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

[wettou]

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.

Yes, I know I heard them with Electrocompaniet Nemo and that was unbelievable :T In this case more is better. I might get an other CA-3200 for the front speakers

[style]

Originally Posted by beden1
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.

I agree 100%.

I have the 803D too and with the CA5200 is sure better as the vs. my "old" Rotel RB1092 but a CAM will be great with the 803D.
(especially in movies).

@wettou:
with the CA5200 dont pay make a bi-amp??
another CA3200 the bi-amb. your front speakers, or?
I personally think that 2 CAM are the best solution. (also for $$$)
Bi-amp: I do not like very much...

greetings Omar

[bigburner]

Sikoniko,

I suspect that in reality this will become a long interesting threads of personal opinion as to what is right.

Geoff

You've obviously been around this forum for a while Geoff!

Nigel.

[beden1]

Yes, I know I heard them with Electrocompaniet Nemo and that was unbelievable :T In this case more is better. I might get an other CA-3200 for the front speakers

You should ask your dealer to either loan you a CA-3200, or better yet, a CA-3200 and a pair of CAM-400's so you can do an in-home demonstration. This way, there will be no question in your mind what differences/improvements there will be.

I would also be very interested to learn of your experience, especially since you already have your current house sound firmly in-grained in your mind. It would be a very good comparison.

[wettou]

You should ask your dealer to either loan you a CA-3200, or better yet, a CA-3200 and a pair of CAM-400's so you can do an in-home demonstration. This way, there will be no question in your mind what differences/improvements there will be.

I would also be very interested to learn of your experience, especially since you already have your current house sound firmly in-grained in your mind. It would be a very good comparison.

As soon as I have the capital, I will do this but for now the CA-5200 works great for me. I think that I might get the Electrocompaniet Nemo when I have the green:B

[cntlaw]

I hope I can hold my breath and go for a Krell 302

[Relentless]

I hope I can hold my breath and go for a Krell 302

If you are going to spend the money might as well hold it till you can get the 402

[cntlaw]

If you are going to spend the money might as well hold it till you can get the 402

Damn , you read through my mind! :W
The issue is, my SolidSteel 6.2 rack is one inch short in depth to house the 402 ops: Really not ready to house a 402 in front middle of the racks/speakers. That is also why I think if not a 222/202+402, I might as well downgrade to a FBI then. That may be fine, as I am keeping the 803S for a while before moving to a 803D. Apart from sorting out the output power, the 222 gets all the good verdicts is something very tempting..

[baby fat]

Does anybody have an opinion about using an Arcam diva A90 amplifier for my CDM 1NT speakers? I understand that they are quite picky with equipment...

[nick778]

B&W 803D,HTM2D center, DS8 surrounds, CCM-65 backs
Spectron Audio Musician SE MK2 (I considered and almost bought the Classe CAM-400)
Cary 303/300 CD
Pioneer DVD Blu-Ray
Anthem D1 Statement Pre/Pro (considering Cary 11a when it comes out)
Rotel RMB-1095 to power center, surrounds and center
PS Audio Power Plant Premier for all source components and the Rotel amp
Shunyata Hydra for the Spectron.
Dedicated 20amp lines
Velodyne DD-15 sub

The biggest improvement in sound I made was selling my former RB-1090 and buying the Spectron MK2. The amp is simply amazing and sounds terrific with my 803D.

Please don't flame me about not buying the Classe.

The Anthem D1 sounds great in by-pass mode for music and very good in DSP mode. Great in DSP mode for HT also.

[wettou]

The biggest improvement in sound I made was selling my former RB-1090 and buying the Spectron MK2. The amp is simply amazing and sounds terrific with my 803D.

Please don't flame me about not buying the Classe.

Hey it is your green so you should buy what makes you happy.:T

[cdika17]

Here is my future setup

Preamp / Processor: Rotel RSP-1570
Amplifier: Rotel RMB-1575 front, center, middle
Amplifier: Rotel RB-1572 rears

Front L/R Speakers: B&W 803D
Center Speaker: B&W HTM2D
Side Surround Speakers: undecided, suggestions? Maybe 805S?
Rear Surround Speakers: B&W 804S??
Subwoofer: possibly the gothem g213, most likely the fathom f113

These amps should be able to handle this, eh?

Thanks

Let me know ur thoughts

[htsteve]

Preamp / Processor: Rotel RSP-1570
Amplifier: Rotel RMB-1575 front, center, middle
Amplifier: Rotel RB-1572 rears

Front L/R Speakers: B&W 803D
Center Speaker: B&W HTM2D
Side Surround Speakers: undecided, suggestions? Maybe 805S?
Rear Surround Speakers: B&W 804S??
Subwoofer: possibly the gothem g213, most likely the fathom f113

These amps should be able to handle this, eh?

Thanks

Let me know ur thoughts

cdika17,

I was in a similar position as you. I initially focused on the 803's. However, after testing and working the budget, I eventually settled on what I really wanted, the 802D's. The 802D's are superior speakers. All aspects of these are improved over the 803D. It is the bedrock of my system. Fabulous 2 channel and the basis for a smokin' hometheater. The RB-1572 would be able to run the 802D's. However, maybe a 1092 would be in order, as the 803D's and especially the 802D's love power.


Here's an idea for you. Concentrate on a 5.1 system. See below.
This is actually the speaker setup I have. You can always add the side speakers sometime later.


802D's Mains
HTM2D Center
N804's Rears (Used, look on Audiogon)


I believe the overall costs would be very similar.


Hope this helps.

[cdika17]

cdika17,

I was in a similar position as you. I initially focused on the 803's. However, after testing and working the budget, I eventually settled on what I really wanted, the 802D's. The 802D's are superior speakers. All aspects of these are improved over the 803D. It is the bedrock of my system. Fabulous 2 channel and the basis for a smokin' hometheater. The RB-1572 1575 would be able to run the 802D's. However, maybe a 1092 would be in order, as the 803D's and especially the 802D's love power.


Here's an idea for you. Concentrate on a 5.1 system. See below.
This is actually the speaker setup I have. You can always add the side speakers sometime later.


802D's Mains
HTM2D Center
N804's Rears (Used, look on Audiogon)


I believe the overall costs would be very similar.


Hope this helps.

Did you mean the 1575 above not the 2 channel 1572?

Doesn't the 1575 have more power than the 1092?

Thanks for your wisdom, I am a HT virgin so all info is great, i am trying to get the best equipment i can and not going over my budget amount. A person can keep spending and on and on, so i made a max budget and trying to stick to it, or else ill go broke, lol.

[htsteve]

Did you mean the 1575 above not the 2 channel 1572?

Doesn't the 1575 have more power than the 1092?

Thanks for your wisdom, I am a HT virgin so all info is great, i am trying to get the best equipment i can and not going over my budget amount. A person can keep spending and on and on, so i made a max budget and trying to stick to it, or else ill go broke, lol.

cdika17,

I do mean the 1572 (stereo), and not the 5 channel (1575) to drive your main speakers. your main speakers are your best speakers. A stereo amp, even one rated at the same power as a 5 channel amp, will be cleaner, produce better soundstage and tighter bass. I had a Rotel 1095 amp (5x200) and got a 1080 amp (2*200). All thoe things happened when I hooked up the 1080.

The 1575 is designed for multichannel purposes. It has lots of power (250 watts). However, the 1092 has 500 watts for two channel. One of these for your main speakers (803D's or 802D's) and they would be quite happy.

I certainly understand about budget. I also try to maximize the performance for the money spent.


Hope this helps.

[cdika17]

cdika17,

I do mean the 1572 (stereo), and not the 5 channel (1575) to drive your main speakers. your main speakers are your best speakers. A stereo amp, even one rated at the same power as a 5 channel amp, will be cleaner, produce better soundstage and tighter bass. I had a Rotel 1095 amp (5x200) and got a 1080 amp (2*200). All thoe things happened when I hooked up the 1080.

The 1575 is designed for multichannel purposes. It has lots of power (250 watts). However, the 1092 has 500 watts for two channel. One of these for your main speakers (803D's or 802D's) and they would be quite happy.

I certainly understand about budget. I also try to maximize the performance for the money spent.


Hope this helps.

Yah i agree with you now, dunno what i was thinking last night, must have been tired. Been on the net all weekend reading, learning and building. Thanks for the help!

[htsteve]

Yah i agree with you now, dunno what i was thinking last night, must have been tired. Been on the net all weekend reading, learning and building. Thanks for the help!

cdika17,

One clarification. The 1092 amp hass 500 watts PER CHANNEL. They way I wrote it, that wasn't real clear. It's a beast of an amp. It's one to consider (maybe even used from a dealer).


Keep us posted.

[mjb]

... A stereo amp, even one rated at the same power as a 5 channel amp, will be cleaner, produce better soundstage and tighter bass. I had a Rotel 1095 amp (5x200) and got a 1080 amp (2*200). All thoe things happened when I hooked up the 1080...

This thinking doesn't really apply to the newer ICE module amps, it just depends how many modules they put in the box. A 1091 has one module, a 1092 has 2.

[htsteve]

This thinking doesn't really apply to the newer ICE module amps, it just depends how many modules they put in the box. A 1091 has one module, a 1092 has 2.

Good point. I did have a 1077 for ahwile, but the majority of my experience has been with traditional solid state amps.

I still think, in general, a dedicated stereo amp will be a better solution for the mains than sharing a multi channel amp. The stereo amp is only focused on the two rather than the many.

[kasif@]

Guys, I am new at the forum. Planing to buy 5.1 683 series B&W + AVR. I have chance to listen them last weekend. I listened 683, HTM62, 685, ASW700 (as they do not have 610). First the dealer run them with HK355. But I think this was a mistake. My general aim is to use the system mainly for concert/music DVDs, then for stereo and last for movie. And HK was very week at concert performance and stereo also. Then he run them with Yamaha RX-V663. I can say that this was very much beter then HK. Buses were very deep although the sub was not the originally recomended one with this set. Now I wonder front 683, rear 685, center HTM62 and sub ASW610XP are good set of 5.1 or what else this have to be. And what should be the AVR to run those effectively. I also onder a lot of Marantz performance with B&W 683, any experience?

[emig5m]

Guys, I am new at the forum. Planing to buy 5.1 683 series B&W + AVR. I have chance to listen them last weekend. I listened 683, HTM62, 685, ASW700 (as they do not have 610). First the dealer run them with HK355. But I think this was a mistake. My general aim is to use the system mainly for concert/music DVDs, then for stereo and last for movie. And HK was very week at concert performance and stereo also. Then he run them with Yamaha RX-V663. I can say that this was very much beter then HK. Buses were very deep although the sub was not the originally recomended one with this set. Now I wonder front 683, rear 685, center HTM62 and sub ASW610XP are good set of 5.1 or what else this have to be. And what should be the AVR to run those effectively. I also onder a lot of Marantz performance with B&W 683, any experience?

I have the the Yamaha 663 with the 683/HTM61/685/Velodyne MiniVee and it is the best sounding receiver I've ever owned (I've only ever owned receivers in this price range.) I just ran into a little problem of driving it into protection mode with the 683s in stereo when playing bass intensive songs at dance club levels (I don't use the powered sub for stereo music playback since the speakers sound better on their own for music to me.)

I wound up getting a Emotiva XPA-5 and using the Yamaha's pre-amp outputs (one of the many reasons I bought the Yamaha over other brands was to have the option to use it as a pre-amp for future amp upgrades.) I've never had a receiver in this price range that made me happy for 2-channel music sound quality (I had separates for stereo music in the past) and the Yamaha totally floors me for 2-channel music something that seems to be lacking in budget surround receivers. I don't think many brands can touch it for the price.

I want to eventually get a new Emotiva Pre/Pro when the new models come out and sell the Yamaha to a friend in need of something excellent sounding and not costing a arm and leg but I feel it will kinda be a waste of time since the Yamaha sounds so good already and feel I'll just be upgrading to have matching looking components. If you don't plan on playing at dance club levels (I like to every now and then for fun factor) the Yamaha sounds excellent on its own.

My vote to you from a 683/RX-663 owner is to get the Yamaha! :T

[Briz vegas]

..............so long as you run a power amp judging by your review.

[emig5m]

..............so long as you run a power amp judging by your review.

Well.... I'd say if you're not going to run at max volume of the speakers with bass heavy material or crossover to a powered sub you'll be good to go with the RX-663 by itself. You can also bi-amp your mains with it if you're only going to be using 5.1 (never tried it myself since I just wanted to take any doubt out of the picture and just get a dedicated power amp.)

[Tuddy]

Hi Folks,

Just posted pics of my set up (link below)

Looking for some baisc info on upgrading my pre-amp (Yamaha RX-V1400).

$2,500 limit, read some reviews & considering:
Marantz AV8003

Rotel 1069 Processor (should I stick with Rotel since I have the RMB1095, or does it not matter if I get a pre from a different manufacturer?)

For $2100 the Rotel lacks some features: doesn’t include room equalization, onboard decoding of DolbyTrueHD, or dual HDMI outputs.

Also looking at the new Sherwood Newcastle R-972.

Stupid ? of the day: Do processors, Pre-Amps, AVR's & Surround Processors
serve the same purpose?

Appreciate any feedback and other gear to consider.

Tuddy

http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php4?t=10838&page=63

[htsteve]

New Rotel 15 Series

Hi Folks,

Just posted pics of my set up (link below)

Looking for some baisc info on upgrading my pre-amp (Yamaha RX-V1400).

$2,500 limit, read some reviews & considering:
Marantz AV8003

Rotel 1069 Processor (should I stick with Rotel since I have the RMB1095, or does it not matter if I get a pre from a different manufacturer?)

For $2100 the Rotel lacks some features: doesn’t include room equalization, onboard decoding of DolbyTrueHD, or dual HDMI outputs.

Also looking at the new Sherwood Newcastle R-972.

Stupid ? of the day: Do processors, Pre-Amps, AVR's & Surround Processors
serve the same purpose?

Appreciate any feedback and other gear to consider.

Tuddy

http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthr...=10838&page=63

Tuddy,

For your budget and existing gear, I would definitely recommend the new 15 series pre-amp form Rotel. Link is below. It has all of the latest HDMI and HD audio processing.

http://www.rotel.com/NA/Products/Pro...74&Tab=1&Pic=1

I generally do not like mixing the amp and pre-amp. They can have different sounds and not work real well together. Since you have a 1095, the new Rotel pre-amp seems like a very good choice. List price, I believe, is $2300 and you should be able to get some discount off that.

Stupid ? of the day: Do processors, Pre-Amps, AVR's & Surround Processors
serve the same purpose?

Processors, pre-amps and surround processors are all the same to me in the HT arena. They do not have amps or tuners, they simply process/switch incoming audio and video signals. AVR's are recievers. These are all in one units that have processors, amps and tuners built in. They are nice packages when cost and space are major considerations. Since you already have a separate amp, you should really get an AV pre-amp to compliment it. Separates are the way to go long term. If a new audio format comes out later, you only need to replace your pre-amp. Replacing a receiver means you replace everything. You often don't get the best value for your money this way in the long run.


Hope this helps.

[Tuddy]

thanks htsteve-

Sharp looking unit and it has all the bells and whistles.

Can I hook my sub up and play it through the RSP 1570?

My dealer told me to use the 1095 for the 804S & HTM4, but to continue to power the sub with the Yamaha, and I have been.

[Mayko]

Hi, my name is Mayko and I am new here :T

I live in Holland and my English is not very good, so forgive me.

I see different amps for the D series, but no Parasound :roll: Why is that?

I have a Parasound JC1 and JC2, and soon the 802D :T
Are these a good combination?

[htsteve]

thanks htsteve-

Sharp looking unit and it has all the bells and whistles.

Can I hook my sub up and play it through the RSP 1570?

My dealer told me to use the 1095 for the 804S & HTM4, but to continue to power the sub with the Yamaha, and I have been.

Tuddy,

The Rotel is one stop shopping. Hook all your amps, including the sub, to the Rotel pre-amp. The sub has it's own amp (unless you have a passive sub), so you want to be directly connected. If you have a passive sub, then I can see why your dealer told you to use the Yamaha, as the sub needs power.

What sub are you using?

[Tuddy]

htsteve,

Current sub is POLK PSW250.

Velodyne DD12 is on the way.

The reason I asked if I could plug the sub to the Rotel 1570 is that I am concerned if I replace the AVR with a processor I will have no amplification to run the sub.

In essence, does the 1570 have power to run the sub?

It appears you already answered my question as the Polk is not passive, nor is the Velo.

Thanks again.

Still waiting for reviews of the 15 series.

Best,

Tuddy

[htsteve]

htsteve,

Current sub is POLK PSW250.

Velodyne DD12 is on the way.

The reason I asked if I could plug the sub to the Rotel 1570 is that I am concerned if I replace the AVR with a processor I will have no amplification to run the sub.

In essence, does the 1570 have power to run the sub?

It appears you already answered my question as the Polk is not passive, nor is the Velo.

Thanks again.

Still waiting for reviews of the 15 series.

Best,

Tuddy

Tuddy,

Woo hoo. Excellent choice on the DD12. I have the DD18. You will love the performance as well as the fact you can calibrate it to your room. And yes, both the Polk and the Velodyne are powered subs. The DD12 has a class D amp that is 1250 watts with a 3000 watt peak. You will definitely have enough power. It should be a quantum leap over the Polk.

Simply plug either sub into the sub pre-out in the processor (Yamaha or Rotel).

The 1570 is a pre-amp, it has no power for anyone. You Yamaha does have power, but only for 5 (or 7) speakers. It's not designed to run subs. Subs need plenty of power. That's why any good one comes with it's own amp.

You are getting into separates. That is the best way to go. Separates allow you to have gear that essentially does one thing. A sub does bass, an amp powers speakers and a pre-amp processes. And they tend to do it well. Once you get your pre-amp, you should be blown away.


Hope this helps.

[wettou]

Hi, my name is Mayko and I am new here :T I live in Holland and my English is not very good, so forgive me. I see different amps for the D series, but no Parasound :roll: Why is that? I have a Parasound JC1 and JC2, and soon the 802D :T Are these a good combination?

Hello Mayko, your English is better than my Dutch :B Any way yes the Parasound should be great with your 802D. I have 802D as well powered with Classé but that is because I love the design so I paid top dollars

What kind of Processor do you have?

[Mayko]

Hello Mayko, your English is better than my Dutch :B Any way yes the Parasound should be great with your 802D. I have 802D as well powered with Classé but that is because I love the design so I paid top dollars

What kind of Processor do you have?

I have a JC2 Preamplifier of Parasound.

[wettou]

I have a JC2 Preamplifier of Parasound.

Cool, I always thought Parasound made high quality components even if they are manufactured in China :T

They should be a lot cheaper so especially if you compare them to Emotiva :B

[armandopavia]

hi guys,

my new electronics wiith my new 803D are:

pre: hovland 100HP
amp: jeff rowland 112
cd player esoteric sa 60
cables van de hul
headphoned sh sh 580
tube head amp musical fidelity mv 3

cheers

Armando

[crytklmass]

Most interesting does the Audyssey makes a difference, I am looking at the Classé SSP-800 but also considering the Denon!
I have three 802D and two 802 to drive so I need a ton of power, Now I use the CA-5200 and am looking to add an other one

Nice thing about the Denon is that you can purchase 2 POA-1HDCI with the AVP-A1HDCI. that would give you 20 150wpc. you can bridge the ones you want or bi-amp. this should allow for more than enough speaker combo's along with adding an extra zone and cost less than half my purchasing the classe-ssp 800 and amps. If you dont have an denon retailer in your area, you can purchase the poa-a1hdci and plug it into your current receiver and audition them, if you dont like it, return in within 30 days. I was going to purchase the Classe ssp800, ca-5200, (200watts just isnt enough for 802's my opinion) which means you may have to buy the cam400 mono's very expensive. The classe option will cost you around $20,000 while the denon option is around $10,000 let your ears tell you which to buy. I bridged my fronts to 300wpc including the center and it blew away my rotel 1090, 1095 option. I played listened to them through my Rotel 1068 with the same sound setting with different music and movies and I heard things through the denon I never heard through my rotel's. Ive been upgrading my system for about 15 years and found an awesome match that wasnt overly expensive and sounds great. I tell my friends My speaker cable and patch cords cost more than $1,000 and they think im nuts, but as soon as new release is available there at my house watching the movie. I auditioned Classe, Macintosh, Bryston, Marantz, Krell, and Denon before making my decision. The Denon's sounded just as good or better and were half the price. Denon may not be considered high end audio and pairing them with $13,000 speakers, people think I should have krells used. (me too, if there paying) lol

[wettou]

How about Emotiva XPA1 for $3000 you get 500W monoblocks that will dance around the Denon.:T

[KyaDawn]

I just purchased 802Ds and awaiting delivery (I'm in Hong Kong and they need 45 days to ship them out from the UK as the didn't have the cheerywood I wanted in stock), so I am taking my time looking at electronics.

I was at different dealer from where I purchased the 802Ds which also carried Classe, and the sales guy basically told me that Classe sucks, that it was a second-tier company before it was bought by B&W, and that I should consider other options.

He basically said Goldmund or Jeff Rowland were the best matches for 802Ds. Since the Goldmunds are over HK$200,000 (or USD$25,000), it may be because he wants me to spend more than the Classe. But he also recommended a Jeff Rowland integrated amp over a pair of Classe CA-M400, and at HK$75,000 (or less than USD$10,000), should be less expensive than the Classe.

He also said that while McIntosh amps were good, that they were "slow", and coupled with "slow" B&Ws, that they didn't match.

What do you think? Was that guy just blowing hot air? I've been reading this forum and others a lot, and a lot of people seem to like McIntosh with B&W, and I don't think I've ever encountered anyone talking about Goldmund and just a few times about Jeff Rowland to match with the 802Ds, though for some reason these two particular manufacturers seem quite popular on Hong Kong-based forums.

Anyone have any experience with Goldmund or Jeff Rowland amps with the 800 series? How do they compare with Classe, Bryston, Parasound, McIntosh, Krell, etc.?

[Race Car Driver]

What do you think? Was that guy just blowing hot air?

:rofl:

Yep

[htsteve]

htsteve,

Current sub is POLK PSW250.

Velodyne DD12 is on the way.

Tuddy,

Did you get the DD12 yet? If yes, I bet it was an eye opener. Also, did you get a chance to audition the 15 series?

[htsteve]

What do you think? Was that guy just blowing hot air? I've been reading this forum and others a lot, and a lot of people seem to like McIntosh with B&W, and I don't think I've ever encountered anyone talking about Goldmund and just a few times about Jeff Rowland to match with the 802Ds, though for some reason these two particular manufacturers seem quite popular on Hong Kong-based forums.

Anyone have any experience with Goldmund or Jeff Rowland amps with the 800 series? How do they compare with Classe, Bryston, Parasound, McIntosh, Krell, etc.?

KyaDawn,

I think that salesperson had their commission check in mind more than your interests. Hopefully you have other choices in dealers, especially ones that will let you do an in home demo.

I have no experience with Goldmund or Jeff Rowland and 802D's. I auditioned McIntosh, Classe and Krell. I ended up with a McIntosh amp and preamp to drive my 802D's. I'm quite happy with them. They are a wonderful combination.


Hope this helps.

[KyaDawn]

Thanks Race Car Driver and htsteve. The dealer was a new one that I've never been to before, and though the store had an impressive range of speakers, electronics, projectors, flat-screens, accessories, etc., the salesman was really something else. Though knowledgeable, his approach was typical snake-oil. Other than hi-fi, he's probably better suited for selling used cars. :B

[number95]

Tubes with Nautilus 800

My N800 speakers are powered by Audio Reseach Ref-3/ Ref-610T monos. I previously tried some SS amps like Krell, Halcro, but preferred ARC combo.

[wettou]

My N800 speakers are powered by Audio Reseach Ref-3/ Ref-610T monos. I previously tried some SS amps like Krell, Halcro, but preferred ARC combo.

Tubes distorts the sound, the 800 love power and current

[number95]

Tubes distorts the sound, the 800 love power and current

Well may I learn which tube amplifiers you have tried on or listened to with 800? And what is the argument of tube distortion? Before I answer fully I wonder your experiences with tubes. But I can say most probably you have never heard 800s with a Ref series amps from Audio Research, especially 610Ts. Your comment is premature.

[Briz vegas]

Audio Research gear that I have heard is pretty impressive, glad to hear that you like your tube 800 series combination.

A Audio Research tube setup (I think it was the reference 3) is the only component I have heard that has been able to dig out the back of the throat sound in Rokia Traore's vocals with such striking realism and detail that it made me sit up in surprise.

Regarding this worship of the watt over everything else, finesse can beat outright power so long as you don't drive the amp to clipping, and sometimes it comes down to how the amp clips.

But this is all a bit academic as the 610T is rated at 600 watts anyway.