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

[ninja12]

PASS LABS :T I just need to sell my car so I can afford their amp :cry:

+1. When I bought my 802Ds, they were connected to PASS LABS, and boy they sound FANTASTIC. When I asked the price for the amps, I almost passed out. I agree. I will need to sell my car too to afford them. Actually, I almost did. Yes, the PASS LABS amps made my 802Ds sound extremely good. Actually, my Anthem P5 & P2 amps drive them extremely well too. The are 325W in 8ohms, 500W in 4ohms and 675W in 2ohms all channels driven.

[Armbender]

looking to upgrade my 1056 in the near future..budget is $3000. Doesnt matter whether new or used...probably go for used.

Dealer is really pushing the Integra 80.1 for well under my price range,

I was really considering the Classe SSP600

Also on the list was the Marantz 8003

Any thoughts or other recomendations

I am going for astetics along with sound. I can run multi-ch for my Blu Ray so HDMI is not essential..

[Adi_V]

advice on upgrading equipment

Hi Guys,

I've had my equipment for a while now and its time for an upgrade. =]
I've been scrapping around the equipment labeled as special and/or used in order to find the best price I can (bang for buck ratio).

I'm dumbfounded when it comes down to making a decision.
Integrated or Pre/Amp combo?
I have a $4,500 AU budget (could reach $5,000 if I turn vegetarian for a month) .
I've yet to hear any of these pieces of equipment. Due to my work, it'll be impossible to hear all of the equipment listed below. I've researched as much as I could on the net, and I’m down to these Items:

Integrated:
Manley Stingray $2,750 (which Im not too keen on, as I listen to a large array of genres….jazz, house, rap, classical… and frequent house parties)
Plinius 9200 $4,500
Mac MA 6300 $4,500 (looks nice, but since its an entry model… I think corners might have been cut….. I said MAYBE.. please don’t send abuse)

--------------------------------------

Pre
Counterpoint SA-100 $999 (used and a 1994 model =s )
Quad QC-24 $1,299

Amp
McCormack $3,999
Noble Electronics 200 Signature $4,500 (+ whatever the postage cost ends up being to Australia, but if this amp is as good as the company claims that it is... then im sure i could nag family for more money)
Classe Ten $1,500 (old, but im sure it sounds nice)

Im after the best possible sound reproduction. I'm currently using 602 s3 B&W's, but will upgrade within the next year or so to speakers of higher sensitivity (whatever i can find in the specials corner at massively reduced prices =] )
So, If I could get some advice on making a decision about these items listed that would be great!

Thanks in advance!

[stuofsci02]

Hi Guys,

I've had my equipment for a while now and its time for an upgrade. =]
I've been scrapping around the equipment labeled as special and/or used in order to find the best price I can (bang for buck ratio).

I'm dumbfounded when it comes down to making a decision.
Integrated or Pre/Amp combo?
I have a $4,500 AU budget (could reach $5,000 if I turn vegetarian for a month) .
I've yet to hear any of these pieces of equipment. Due to my work, it'll be impossible to hear all of the equipment listed below. I've researched as much as I could on the net, and I’m down to these Items:

Integrated:
Manley Stingray $2,750 (which Im not too keen on, as I listen to a large array of genres….jazz, house, rap, classical… and frequent house parties)
Plinius 9200 $4,500
Mac MA 6300 $4,500 (looks nice, but since its an entry model… I think corners might have been cut….. I said MAYBE.. please don’t send abuse)

--------------------------------------

Pre
Counterpoint SA-100 $999 (used and a 1994 model =s )
Quad QC-24 $1,299

Amp
McCormack $3,999
Noble Electronics 200 Signature $4,500 (+ whatever the postage cost ends up being to Australia, but if this amp is as good as the company claims that it is... then im sure i could nag family for more money)
Classe Ten $1,500 (old, but im sure it sounds nice)

Im after the best possible sound reproduction. I'm currently using 602 s3 B&W's, but will upgrade within the next year or so to speakers of higher sensitivity (whatever i can find in the specials corner at massively reduced prices =] )
So, If I could get some advice on making a decision about these items listed that would be great!

Thanks in advance!

I would consider adding something from Chord Electronics to your list (integrated or power-amp). They might be a bit out of your price range new, but can be found used for a good deal. I have found them to be unbelievably fast and neutral.

[sc2]

Another Amp Suggestion

http://spectronaudio.com/musicianIII.htm

These have been getting RAVE reviews, it won at the CES 2010. It is a D class amp, but from all the reviews of these, when they are in Mono, they just sound phenominal.

If I were to buy a set of amps today, these would be it. Do some searching and reading the reviews, I think you will be impressed :T

[Adi_V]

I found a few more pennies... which would allow for a cd/dvd player

Im interested in this oneeeeee: =]

http://www.hhb.co.uk/hhb/usa/hhbproducts/udp89/index.asp

only because it has wolfson dac's.. but would anyone know which dac's? WM8742's ?

[rglass]

B&W 802D Owners - What Amplifier(s) do you use?

I am curious as to the amplifiers people use for their 802D's.

Are you happy with the amplifier(s) you are using?

If you had to replace your amplifier(s), what would you purchase?

I am using a Proceed AMP5 to power L+R 802D and center HTM2D. I want to upgrade this year. I am thinking of Classe (CA-3200) or Mark Levinson (No 433). I am also open to replacing my Proceed altogether with an appropriate 5 channel from Classe or maybe Mark Levinson. I have not had the opportunity to audition a Mark Levinson amplifier.

When I auditioned the 802D's I used Classe and McIntosh. I spent around 4 hours comparing Classe and McIntosh. Both were very good but I ended up preferring the Classe.

I have not auditioned the 802D's with the CA-5200. I wouldn't mind a 1 box solution. But I am concerned that the 200W rating for the 5200 wouldn't be enough of a difference from my Proceed AMP5 (125W) to justify spending the money. I would also like the amplifier for the L+R match the amplifier for the HTM2D center.

Has anyone compared the CA-5200 and CA-400 for the 802D?


My current gear:
B&W 802D, HTM2D, B&W SCM1 Rears
Proceed AMP5
Lexicon MC-8B
Dennon DVD-3910

[Freddie40]

My Ayre dealer is a B&W dealer also and he likes the 300W Ayre amp driving the 800D's the best. Before they hooked up the Ayre mono's they were driving them with a Boulder 2060. I preferred the Boulder set up.

Ahhhh, Audio Consultants, a very nice store. Have been shopping there (Evanston Store) for almost 30 years

Dave

[wettou]

I am curious as to the amplifiers people use for their 802D's.

Are you happy with the amplifier(s) you are using?

If you had to replace your amplifier(s), what would you purchase?

I have not auditioned the 802D's with the CA-5200. I wouldn't mind a 1 box solution. But I am concerned that the 200W rating for the 5200 wouldn't be enough of a difference from my Proceed AMP5 (125W) to justify spending the money. I would also like the amplifier for the L+R match the amplifier for the HTM2D center.

Has anyone compared the CA-5200 and CA-400 for the 802D?

Yes if I had to do it again I would go with CA-400 I have the CA-5200 very nice but I could use more juice.

I might decide to upgrade my front with three 800D and CT-600 instead of buying a new car:B

[KahunaCanuck]

I am curious as to the amplifiers people use for their 802D's.

Are you happy with the amplifier(s) you are using?

If you had to replace your amplifier(s), what would you purchase?

I am using a Proceed AMP5 to power L+R 802D and center HTM2D. I want to upgrade this year. I am thinking of Classe (CA-3200) or Mark Levinson (No 433). I am also open to replacing my Proceed altogether with an appropriate 5 channel from Classe or maybe Mark Levinson. I have not had the opportunity to audition a Mark Levinson amplifier.

When I auditioned the 802D's I used Classe and McIntosh. I spent around 4 hours comparing Classe and McIntosh. Both were very good but I ended up preferring the Classe.

I have not auditioned the 802D's with the CA-5200. I wouldn't mind a 1 box solution. But I am concerned that the 200W rating for the 5200 wouldn't be enough of a difference from my Proceed AMP5 (125W) to justify spending the money. I would also like the amplifier for the L+R match the amplifier for the HTM2D center.

Has anyone compared the CA-5200 and CA-400 for the 802D?


My current gear:
B&W 802D, HTM2D, B&W SCM1 Rears
Proceed AMP5
Lexicon MC-8B
Dennon DVD-3910

I use McIntosh MC501s for my Front 2 channels, then the McIntosh MC303 (300x3) for the center & surrounds. They provide lots of current for the 800Ds/HTM1D/803Ds. While I have not directly compared many amps in my room, I did previously use Emotiva XPA5s biamped and there is no comparison to how the McIntosh amps hold the base and deliver a lot more grip.

[htsteve]

I am curious as to the amplifiers people use for their 802D's.

Are you happy with the amplifier(s) you are using?

If you had to replace your amplifier(s), what would you purchase?

I am using a Proceed AMP5 to power L+R 802D and center HTM2D. I want to upgrade this year. I am thinking of Classe (CA-3200) or Mark Levinson (No 433). I am also open to replacing my Proceed altogether with an appropriate 5 channel from Classe or maybe Mark Levinson. I have not had the opportunity to audition a Mark Levinson amplifier.

When I auditioned the 802D's I used Classe and McIntosh. I spent around 4 hours comparing Classe and McIntosh. Both were very good but I ended up preferring the Classe.

I have not auditioned the 802D's with the CA-5200. I wouldn't mind a 1 box solution. But I am concerned that the 200W rating for the 5200 wouldn't be enough of a difference from my Proceed AMP5 (125W) to justify spending the money. I would also like the amplifier for the L+R match the amplifier for the HTM2D center.

Has anyone compared the CA-5200 and CA-400 for the 802D?

rglass,

First of all, welcome to the forum!

I have a similar speaker system as you list. I first powered my 802D's with a 5 channel 200 wpc amp (Mac MC205). That worked quite well. I then upgraded to an MC252 (250 wpc and lots more current). That was a definite improvement (especially in bass and soundstage).

I definitely recommend a strong, 2 channel amp for 802D's. A stereo amp does not have to share power with with any other channels. The refinement and engineering tend to be more substantial with a powerful stereo amp.

I have just ordered an Mac MC402 (400 watts and double the current of the MC252) to replace the MC252. I should have it this coming week.

I understand your concerns about simply going to another 5 channel amp like the Classe 5200. However, it may have decidedly better current delivery. If you can demo it, it may surprise you. I would also suggest simply considering a powerful stereo amp for the 802D's and simply keep the AMP5. Definitely demo if you cam. Your ears will be a great guide.


Hope this helps.

[KahunaCanuck]

rglass,

First of all, welcome to the forum!

I have a similar speaker system as you list. I first powered my 802D's with a 5 channel 200 wpc amp (Mac MC205). That worked quite well. I then upgraded to an MC252 (250 wpc and lots more current). That was a definite improvement (especially in bass and soundstage).

I definitely recommend a strong, 2 channel amp for 802D's. A stereo amp does not have to share power with with any other channels. The refinement and engineering tend to be more substantial with a powerful stereo amp.

I have just ordered an Mac MC402 (400 watts and double the current of the MC252) to replace the MC252. I should have it this coming week.

I understand your concerns about simply going to anoth 5 channel amp like the Classe 5200. However, it may have decidedly better current delivery. If you can demo it, it may surprise you. I would also suggest simply considering a powerful stereo amp for the 802D's and simply keep the AMP5. Definitely demo if you cam. Your ears will be a great guide.


Hope this helps.

Steve, looking forward to hear your opinion on how the 402 does in your setup compared to the 252...both are great amps!

[SteelyTom]

(With apologies if this been asked elsewhere...)

In powering a new pair of 683's, what are the plusses/minuses of amping with a Rotel RB-1582 (200w) or bi-amping with two Rotel RB-1552s (120w)?

And can I preamp with the lesser-priced RC-1550 and amp with the RB-1582?

[mjb]

I don't know why all this interest in bi-amping at the moment?
IMO, and its only my opinion, don't bother bi-amping. Get the 1582, rather than 2x1552's. You'll have one box, save some money, and it'll sound better due to 1. greater headroom 2. less distortion.
Have you listened to the D amps? A 1572 is half the size, between the other two price wise, and a lot more efficient. You might like it paired with your 683's. A RC-1550 will work nicely with any Rotel stereo Amp.

[SteelyTom]

Thanks to everyone on this site for some excellent input last weekend....

Auditioning B&W 683s on Saturday, my dealer had them linked to an Anthem integrated 225-watt amp that powered the speakers with ease and musicality. The Anthem is c. $1500 (US) list.

However, he saw some marginal utility in separate components (citing, essentially, present and future connectivity), and recommended, for a similar combined $1500 price, Rotel preamp RC-1550 and amp RC-1552, the latter w/ 120 w at 8 ohms. On the face of it, a good deal less power than the Anthem.

Does the move to Rotel over Anthem make sense as outlined above, esp. given than the gear is destined for a large, small-loft space?

Would it make more sense (for an extra $700) to get the more powerful, 200 watt Rotel RB-1582?

I really liked the effortless power of the Anthem.....

[Relentless]

Ahhhh, Audio Consultants, a very nice store. Have been shopping there (Evanston Store) for almost 30 years

Dave

Simon moved the 800D's out of the room and is now showcasing Wilson's replacement for the watt puppy. My Krell dealer is working on getting Wilson also but the Krell dealer wants to go all out with the big Wilson's and the whole HT package while Audio Consultants is more geared to 2ch with Wilson. Which is a shame because hearing the 800D's with the Boulder set up was what gave me that got to have those speakers feeling.

[Freddie40]

I listened to the Wilsons with the Ayre power amps and the Boulder Preamp and they were very nice (I think these were the amps). Of course at 150+k it should be nice.

I like 2 channel because I really like listening to music. I have had B&W speakers for 25+ years and I will be sticking with them. This weekend I will be going to the YG factory to listen to a pair of YG Carmel speakers vs a pair of Magico V3. I live close to the YG factory.

Dave

[wettou]

I listened to the Wilsons with the Ayre power amps and the Boulder Preamp and they were very nice (I think these were the amps). Of course at 150+k it should be nice.

I like 2 channel because I really like listening to music. I have had B&W speakers for 25+ years and I will be sticking with them. This weekend I will be going to the YG factory to listen to a pair of YG Carmel speakers vs a pair of Magico V3. I live close to the YG factory.

Dave

Let us know that should be interesting

[SoCalCM]

I have been listening to my Pioneer BDP-09, Luxman SQ-N100 integrated amp and B&W 805S speakers. The Neil Young Archives on Blu-Ray. Extraordinary sound, especially the Live at Massey Hall.

[schwegs99]

I have read a few threads lately about powering 804s.

How do these compare with an Emotiva XPA-5 or is anything around $700-$1500 pretty much in the same ballpark?

Rotel RMB-1075
Rotel RMB-1085
Rotel RMB-1095
Rotel RB-1080
NAD T955
Adcom GFA-7605
Adcom GFA-7607
Arcam FMJ P38
Mcintosh 2505

any other recommendations, looking to spend between $800-$1000 on a 5 channel (bi-amp fronts and give the center enough)

[wettou]

I'll be the odd ball here:



amplification
Pass Labs X600 and X600.5 line.



Simply put, I've yet to hear any Krell, Classe, McIntosh, Sim Moon, etc, amplifier that performs as superbly as the Pass Labs with the BMW 800 line!

Yes that is true but prices of Pass Labs are at least three times more than Classé

[htsteve]

Steve, looking forward to hear your opinion on how the 402 does in your setup compared to the 252...both are great amps!

I received the 402 on Monday. I fired it up Tuesday (needed to let it warm up, as it was cold from shipping). I've not done critical listening, as I want to put on 50 hours first before really diving in. But I have thrown a little bit at it .

Initial impressions:

- Better bass control. Super clean and defined.
- The depth of the soundstage, especially the bottom end, is really superior. Better than the 252 (which is quite excellent in it's own right).
- Midrange is more liquid.
- The background is super quiet.
- The 402 is effortless. It doesn't seem to work very hard.

[KahunaCanuck]

I received the 402 on Monday. I fired it up Tuesday (needed to let it warm up, as it was cold from shipping). I've not done critical listening, as I want to put on 50 hours first before really diving in. But I have thrown a little bit at it .

Initial impressions:

- Better bass control. Super clean and defined.
- The depth of the soundstage, especially the bottom end, is really superior. Better than the 252 (which is quite excellent in it's own right).
- Midrange is more liquid.
- The background is super quiet.
- The 402 is effortless. It doesn't seem to work very hard.

Awesome...it should only get better! :T

[Freddie40]

I received the 402 on Monday. I fired it up Tuesday (needed to let it warm up, as it was cold from shipping). I've not done critical listening, as I want to put on 50 hours first before really diving in. But I have thrown a little bit at it .

Initial impressions:

- Better bass control. Super clean and defined.
- The depth of the soundstage, especially the bottom end, is really superior. Better than the 252 (which is quite excellent in it's own right).
- Midrange is more liquid.
- The background is super quiet.
- The 402 is effortless. It doesn't seem to work very hard.

I am glad to hear that you are getting better sound with the new amps

Dave

[sskim]

Any of you own and use EAD Theatermaster Encore/Ovation/Signature pre-pro with 800 series? I've been reading about these decade old, dis-continued equipments still besting some of today top units. I'm curious if anyone has had experience using them with 800s.

[rtrautner]

I have B&W 802Ds, I really like these speakers. I have a Rega P9, ARC PH5, Ayre C5xemp, Anthem D2, Classe CA3200. What is the best SS amp for this system? Is the CA3200 as good as it gets for these speakers? Can a substantial improvement be achieved by changing the amp? When do you get to overkill, i.e. the amp is too good and will not yield any improvement over a less expensive choice? I will probably add a good 2ch preamp, maybe the ARC Ref5.

Hi,
I have 802D's and am looking at the Ayre C7XeMP. My amp/processor are Rotel 1095/1098. On first listen the C7 sounds a bit too forward, even harsh on some rock recordings. I have heard that Ayre's are a bit forward and am wondering whether or not it is a good fit with the already forward 802D's. Alternatively, is there something I can do with cabling, etc. to balance these components?
Thanks,
Rick

[Relentless]

Hi,
I have 802D's and am looking at the Ayre C7XeMP. My amp/processor are Rotel 1095/1098. On first listen the C7 sounds a bit too forward, even harsh on some rock recordings. I have heard that Ayre's are a bit forward and am wondering whether or not it is a good fit with the already forward 802D's. Alternatively, is there something I can do with cabling, etc. to balance these components?
Thanks,
Rick

Try the 5xemp. The problem with rock is that it is not recorded well and Ayre and B&W will exploit that issue. You may want to consider the QB-9 because its sound signature is the same as the CD players but I feel it is less forward. You should try them all before making the final decision.

[rtrautner]

Try the 5xemp. The problem with rock is that it is not recorded well and Ayre and B&W will exploit that issue. You may want to consider the QB-9 because its sound signature is the same as the CD players but I feel it is less forward. You should try them all before making the final decision.

Thanks, Lou. I am not persuaded that the 5xemp is worth the extra $2,500 if I don't need SACD and I'm not yet ready to make the leap to a server based system, although the writing is clearly on the wall. I guess my question is whether anyone else has had trouble matching the Ayre CD players to B&W speakers and whether there are any particular recommendations for cables or anything else that might help.
Rick

[Relentless]

Thanks, Lou. I am not persuaded that the 5xemp is worth the extra $2,500 if I don't need SACD and I'm not yet ready to make the leap to a server based system, although the writing is clearly on the wall. I guess my question is whether anyone else has had trouble matching the Ayre CD players to B&W speakers and whether there are any particular recommendations for cables or anything else that might help.
Rick

If you like the way the C7XeMP sounds you can play with toe in on your speakers to make it less forward. I love the Ayre, Krell, B&W mix I have going but I have it set up to be slightly forward because I like hard rock and a forward sound gives it that "live" feeling for me. I have my speakers Toed in to 3' behind the listening position.

[wettou]

Any one tried these AXIOM AUDIO

http://www.axiomaudio.com/a1400-8.html

[Relentless]

Any one tried these AXIOM AUDIO

http://www.axiomaudio.com/a1400-8.html

No, but I had a pair of there E600 subs for a while and they were awesome in my small room. I did not like the finish of the cab or the way the cone looked. I can say that Axiom customer service was top notch :T

[wettou]

No, but I had a pair of there E600 subs for a while and they were awesome. I did not like the finish of the cab or the way the cone looked. I can say that Axiom customer service was top notch :T

They have a cool website with a lot of information 8O

[rtrautner]

To complete the thread, I replaced my funky old cables with a set of Transparent Music Links @ $175/1 meter pair and it made all the difference in the world. Where it sounded forward and bright to the point of being harsh it is now creamy and, dare I say it, almost laid back-not a sound one expects from 802D's.

[Relentless]

I received the 402 on Monday.

congrats on the new amp :T . I am curious, on a 400W amp running the 802D's at a low level(like late at night when it is silent outside and in the house) how many watts are the speakers drawing? I would assume something like 20. Do the meters even read that little of a draw?

[htsteve]

congrats on the new amp :T . I am curious, on a 400W amp running the 802D's at a low level(like late at night when it is silent outside and in the house) how many watts are the speakers drawing? I would assume something like 20. Do the meters even read that little of a draw?

Actually, the wattmeter goes below one watt. And all the way up to 400. So it will read low levels.

At night at low levels, the amp is only showing a few watts. 20 watts is actually pretty loud.


Hope this helps.

[wettou]

To complete the thread, I replaced my funky old cables with a set of Transparent Music Links @ $175/1 meter pair and it made all the difference in the world. Where it sounded forward and bright to the point of being harsh it is now creamy and, dare I say it, almost laid back-not a sound one expects from 802D's.

Cables again please spear us!!

[Skyblue]

Thanks, Lou. I am not persuaded that the 5xemp is worth the extra $2,500 if I don't need SACD and I'm not yet ready to make the leap to a server based system, although the writing is clearly on the wall. I guess my question is whether anyone else has had trouble matching the Ayre CD players to B&W speakers and whether there are any particular recommendations for cables or anything else that might help.
Rick

Please consider the ayre qb-9. As far as I understand its almost on par with the 5exmp, only a lot cheaper.

[SoCalCM]

Finally decided to upgrade my amplifier. I've ordered a Boulder 2060 to replace my Classe CA3200. A lot of auditioning proved to me that this change will make a big difference.

[Relentless]

Finally decided to upgrade my amplifier. I've ordered a Boulder 2060 to replace my Classe CA3200. A lot of auditioning proved to me that this change will make a big difference.

That is definitely one of my favorite amps. Don't you need a 30A line to run it? that was its only downfall. Not really a downfall but an obstacle for sure. Congrats :T :T :T

[wettou]

Finally decided to upgrade my amplifier. I've ordered a Boulder 2060 to replace my Classe CA3200. A lot of auditioning proved to me that this change will make a big difference.

Nice upgrade did you take a loan for that one $$$$$$$$$

[ssabripo]

Any one tried these AXIOM AUDIO

http://www.axiomaudio.com/a1400-8.html

overpriced garbage...dont bother.

their driver is anemic, their measurements are beyond pathetic. There are tons of information on them on Ilkka's measurements on avs forum.

[wettou]

overpriced garbage...dont bother.

their driver is anemic, their measurements are beyond pathetic. There are tons of information on them on Ilkka's measurements on avs forum.

Ever listened to them?

[ssabripo]

Ever listened to them?

several times.

in case you are interested:

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/subwoofer-tests-archived/6002-axiom-ep-600-1st-test.html

just to put it in perspective, here is a SVS PB13:



do a search on avs and you will see several threads on the EP series. You cannot cheat physics unfortunately, specially in a ported design where you need good excursion and travel from a driver.

here is the axiom EP series driver:


again, compared to, say, the SVS PB13 driver (on the left):

[wettou]

several times.

in case you are interested:

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/subwoofer-tests-archived/6002-axiom-ep-600-1st-test.html

just to put it in perspective, here is a SVS PB13:


do a search on avs and you will see several threads on the EP series. You cannot cheat physics unfortunately, specially in a ported design where you need good excursion and travel from a driver.

here is the axiom EP series driver:


again, compared to, say, the SVS PB13 driver (on the left):

Cool thank you, how about 802D have you done such test

[Hammie]

Has anyone paired their 800 Series speakers with an Anthem 50v processor? I've heard a D2v demoed with some Paradigm Reference Signatures and everything sounded fantastic. I really like the sound of that setup.

I have a possible chance to pick one up for a very good price, but cannot do an in home demo. I need to confirm return policy before making any commitment obviously.