2-3 years -- ~$6K year one, $3K year two and $5K year three.

I've recently upgraded to the Onkyo Pro 5508 for my AV processor. I use Apple TV to stream my ALAC files and the Oppo BDP-83 for my SACD music and movie viewing.

Any other suggestions in this category of amps?

Hammie,

I have 802D's, HTM2D and 804S in a smallish room (11X16). They are driven by an MC402 and an MC205. This combination is quite excellent.

Three 501's and a 402 would be pretty awesome with my system. I think it would be overkill for your current system. 804's love power, but not like 802's or similar (I had N804's before the 802D's). If you got those amps, it would set you up for a LONG time. You could upgrade speakers later on without worrying about the amps.

Given your budget amount of $6k in the first year, I would suggest the following. If you are primarily 2 channel, get a 402. If HT is the driver, get an MC205. A 205 will drive all 5 speakers very well. It drove my system for over a year with a 205. It sounded very good.

As always, listening to these amps with familiar sources is a very good thing to do. Or even better, hopefully your dealer could loan you some amps. I hope you have friends. Moving Mac amps is a chore.


Hope this helps.

[Hammie]

Hammie,

I have 802D's, HTM2D and 804S in a smallish room (11X16). They are driven by an MC402 and an MC205. This combination is quite excellent.

Three 501's and a 402 would be pretty awesome with my system. I think it would be overkill for your current system. 804's love power, but not like 802's or similar (I had N804's before the 802D's). If you got those amps, it would set you up for a LONG time. You could upgrade speakers later on without worrying about the amps.

Given your budget amount of $6k in the first year, I would suggest the following. If you are primarily 2 channel, get a 402. If HT is the driver, get an MC205. A 205 will drive all 5 speakers very well. It drove my system for over a year with a 205. It sounded very good.

As always, listening to these amps with familiar sources is a very good thing to do. Or even better, hopefully your dealer could loan you some amps. I hope you have friends. Moving Mac amps is a chore.


Hope this helps.

Well, i only have a 5.1 system in a similar sized room as yours, but I am probably 70-80% music and the rest TV or Blu-rays.

I like the idea of monoblocks, but not sure if I would need them with McIntosh quality amps. I am in talks with a couple local dealers and I may be able to get demo gear to try in my house.

I do sort of like starting with the MC402, because I could always move it to surround duty if I do decide to go with monoblocks. Is there a decent three channel amp that would compliment the 402? The 303 seems to have a totally different look since it has the handles.

BTW, if I ever upgraded speakers within the B&W family, it would be no higher than the 803's. The wife doesn't like the marlin head at all.

[stuofsci02]

Blasphemy... Time for a new wife

[htsteve]

I do sort of like starting with the MC402, because I could always move it to surround duty if I do decide to go with monoblocks. Is there a decent three channel amp that would compliment the 402? The 303 seems to have a totally different look since it has the handles.

BTW, if I ever upgraded speakers within the B&W family, it would be no higher than the 803's. The wife doesn't like the marlin head at all.

The 402 would be an excellent place to start. The 804's would sound awesome. And as you noted, give you fexibility for later.

If I was to make a move with my system, it would likely be to get a 303 for my center/surrounds. The 402 on my 802D's is spectacular. Don't really want to mess with success.

The 303 is the only three channel amo that Mac makes, I believe. It does look a bit different with the handles, but it still is unmistakenly a Mac amp.


I can related about a wife who doesn't like the marlin heads (my wife calls them the Dolly Partons). Fortunately for me, we knew they would be moving into an HT room in the basement. She also has a background in AV, so she understands the passion of this hobby.



Hope this helps.

[Hammie]

The 402 would be an excellent place to start. The 804's would sound awesome. And as you noted, give you fexibility for later.

If I was to make a move with my system, it would likely be to get a 303 for my center/surrounds. The 402 on my 802D's is spectacular. Don't really want to mess with success.

The 303 is the only three channel amo that Mac makes, I believe. It does look a bit different with the handles, but it still is unmistakenly a Mac amp.


I can related about a wife who doesn't like the marlin heads (my wife calls them the Dolly Partons). Fortunately for me, we knew they would be moving into an HT room in the basement. She also has a background in AV, so she understands the passion of this hobby.



Hope this helps.

I'm still in the air about the path, but you have helped. I just had to spend some money on my car for repairs, so we'll see what taxes give me back in my return. The wife is itching for something new for her, so my upgrade may have to wait.

Another thing I need to take into consideration is my speaker wires. I was getting ready to buy new 1.5m lengths to run with my mono blocks, but if I go with a 2-channel amp, then I will need to reconsider my lengths to maybe 2.5-3.0m instead.

[mdavis]

This is going to sound ridiculous, but could anyone recommend a good integrated amp to drive a pair of 804S that's not deeper than 13 inches?

I've got a bit of a dilemma as I'm eventually planning to upgrade my system to power a pair of B&W 804S (which I haven't bought yet), and the room I'm going to use this in has built-in cabinetry that can only take gear up to 13-inches deep. My Cambridge Audio 640A V2 just barely fits at 13.2-inches, and I'm hoping to find an integrated that's twice as powerful.

It can be very tall, but depth is an issue, and everything that seems like a great integrated to drive these speakers (Classe cap-151, McIntosh MA-6600) is far too deep a unit to fit into the pre-existing enclosure (which is gorgeous, and I really do wish to use it if there's any way). Does anyone know of any gear that could fit this admittedly unusual kind of situation?

[stuofsci02]

mdavis,

Good to see you over here from the canuckaudiomart forums.

With most integrateds having the connections on the back, will this cause you a problem?

[Chucka]

I am considering the following B&W Speakers for a 5.0 system for a new condo. The Living Room dimensions are 16' x 18' with the depth increased by another 12 feet for the Kitchen and offset dining room. Ceiling height is angled with the lowest point being 9 feet in the living room and a flat 9' in the kitchen.

Speaker Choice:
Left - Right = B&W 803Di
Center = B&W HTM4 (In cabinet with no room for HTM2)
Left - Right Rear = CCM7.3 (Mounted in flat ceiling in front of Kitchen)

I am trying to decide between the following Amplifier/Processor combination (maxes out budget) and I would appreciate any views or opinions on these choices.

Choice 1
Anthem MRX-700 amp/processor combo

Choice 2
Anthem MRX-300 as Processor
Anthem A-5 5 channel amplifier

Choice 3
Anthem MRX-300 as Processor
Parasound HALO A-51

(Using the Anthem MRX-300 processor keeps my investment low while giving me ARC room correction while I am waiting for a new 2012+ model Lexicon or Anthem processor with room correction).

Thanks,

Chucka

[Miketr75]

Hi,
I'm new to the forum and need some help from the experts here.
I've been using the Marantz Combo AV8003 pre-amp and mm8003 8 chanels amp to feed our 5.1 HT for N802 for left and right (bi-amping), HTM2D for center and a pair of 684 for rears. I'm very please with the result but a friend is offering to sell to me a BAT VK-6200 five channels power amp with a amazing price . He said I'll be surprise with the Marantz AV-8003 and BAT VK-6200 combo. My questions is: Can I pair the AV8003 with the BAT VK-6200 and getting the best result? Or I would need to get another pre-amp ?
Anyone have experience with the BAT VK-6200 ?
Any input is greatly appreciate it!

Thanks
Mike

[Shyamalan]

I've been thinking about buying a b&w ht system but I still haven't decided for one in particular.
Now I'm looking the cm series and I really like it very much. Which amp do you recommend me for a system based on cm9 as fronts, a cm center and a couple of cm1 as rears?

Thank you very much!!

[emig5m]

I've been thinking about buying a b&w ht system but I still haven't decided for one in particular.
Now I'm looking the cm series and I really like it very much. Which amp do you recommend me for a system based on cm9 as fronts, a cm center and a couple of cm1 as rears?

Thank you very much!!

For price/performance in the brand new market, Emotiva. Used... check Audiogon for some good deals on any higher end models...lol.

[stuofsci02]

^ +1...

[bnieman]

I've been thinking about buying a b&w ht system but I still haven't decided for one in particular.
Now I'm looking the cm series and I really like it very much. Which amp do you recommend me for a system based on cm9 as fronts, a cm center and a couple of cm1 as rears?

Thank you very much!!

What is your budget?

[Shyamalan]

I woudn't like to spend more than 1500€.

[specialized]

That's something I gonna try, and in the (near) future I can add an amp. Like you said, it's a hobby that takes time

I was trying something like that 5-6 years ago when i had DM602 with Denon 2808. I realized that there is no difference at all, and i realized that juice that Power Supply can handle is the problem So u wont give more power with biamping, but if u use two amps there is maybe difference.. I switched to different speakers after that and different amps (B&W 803s), and as first i used one RB-1080, then Two RB-1080 (one amp per speaker), and at the end Finished with Krell FPB-300C, which have double bindings for speaker cable that i dont use (i think wont be difference, since in the inside they finish exactly on same spot ) Since this setup is sound extremly good i dont want to bother anymore

So go BIG AMP instead of BI AMP

Greetings

Darko

[specialized]

Well, i only have a 5.1 system in a similar sized room as yours, but I am probably 70-80% music and the rest TV or Blu-rays.

I like the idea of monoblocks, but not sure if I would need them with McIntosh quality amps. I am in talks with a couple local dealers and I may be able to get demo gear to try in my house.

I do sort of like starting with the MC402, because I could always move it to surround duty if I do decide to go with monoblocks. Is there a decent three channel amp that would compliment the 402? The 303 seems to have a totally different look since it has the handles.

BTW, if I ever upgraded speakers within the B&W family, it would be no higher than the 803's. The wife doesn't like the marlin head at all.

Hamie, i was in same boat as u. I auditioned McIntosh since i had same idea.. Three MC501 and one MC402. I even got McIntosh C2300 preamp, with itension to add amps. Thanks to my dealer i got a chance to listen MC501 at home and also at their showroom. I have the same impresion. The sound is coloured and not real. At first sweet, but after some time not impressive.. I explaing like this. Imagine person that is very kind, very gentle but that much gentle and kind that after sime time start to make u nervous

At the end i tried Krell FPB-300C which is amazing match with my 803s (i prefer the sound compared to MC501 at my setup). McIntosh is smooth , but rounded and not neutral. Krell is very neutral, very real.. If u prefer live type of sound try Krell. Also i sold C2300 and as preamp im using Benchmark DAC1 Pre which is also amazing peace of hardware.. Hope that i helped u

Greetings

Darko

[Turibex]

Hi, everybody,

I just got a pair of 685, and my goal is to complete the 685 home theater later. Having that in mind and the budget of US$ 500,00, I was thinking to get a Marantz SR 5005.
Here in Brazil, they recommend Marantz 5005 or NAD 747.
Do you have any suggestions. I'll buy the receiver in the US.

Thanks.

[Confusedxx]

Help on setup with 802d

Today my wife fell in love with B&W 802d. She loves the style and appreciates the sound. I am very pleased to be sure as I could only dream of these and thought they would fail the WAF

So budget is tight but we will wrap then into the mortgage on new house as part of the home automation and theater. Nevertheless, I am afraid my amature equipment would fail to perform on the 802d. I currently have a yamaha RX-V863 av receiver and that powers my orb audio speakers. No amp is currently in my setup. I do not want to buy a $10,000 amp in addition to the cost of the speakers. So what would you guys recommend as a good set of components for them at normal person costs?

I would use them for stereo music as well as left and right channel in home theater ( would have B&W CI series built into wall and ceiling for rear and center). Advice on what you would recommend for a entry level setup on these great speakers would be highly appreciated.

[emig5m]

I do not want to buy a $10,000 amp in addition to the cost of the speakers. So what would you guys recommend as a good set of components for them at normal person costs?

http://www.emotiva.com/ or used market (http://www.audiogon.com/).

[Rod#S]

Today my wife fell in love with B&W 802d. She loves the style and appreciates the sound. I am very pleased to be sure as I could only dream of these and thought they would fail the WAF

So budget is tight but we will wrap then into the mortgage on new house as part of the home automation and theater. Nevertheless, I am afraid my amature equipment would fail to perform on the 802d. I currently have a yamaha RX-V863 av receiver and that powers my orb audio speakers. No amp is currently in my setup. I do not want to buy a $10,000 amp in addition to the cost of the speakers. So what would you guys recommend as a good set of components for them at normal person costs?

I would use them for stereo music as well as left and right channel in home theater ( would have B&W CI series built into wall and ceiling for rear and center). Advice on what you would recommend for a entry level setup on these great speakers would be highly appreciated.

If you only need a stereo amp specifically for the 802s and don't want something mega expensive, I use a Bryston 4B-SST and, it's definitely not cheap but nowhere near 10k. The 300+ watts push my 802 Diamonds very well so it would be worth a look. Other popular amps people here mate with the Diamond series are Classe and McIntosh (the most expensive of the 3 I believe). I have used an Anthem 5 channel amp in the past on other speakers, the MCA-50, rated at 200 watts and it was a very soild amp. Anthem makes stereo amps in a few price ranges with their most expensive costing appx the same as the Bryston I believe. My recommendation would be to get something no less than 200 watts, 300 watts would be a typical good sweet spot with 500 watts-600 watts being the ultimate range for these speakers.

The Emotiva amps suggested by emig5m are also a really good choice. They may very well be the best bang for the buck.

Rod

[dukester]

Today my wife fell in love with B&W 802d. She loves the style and appreciates the sound. I am very pleased to be sure as I could only dream of these and thought they would fail the WAF

So budget is tight but we will wrap then into the mortgage on new house as part of the home automation and theater. Nevertheless, I am afraid my amature equipment would fail to perform on the 802d. I currently have a yamaha RX-V863 av receiver and that powers my orb audio speakers. No amp is currently in my setup. I do not want to buy a $10,000 amp in addition to the cost of the speakers. So what would you guys recommend as a good set of components for them at normal person costs?

I would use them for stereo music as well as left and right channel in home theater ( would have B&W CI series built into wall and ceiling for rear and center). Advice on what you would recommend for a entry level setup on these great speakers would be highly appreciated.

Give ROTEL or NAD separates ($2-4k range) a listen...very good sound at 'normal person' prices. But then again, if i was wrapping the speakers into a mortgage...surely that dealer would have high-end equipment to maybe work a package deal, getting you into a higher end amp (Classe, McIntosh, Bryston, etc), and using your RX-V863's pre-outs (upgrading it later). In any case, congrats...you're off to a great start w/the 802Di's.

[Skyblue]

Give ROTEL or NAD separates ($2-4k range) a listen...very good sound at 'normal person' prices. But then again, if i was wrapping the speakers into a mortgage...surely that dealer would have high-end equipment to maybe work a package deal, getting you into a higher end amp (Classe, McIntosh, Bryston, etc), and using your RX-V863's pre-outs (upgrading it later). In any case, congrats...you're off to a great start w/the 802Di's.

I initially ran my 802s with a 100watt cambridge 740a integrated. It sounded remarkably good. Ok, you could not play at party levels, but for listening it was more than adequate. I believe its less than $1000. OP should try his yamaha before panicking. Yes, you can do a lot better with a lot of money, but you can get real far for close to nothing