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

[cntlaw]

Mf Kw-550

Just got them for a month, 803S, KW-550 work together just fine.

[jcherney]

Hi all,

I'm setting up a new system, and have pretty much decided on the 683's. I need something to drive them, and that's where I need some suggestions from you. This setup is going into my family room. I need an electronics package that is very simple to use, as my wife will have my head if she can't turn on the screen and hear something without having to flick a dozen buttons. In essence, if possible, I would like a single all-in-one amp/receiver unit that will be powerful enough to drive the 683's, be simple to use, and handle most anything thrown at it.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[arcam_boy]

anyone tried an esoteric x03-se cd player with some 805S's with a classe cp700 pre and ca2200 power amp? ;x(

[eljr]

Hi all,

I'm setting up a new system, and have pretty much decided on the 683's. I need something to drive them, and that's where I need some suggestions from you. This setup is going into my family room. I need an electronics package that is very simple to use, as my wife will have my head if she can't turn on the screen and hear something without having to flick a dozen buttons. In essence, if possible, I would like a single all-in-one amp/receiver unit that will be powerful enough to drive the 683's, be simple to use, and handle most anything thrown at it.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/1000.asp

what do ya think?

[htsteve]

http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/1000.asp

what do ya think?

eljr and jcherney,

I think McIntosh and B&W go very well together. I am biased, of course, as I have a MAC pre-pro (MX120) and amp (MC205) driving 802D's, HTM2D and N804's. This combo is special. I have no doubts that the MA6300 would sound wonderful and be able to drive the 683's with gusto. Also, the MAC is good enough that you could upgrade speakers later and still drive them well (at least until you get to the 803D level of speaker, then it's time for more amp). Try to audition this pairing if you can.

Also, being a nice integrated, this will mean simplicity (good WAF).


Hope this helps.

[wettou]

Classé and B&W a match made in B&W group very good synergies

[Relentless]

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

I have been fortunate to have a few B&W dealers within 40 miles of my home.

I have heard the 800D or 802D run on Classe, Mac, Ayre, Boulder, Krell. All of them had there preamp mate and all but the Krell system used the same Ayre C5xe source.

All of them are a great match for the speakers it is just a matter of taste.
Boulder and Krell fit my taste the best.

I am using a Krell S1000 pre/pro and Evo400 amps for the 800Ds.
I am using a Meridian G08 as a source.
I will be upgrading to a DAC and a music server next........been checking out Wadia and Esoteric.

[wettou]

Which electronics should I get with my B&W speakers?
I have been fortunate to have a few B&W dealers within 40 miles of my home. I have heard the 800D or 802D run on Classe, Mac, Ayre, Boulder, Krell. All of them had there preamp mate and all but the Krell system used the same Ayre C5xe source. All of them are a great match for the speakers it is just a matter of taste. Boulder and Krell fit my taste the best.

I am using a Krell S1000 pre/pro and Evo400 amps for the 800Ds.
I am using a Meridian G08 as a source.
I will be upgrading to a DAC and a music server next........been checking out Wadia and Esoteric.

Did you ever try Electrocompaniet Nemo 600 they blow the Classé and I own Classé

[Relentless]

Did you ever try Electrocompaniet Nemo 600 they blow the Classé and I own Classé

That amp and the Pass Labs amp were on my list to audition but I never did get a chance.

[Marco Lisi]

That amp and the Pass Labs amp were on my list to audition but I never did get a chance.

Hi Relentless

That's a pitty :cry: I'm waiting on the delivery of my Pass X600.5 mono's to power my 800D's. Listening to those amps was some experience, I can tell you!

For the first time in my life I was listening to real music performance, not reproduction.

I'm not saying that other brands/types don't make fine amplifiers, but you should really try them out before making any decision!

I'm waiting on the Nemo 600 from Electrocompaniet for review purposes. I think, like wettou sais, that these amps are also very nice...

Greetings

:T

[Horacio]

804s + McIntosh MC275

I started up a stereo system with B&W CM-4 (the previous CM line), Rotel RB-1050 amp, RC-1070 pre, and RCD-1072 cd player. It was nice, but soon enough I realized I needed more power and moved to the Rotel RB-1080. Sound was very nice indeed (for the money, for my ears, that is).

Eventually I upgraded the speakers to B&W 804s. Big improvement in many aspects. However, higher resolution has it's downside too and the 804s sounded a bit harsh especially with trumpets, violins, and other higherish frequencies. I listen to a lot of rock, though, and the bass was much better than with the CM-4. Same with drum whacks.

After tweaking the room (which helped a lot) and much consideration I recently upgraded the amp to McIntosh MC275 (tubes). Woooow!!!! :E I mean, for an amp 4 times more expensive than the RB-1080 I was expecting a big improvement, but I just cannot believe how good my system sounds. It's so much more musical. There is so much more feeling of the instruments and voices. Needless to say most of the harshness is gone (I still have a cheap pre and a relatively cheap cdp), but then resolution is higher, and bass is much, much better. I was not expecting the latter. Truly, not from a 2x75W tube amp vs. a 2x200W solid state amp. It is there, though! :T I was listening to Stevie Ray Vaughan last night and just can't believe how much bass the 804s are delivering (these speakers are known for relatively low bass output).

At my dealer I had the chance to audition the 804s with the MC275, plus a McIntosh C220 pre + a McIntosh cd player (I believe it was the 201). It sounded even nicer. However, that was in a different room, so can't really compare it to mine.

If you own or are considering the 804s I suggest you audition them together with tubes. The MC275 seems to mate wonderfully with them.


My two cents. Hope someone finds it helpful.

[wettou]

Hi Relentless That's a pitty :cry: I'm waiting on the delivery of my Pass X600.5 mono's to power my 800D's. Listening to those amps was some experience, I can tell you! I'm waiting on the Nemo 600 from Electrocompaniet for review purposes. I think, like wettou sais, that these amps are also very nice...Greetings

Pass Labs, whoa these are very very nice, even so I live close to their head quarters I can't afford them.

Please let us know after you compare the Nemo 600 and the Pass X600.5

[Hberg]

I am running the Classe CA-3200 on my front end which consists of 804S and HTM3S. The only reason I post this is that someone mentioned the CA-2100, since the ratings by Classe are somewhat conservative. That being said, the 804S Speakers sound nice with the CA-3200, and they don't seem to sweat at all.

Personally, I am looking at the SSP-800 to replace my current Marantz Receiver, but I saw that Marantz just came out with the AV-8003 Processor. Has anyone had any experience with the new Marantz Processor?

[Marco Lisi]

I am running the Classe CA-3200 on my front end which consists of 804S and HTM3S. The only reason I post this is that someone mentioned the CA-2100, since the ratings by Classe are somewhat conservative. That being said, the 804S Speakers sound nice with the CA-3200, and they don't seem to sweat at all.

Personally, I am looking at the SSP-800 to replace my current Marantz Receiver, but I saw that Marantz just came out with the AV-8003 Processor. Has anyone had any experience with the new Marantz Processor?

Hello Hberg

With other enthousiasts I run a Belgian internetmagazine on sound & vision. We just tested the combo AV8003 + MM8003.

Short test version? Way to cheap for the delivered performance!!!
Absolute hit 8O

Greetings

:T

[Marco Lisi]

Pass Labs, whoa these are very very nice, even so I live close to their head quarters I can't afford them.

Please let us know after you compare the Nemo 600 and the Pass X600.5

Thanks Wettou

There is review already on line on the DAGOGO website, the reviewer has 800D's as well and both tested the Nemo's and the Pass...very nice to read about his experience.

Review Pass Labs X600.5

Review Elektrocompaniet Nemo's

Greetings

:T

[Hberg]

Hello Hberg

With other enthousiasts I run a Belgian internetmagazine on sound & vision. We just tested the combo AV8003 + MM8003.

Short test version? Way to cheap for the delivered performance!!!
Absolute hit 8O

Greetings

:T

Marco:

Thanks for the heads up. It would be nice to see the long version of your tests.

Has the review been published yet?

[Marco Lisi]

Marco:

Thanks for the heads up. It would be nice to see the long version of your tests.

Has the review been published yet?

Hberg

Yes, but as we are a Belgian website, it is written in Dutch...

Greetings

:T

[cntlaw]

Would like to know if anyone has experience to share using Audio Research Amps to drive 803S?. THX.

[cntlaw]

Would like to know if anyone has experience to share using Burmester Amps to drive 803S, which is the more appropriate models and power requirments?. THX.

[wettou]

Would like to know if anyone has experience to share using Burmester Amps to drive 803S, which is the more appropriate models and power requirments?. THX.

It seems over killed! I am not a big fan of German sound a bit over the top for my taste. Tried Electrocompaniet or Classé with those B&W

[cntlaw]

It seems over killed! I am not a big fan of German sound a bit over the top for my taste. Tried Electrocompaniet or Classé with those B&W

Pity the 803S is the 'largest' speakers my 10 ft' wide sitting room can do a good fit or I have to rent another flat just for HT ops: I guess I can look into Pass X350.5 or Elektrocompaniet AW400 as Marco suggested?
Any advice on setting up the minimum power supply requirements for the Passlabs will be appreciated.
THX
t

[cntlaw]

I still need advices what brands of good Balanced Amps for the 803S.
Would the Passlabs Int. Amp (180W) be good enough and better than my MF KW550?

[wettou]

I still need advices what brands of good Balanced Amps for the 803S. Would the Passlabs Int. Amp (180W) be good enough and better than my MF KW550?

Pass labs would be plenty for the 803, I think Classé CA-2200 would sound great as well

[Marco Lisi]

I still need advices what brands of good Balanced Amps for the 803S.
Would the Passlabs Int. Amp (180W) be good enough and better than my MF KW550?

Hello cntlaw

Not that I'm a Pass Labs specialist, but less is more doesn't apply here.
I think you need to look at a X250.5, probably a X350.5.

It's always the question of budget and goals.

The X350.5 will bring the very best out of the 803D, the integrated will do just fine. You get the pic?

Greetz

:T

[cntlaw]

Hello cntlaw

Not that I'm a Pass Labs specialist, but less is more doesn't apply here.
I think you need to look at a X250.5, probably a X350.5.

It's always the question of budget and goals.

The X350.5 will bring the very best out of the 803D, the integrated will do just fine. You get the pic?

Greetz

:T

THX. X350.5 shall be on my list.
Presumably, the XP-10 or XP-20 Pre the best match to the X350.5.
t

[Marco Lisi]

THX. X350.5 shall be on my list.
Presumably, the XP-10 or XP-20 Pre the best match to the X350.5.
t

I don't have any listerning experience with any of those pre-amps, so I can't help you there...

Greetz

:T

[armandopavia]

which electronics should i get with my B&W speakers

I got for my 804s following electronics

Jadis JPL
Copland
Esoteric sa 60

[wettou]

I got for my 804s following electronics Jadis JPL
Copland, Esoteric sa 60

Nice very nice :T

[cntlaw]

Wonder if anyone has used Krell? I am thinking Krell FBI Int. Amp + Evolution 505 SACD/CD Player. My friend found Krell works best on 803S or 803D.
t

[JaonL]

Whitch amp for 684's

Hi guys

What amp do you guys reccommend for the 684's. I have at present the Ra-05. I believe a lot of you would say that it is underpowered for these speakers. What difference will a more powereful amp make to the sound quality. Is a more powerful amp more important then a good cd player. Currently using a Nad cd player.

Thanks
Jason

[boroty]

802N with Rotel 1092

Does anyone have an opinion on powering a pair of 802N with the Rotel 1092 digital amp? I was going to use a Denon 4308 as the processer & amp for the other speakers in HT setup.

[Relentless]

Wonder if anyone has used Krell? I am thinking Krell FBI Int. Amp + Evolution 505 SACD/CD Player. My friend found Krell works best on 803S or 803D.
t

I like the Krell sound. Krell Evo series is the best I have heard from them so far. To be fair I have only listened to the showcase and the FPB series before the Evo's. The Evolution series is detailed but not harsh and has that world class bass. You will not find a whole lot of love for Krell here, Classe and Mc are the big dogs at the moment. Rightfully so, they are both excellent choices for B$W speakers but Krell suits my listening tastes better than those two. All I can say is you have to listen for yourself and choose which amp works best with your speakers and the music you prefer to listen too,

[lawoftrust]

@cntlaw

as I see that You currently use the KW 550 Amp from Musical Fidelity I would not advice You to invest in a better amp for your currenty speakers as in my eyes your amp far outweighs the current speakers. Even an B&W 802D would be driven superbly by that amp and if you appreciate the kind of reproduction arranged by the KW550 you should not even consider changing to Krell.

[cntlaw]

I like the Krell sound. Krell Evo series is the best I have heard from them so far. To be fair I have only listened to the showcase and the FPB series before the Evo's. The Evolution series is detailed but not harsh and has that world class base. You will not find a whole lot of love for Krell here, Classe and Mc are the big dogs at the moment. Rightfully so, they are both excellent choices for B$W speakers but Krell suits my listening tastes better than those two. All I can say is you have to listen for yourself and choose which amp works best with your speakers and the music you prefer to listen too,

@cntlaw

as I see that You currently use the KW 550 Amp from Musical Fidelity I would not advice You to invest in a better amp for your currenty speakers as in my eyes your amp far outweighs the current speakers. Even an B&W 802D would be driven superbly by that amp and if you appreciate the kind of reproduction arranged by the KW550 you should not even consider changing to Krell.

KW with 803S match fairly well for classical music.
I thought the Krell might be a 'quicker' amp gives sharp guitars and more solid bass for rock music. It will definitely be a big hassle to move from a fine and compact KW to the giant FBI in terms of huge$, space and power supply. So I might consider to upgrade the MF A1008cd first and see how it goes. These won't happen very soon as I am only getting delivery of some decent SolidSteel audio racks tommorrow. Will play the room acoustics a while and see how it goes.
Many thx guys.
t

[Orb]

Heya Cntlaw.
I have both the KW550 integrated amp and also a Chord Electronics SPM1200e.
I love both amps, which are very different.
However, I have to say the Chord SPM1200E is a great amp, incredibly fast and presents everything beautifully balanced and in perfect context.

The Chord stands out compared to the MF by having a more concise articulation-attack on instruments with a good decay.
The whole frequency range of the Chord also seems to be better balanced and works great with B&W speakers.

Where the MF does stand out is in the way it can present music in a very exciting way with weight, you probably appreciate how some songs just seem to make you jump with that emphasis.
However, I feel that this was done while letting go of the intimate detail and timing (what I said above that the Chord is very good for).

So the Chord initially does not have the same wow factor in having some parts emphasised, but I have to say that it is very addictive because I feel you hear everything as it should be, with more clarity while keeping all content in contrast.
In my opinion what you hear is how the studio intended it.

Another bonus of the Chord, is that it controls B&W speakers even better than the MF.
I have used both with 803s and also CM2 speakers, in both cases the Chord was another level up in quality for the control/driving of both speakers.
This is impressive because the KW550 is very good itself.

So while I love my KW550 integrated amp, I would recommend the 1200E first.
I can see why a lot of studios do use the Chord Electronic's amps and why they are also used with B&W speakers.

The Pre-amp I am using is currently the CPE2500, but will be upgrading to the 3000 model next year.

So really try to get to listen to the Chord Electronic 1200e, as I believe it is probably what your looking for that your missing with the MF.
BTW, the Chord gear looks great without paying extra for the legs, you only need the legs if your going to stack the amp directly on top of the pre-amp (I decided to go no legs and have them on the rack side by side).
Some other facts, the 1200e runs cooler than the MF, and is substantially lighter and smaller size, and looks better than any of the photos show.

I listen to all types of music from classical to heavy rock (Korn/Marilyn Manson/etc)
So the amp and speakers handle a diverse range.

But, I will say it is best to listen to the amp before purchase to see if the difference between it and the KW550 is what your really after and enjoy.

Cheers and happy listening
Orb

[cntlaw]

.........Some other facts, the 1200e runs cooler than the MF, and is substantially lighter and smaller size, and looks better than any of the photos show.

I listen to all types of music from classical to heavy rock (Korn/Marilyn Manson/etc)
So the amp and speakers handle a diverse range.

But, I will say it is best to listen to the amp before purchase to see if the difference between it and the KW550 is what your really after and enjoy.

Cheers and happy listening
Orb

Hi Orb
A pleasant surprise to read a KW user experience. Thanks for the details. Friend of mine suggested Krell also suggested Chord, though I never did go into further research. I enjoy listening a lot of classic rock, Pink Floyd and electric guitars but not limitd to jazz and classical music. The KW does produce great sound for strings instruments, as you mentioned, very musical. I will definitely explore further on alternative Amps. The 803S break-in is just over 700 hours, time for rock'n'roll ! Just installed the SolidSteel 6.2 racks (photo attached)today after 3 months wait. The smaller dimensions of Chord 1200 over the KW will fit very well onto the racks, which is less hassle than FBI. Any further information of CPM-1200 Pre-Amp, can't recall what brand it is.
Have a nice day.
t

[Orb]

I kept with the Chord pre-amps as I felt they had very good synergy with the SPM1200E power amp.

The cheaper of the pre-amps is the Chord CPA 2500, this has phono inputs but the choice of phono or XLR output.
What is interesting is that it seems even the this Pre is fully balanced inside from my chat with Chord.
This pre-amp is about half price of the next one up, which is what I would say is in the next league up.

Next pre-amp is the Chord CPA3000, this amp includes balanced inputs along with phono.
Another boost is that the CPA3000 is using the Chords specialised power supply (explains why the 2500 is a lot cheaper and sound quality is better), which is nice as the technology is meant to make it resistant to mains noise/effects.

http://www.chordelectronics.co.uk/products.asp

The amount your looking to spend I believe you can purchase the CPA3000 pre-amp with the SPM1200e for less than the Krell FBI.

For me the Chord pre and power amp is the nicest solid state product I have heard at this price point.
But, it is about preference so definitely compare it to the FBI, and if you have the room Classe CAM400 (not sure it would fit on your rack when including pre-amp, but could use long XLR cables and put the CAMs near the speakers, could bring a tear when looking at the cable costs in replacing speaker cable).


Cheers
Orb

[cntlaw]

..But, it is about preference so definitely compare it to the FBI, and if you have the room Classe CAM400 (not sure it would fit on your rack when including pre-amp, but could use long XLR cables and put the CAMs near the speakers, could bring a tear when looking at the cable costs in replacing speaker cable).


Cheers
Orb

Orb, Very well said and getting close to the 'point'! After played a few branded cables, surely they are something very hard to resist; and this is exactly one of the main reasons I am first looking at Integrated Amp like FBI instead of the Evo 302/402 (hell want to know how much is a Crystal Krell CAST cable ops Classe, Krell and Chord, all three seem to be praised for the B&W but just need to straight a fair balance of budgets over amp,cdp and spkr. Locally here, it seems Chord and Krell are popular items in the resale market over Classe. Considering space, I am surprised to find out the FBI has a pretty good chance to fit into the lower area of the 6.2! Space is not the issue as I can relocate the surround amp and dvd player to free out all 4 "slots" for audio equipment. Moving from unbalanced KW to Balanced also means a Balanced Output CD player and XLR IC to follow. The more I drill into this chains of $ effects, the more I agree the KW is a clean best buy. My friend seems to biase towards the FBI. Perhaps, I just need to work out the addtional costs for a pre amp, IC, power cord after I have a chance to auditon the SPM1200.
Cheers,
t

[wettou]

My friend seems to biase towards the FBI. Perhaps, I just need to work out the addtional costs for a pre amp, IC, power cord after I have a chance to auditon the SPM1200.Cheers,t

FBI? Tried Electrocompaniet?

[MrWhite]

After recently deciding it is time to upgrade speakers, I have been drooling over the 800 series for about a month now.

I am not sure which model I will get at this point but it will be either the 803S, 803D, or 802D. Most likely I will end up with the 802D. I currently have a Rotel RB-1080 amp.

Has anyone here used this amp with any of these speakers? If so, did it pair well?

I understand the RB-1080 is not the final word when it comes to powering the 800 series but I hope it will serve me well for now.

[wettou]

Most likely I will end up with the 802D. I currently have a Rotel RB-1080 amp.

Has anyone here used this amp with any of these speakers? If so, did it pair well? I understand the RB-1080 is not the final word when it comes to powering the 800 series but I hope it will serve me well for now.

It will work but don't expect the best of waht yo can get, if you can upgrade to Classé amps or Electrocompaniet then you will see , hear the difference :lol:

I heard that Emotiva makes great amps I wonder how they would sound?

[cntlaw]

FBI? Tried Electrocompaniet?

Love the look of Electrocompaniet and heard so much good things about them in this forum. A shame that I am not too ready to go for Mono blocks, neither the Aw400 could not fit into my audio rack. The AW250R might be under power if I do upgrade from 803S to 803D in future... ops:

[cntlaw]

After recently deciding it is time to upgrade speakers, I have been drooling over the 800 series for about a month now.

I am not sure which model I will get at this point but it will be either the 803S, 803D, or 802D. Most likely I will end up with the 802D. I currently have a Rotel RB-1080 amp.

Has anyone here used this amp with any of these speakers? If so, did it pair well?

I understand the RB-1080 is not the final word when it comes to powering the 800 series but I hope it will serve me well for now.

I have recently been reading a lot about power matching for B&W speakers. Here is a link I came across:
Power for 802D

t

[wettou]

I have recently been reading a lot about power matching for B&W speakers. Here is a link I came across: Power for 802D t

Classé CA-5200 is plenty for my 802Ds :T

[beden1]

Classé CA-5200 is plenty for my 802Ds :T

Try them with the CAM-400's and you'll tell a different story. More power does open these speakers up, particularly at lower volumes. It's like night and day with the CAM-350's now powering my 803D's.