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

[AV-OCD]

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.

I'm confused. Wettou linked to the Axiom digital amp, and your comment is about their subwoofer?

[MikeFL52]

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.

Not quite. I have the Anthem D1 (running ARC-1) & P5 Amp with 803Ds and very much like this set-up. The D1 is an old version of the D2V without the video processing, but much the same audio processing (I use a DVDO VP50 for the video) without all the high def audio codecs (I do this internally on my Denon 3800BDCI bluray player and pass the signal via analog outs)

From the comparison chart (see link) there is not much difference between the AVM50V and the D2V, but what is not detailed is the S/N ratios & IMD which are quite a bit better for the D2V. Audible maybe?

http://statement.anthemav.com/HTML/Products/D2v/Literature/downloads/CompChart.pdf

Both the AVM50V and D2V get a lot of praise in the press especially running ARC-1 which is a room correction system that listens to the speakers at various (5 or more) positions and then sets cross-overs etc. based upon the room response. Works very well in my opinion. Check out the avsforum site for lots of information on both these processors.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=678260&highlight=Statement

[ssabripo]

I'm confused. Wettou linked to the Axiom digital amp, and your comment is about their subwoofer?

yes, I clicked on the wrong link and noticed it once I posted by reply! ops:

[AV-OCD]

yes, I clicked on the wrong link and noticed it once I posted by reply! ops:

No worries. It does look like there was some interest in the Axiom sub in the posts that followed.

[ljs1228]

Re Anthem Gear

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.

Hi Hammie,

I have a pair of Signature Diamond speakers that I have connected to a D2 (without the v upgrade) and A5, both from Anthem. I'm afraid that I didn't do a great deal of comparison listening prior to purchasing these, but I find the audio and video processing of the D2 to be amazing. I stepped up from a Denon AVR and a set of Paradigm Cinema 330's. Huge difference! I'd love to get the upgrade for the D2 but money is a little tight at the moment. I don't think that you would be disappointed!! I would say go for it if you can!
The soundstage with the Sig 40's and the Anthem gear is amazing. Good luck on your purchase!

[SoCalCM]

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

Are you a banker?

I bought the best amp made in the world and its manufactured right here in the USA. What can be wrong with that?

The issue is whether to upgrade to the new B&W 800Ds or the new 802Ds or just keep my 5 year old 802Ds.

[HiRez]

Greetings,

Any experience on 802D's with Emotiva's XPA-1 Mono-block power-amps?
Thanks

[wettou]

Are you a banker? I bought the best amp made in the world and its manufactured right here in the USA. What can be wrong with that? The issue is whether to upgrade to the new B&W 800Ds or the new 802Ds or just keep my 5 year old 802Ds.

Well if you have $$ to spend go and buy the 800Di or better yet

mbl 101 X-treme

http://www.mbl-usa.com/View.aspx/2184/mbl-101-X-treme

with mbl 9011

[Relentless]

I bought the best amp made in the world and its manufactured right here in the USA. What can be wrong with that?

That is a bold statement. I do love that amp but the best made amp? It may sound the best to you and that is great, nothing like being totally satisfied with your equipment. I can think of a pair of monos with the same output and in the same price range I would gladly put up against the Boulder and they are also made in America. I am not arguing your choice just curious what aspect of the Boulder 2060 makes you say that it is the best made amp?

[SoCalCM]

A fair question. I went to both the '09 RMAF and '10 CES and looked at and listened to practically every amp on display. I saw no amp that I could say was better made or, to my eyes, was aesthetically better designed, (an important consideration for something so massive that will be prominent in a room). Listening in those show environments was of course of limited use since none of the rooms used my speakers and most used computer sources, even so I heard many great amps but none that I could say were better. But I have heard Classe, Krell, Musical Fidelity, Audio Research and Sim mono and stereo amps on 802Ds, all are excellent amps but none of which sounded as good to me. Also the 2060 has significant practical advantages. It does not get hot to the touch and does not need an amp stand. I wanted to avoid a tube amp -- looking at the array of glowing tubes in the ARC 610s just made me wince at the heat and the cost of retubing. I agree that sonically only mono amps are in the 2060's league (which is remarkable), but why buy 2 amps and use the floor space -- I much prefer the single chassis. I stand by my assessment. Others of course may reach different conclusions but that is what keeps it interesting.

PS The 2060 sounds extraordinary using the standard house AC but I am going to have a dedicated line installed which should make it even better.

[deepbluebda]

Matching my 801's into a new HT setup

I am a longtime B&W lover - and new to this thread - so much appreciative of all help. I own the following: B&W Matrix 801 Series 2, Jeff Rowland Model 1 Power Amp, Carver Sunfire True Sub, Adcom GFP-555 Pre-Amp.

Now I have a large room and HI-Def Samsung LCD TV - I would like to build this into a HT setup - without sacrificing the 2-channel enjoyment I so love. Here are my thoughts and questions - all input most appreciated...

I can get an Anthem AVM30 and matched PVA7 from a friend at a great deal. I was wondering if this would be sufficient to drive the 801's when only used in stereo?

Do I then sell the Jeff Rowland Model 1 - or try to Bi-amp with it?

Also - would I want to link in the Carver as the sub and/or get a new one?

Finally - which center and surrounds would I buy from B&W to match the system if creating a 5.1?

Many thanks in advance for your time and help.

[tyreman]

I am using a Yamaha RXV 1700 with my B&W's
Does a good decent job
I run in PLIIx music mode

[multiham]

Just Purchased 804DI's, 805 Di's and HTM 4D

First time poster here. Just purchased 804 DI's for front, HTM 4d' for center and 805 DI's for rear. I currently have a Pioneer SC-27 receiver. Please excuse my lack of knowledge on this subject. I would like to add an amp to my system and use the SC-27 also since it is only a year old. Do I want to look at a 2 channel amp and let the SC 27 drive the center and 2 rears or should I look at a 3 channel amp to drive fronts and center and only use the SC-27 for rears?

Based on reading this thread, I would like to demo the Classe and Mac. Which product of each line should I demo?

Appreciate the help!

[wettou]

First time poster here. Just purchased 804 DI's for front, HTM 4d' for center and 805 DI's for rear. I currently have a Pioneer SC-27 receiver. Please excuse my lack of knowledge on this subject. I would like to add an amp to my system and use the SC-27 also since it is only a year old. Do I want to look at a 2 channel amp and let the SC 27 drive the center and 2 rears or should I look at a 3 channel amp to drive fronts and center and only use the SC-27 for rears?

Based on reading this thread, I would like to demo the Classe and Mac. Which product of each line should I demo?

Appreciate the help!

CA-3200 will make your system sing or wait for the new CA-5300

[mrciave]

B&W 802D with GRYPHON DIABLO and ESOTERIC SA-50

Finally I completed my setup with the amplifier. A true beast of an amp, capable of huge power but also of musicality.

Plenty of current, bass control and transparency. Now I'm working on speakers placement, cables, spikes to turn a good setup into a great one.

From what I could experience, IMHO attention to details is what can make the difference between good and great setups.

My system is currently sounding good (ok, 100 times better than the entry level system I owned before), but there's still a lot of room for improvements...

[leonpjhb]

Ok, here goes:

I have a pair of 800D's. Currenly a Rotel RB1090 (380w/c) drives them. This was not the planned acquisition route, but I am quite happy with the result. The music is smooth and the bass is powerfull. The system really thrives at high-ish volume levels, where I don't spend much time.

As a short-term upgrade that is planned to last for 6 months to a year, I have to my disposal another RB1090 that I can get for a good price. My thinking is to use this Amp so that I have one RB1090 per 800D. The 1090's are quite scarce here in SA and I could easily sell them on afterwards when I upgrade to my next set of poweramps.

Ideas? Please? Will this give an upgrade or should I just leave it as is?

[aarsoe]

Don't think you will hear much of a difference - if any at all.

[metalalex]

Hi to everybody!
I have B&W 704 now. Amp - NAD C372, but I feel, that some improvement required Now I am looking for NAD S200, Meridian 557, Krell 250A. I am a fan of heavy metal and in future plan to step up for B&W 800 series.
What can you say regarding amplifiers, which I stated above?
Thanx

[wettou]

Hi to everybody!
I have B&W 704 now. Amp - NAD C372, but I feel, that some improvement required Now I am looking for NAD S200, Meridian 557, Krell 250A. I am a fan of heavy metal and in future plan to step up for B&W 800 series.
What can you say regarding amplifiers, which I stated above?
Thanx

Then go for CT-M600 :T

[watchthewaves]

Has anyone had good experiences with the use of high efficiency power amps, whether the digital ones (Class T or what have yous) or the Class Ds, to power the 800 series speakers?

I'm wondering what goes well with the N804 or the new 802Ds (you guys call it the 802D2 or 802Di on this board, is it?).

Thanks.

[TonioRoffo]

I'm using class D (Hypex UCD400) to drive N804's, but those aren't exactly the new 800 series... Only power I could get in this pricerange to get rid of the "lean sounding bass" on the N804. They positively sing on this. This tech is found in the CIaudio D.200's, but you could "roll your own"...

[watchthewaves]

Thanks TonioRoffo,

I was reading that the Hypex delivered clean bass. From this, I was expecting that bass might be lean. I was a bit worried because I could do with more bass as my listening levels tend to be a mite low.

But you seem to be happy with your bass. What were you using previously?

Is your Hypex in the form of the complete box from Hypex or you self-assembled? Are you using the transformer-based power supply or their newer switched-mode power supply?

Have you by any chance heard the N804s with the UcD700? Currently, the amp I'm using puts out 350W into 8 ohms and 500W into 4 ohms (limited by current rating of line fuse), which is close to the UcD700 specs. Wondering whether the extra juice would make a difference.

Thanks.

[TonioRoffo]

I came from Denon 4306 (=receiver) which isn't a too shabby amp itself, but I got really "boomy", loose bass from this. With the hypex everything is amazingly clean - in some cases you could see this as "less bass" because one might be used to hearing distorted bass, but in my case bass was more present and better defined - class D really has an iron grip on the speakers, especially UCD's which have no problem with difficult speakers. I read the reviews about N804 and the "anemic bass" - it's simply the amplification. Also the Hypex seem to have absolutely no compression no matter how loud I play the 804's (I don't have a very large room though) - Especially in your situation, low listening levels, the bass is already there with the UCD's.

I don't see the use in going with UCD700 for the N804 - I'm using (the slightly older) UCD400AD, which with a good power supply will cleanly deliver over 200 watts at 8 ohms, doubling to 400 into 4 ohms. I'm not sure about the right numbers, but into lower impedances still, the UCD400 can still deliver 200W at 2 ohms (due to current limiting) - still mighty impressive! *If* you would hit limiting, the modules do so for 40ms, then they cut out.

The reason I went with UCD400 over UCD180 is "to be sure" - the UCD400 has current limitation at 20 amps, the 180 at 10 amps. Believe me, it's plenty for the N804. (UCD700 would do 28 amps)

I really think that Hypex UCD is the cheapest way to go for lots of clean power, no matter which speaker you use.

My power supply is transformer based, a hypex softstart, a single 500VA with a single hypex HG power supply, into 2 modules, I assembled it myself, it's pretty straightforward, but you do need to watch out, dangerous high voltages all over the circuit.

As things are now, I would definitely go for a pair of UCD400HG's with an switched mode PS for each - this would be very easy to assemble, dual mono, and cheaper/lighter/easier to build than transformer based.

I never compared the sound of UCD400 to UCD700.

[urfi]

I have 802N's and I have used Integra 9.8, Marantz 8002, Bryston 1.7, Bryston 2.0 and currently Classe SSP800. Quite frankly Integra's and Marantz are ok for movies but no good for music. If your budget is 3k, I would highly recommend Bryston 2.0 and even 1.7. The only reason I moved to SSP800 was due to a really great deal and of course HDMI functionality. I have compared both Bryston and Classe side by side and I could not tell the difference. Going from Integra or Marantz to Bryston was day and night difference. Hope this helps.

[Oldtexasdog]

I have a pair of 805s sitting 12’ apart, and 3’ from the wall, facing a 18’ room, coupled with a Denon 2808CI that they are on a dedicated channel for music only, with the Denon supplying the drive for a matched pair of subs. I use an OppoSE for the transport. I have been very happy with this set up for over a year now. However the itch is startingJ. A client of mine offered a set of Mac30 amps for some work the other day, and I was wondering if this would be a good up-grade, using the Denon for the pre, and keeping the bass extension on the Denon for the subs? The Denon is supplying an 110w right now, so would this be a step down?

[urfi]

After doing a lot of research I narrowed down to Pass Labs X600.5, Classe CAM-400's and Spectran in mono configuration. Finally I placed order for Spectrons a couple of days back. I picked Spectrons for being greener compare to other choices and based on my research they all are good sources for B&W diamonds. I will let you know how they sound with my 802d2s.

[TYE]

Looking between these 2 receivers. Wanted thoughts on main differences between the 2 and how that may effect audio and video:
Anthem MRX500 or Marantz SR7005

Setup is as follows:
B&W 805Di fronts, HTM4Di center, XT-4 rears
JL Audio F110
Pioneer Elite Pro 151 Plasma TV
Sony PS3

[artv4]

Looking between these 2 receivers. Wanted thoughts on main differences between the 2 and how that may effect audio and video:
Anthem MRX500 or Marantz SR7005

Setup is as follows:
B&W 805Di fronts, HTM4Di center, XT-4 rears
JL Audio F110
Pioneer Elite Pro 151 Plasma TV
Sony PS3

im also looking to get the Anthem MRX500

[wettou]

After doing a lot of research I narrowed down to Pass Labs X600.5, Classe CAM-400's and Spectran in mono configuration. Finally I placed order for Spectrons a couple of days back. I picked Spectrons for being greener compare to other choices and based on my research they all are good sources for B&W diamonds. I will let you know how they sound with my 802d2s.

Nice, I am curious the read about your comparison, I have 802D and am looking to upgrade my amps.

Here are my prediction from best to worst

1. Pass Labs X600.5
2. Classe CAM-400
3. Spectron

[jpbas1]

McIntosh and B&W

I started with some from very humble (but great sounding) Rotel Integrated units driving my B&W 704's; 602S3's etc without issue; as my speakers have evolved so have my electronics. Later moving to Rotel separates... a McIntosh integrated... etc.

Each incremental speaker upgrade (805S and 804S') have led to upgrading my front end components. Currently, I am driving a pair of 805Di's with McIntosh separates (MC 252 and C45) accordingly. Love the set-up and no regrets whatsoever.

In about 72-hours- I am moving up to a pair of 802D's... I can only imagine what's going to change next....

Does it ever really end?

[wettou]

I started with some from very humble (but great sounding) Rotel Integrated units driving my B&W 704's; 602S3's etc without issue; as my speakers have evolved so have my electronics. Later moving to Rotel separates... a McIntosh integrated... etc.

Each incremental speaker upgrade (805S and 804S') have led to upgrading my front end components. Currently, I am driving a pair of 805Di's with McIntosh separates (MC 252 and C45) accordingly. Love the set-up and no regrets whatsoever.

In about 72-hours- I am moving up to a pair of 802D's... I can only imagine what's going to change next....

Does it ever really end?

Very nice, how deep is your wallet

[Pio]

In about 72-hours- I am moving up to a pair of 802D's... I can only imagine what's going to change next....

Does it ever really end?

Your going to love the 802D's, especially (if like me) you love bass! The combination of McIntosh power amps should sound sweet! 802's love current!

And, does it end? No - for me its like horsepower - you can never have too much

[jpbas1]

You guys are the best... It's why I love our hobby. It's nice to know... We're never alone.

[cat-like]

Hi guys,
have been looking at this forum for some time and decided to join the fun. i had a good start, i posted this on the wrong thread then had to delete it :B

I have B&W CM9s coupled with a Musical Fidelity M6i (200wpc) for 2 channel listening. I am very happy with the combination. The imaging is fool-proof, it seems no matter where or how I move the speakers, that centre image is anchored! If I was going to get picky, I would say that the soundstage also stays anchored between the speakers, but the delivery is very focused.

Just out of curiosity I was wondering if there was any other experience with amps for CM9s? I might have a play & audition something just to compare

[lawpoke87]

First time poster here. I need some advice on a choice of a processor. Current system:

803ds as the mains
HMT2D center
(will be adding some 805's for rears)
Mac 402 for mains
Mac 303 for center and rears

Listening fairly evenly split between HT and 2 channel. Looking for a processor that will enhance my current equipment....not limit it. Want good HT presentation as well as superb 2 channel sound. I realize there is always a tradeoff when you go for an "all in one" pre but budget and space are currently limiting my options.

Budget between $5-$10k. Less expensive for similar performance always desired. Also would like a CD/DVD player recommendation.

Thanks in advance.

Curt

[Hammie]

First time poster here. I need some advice on a choice of a processor. Current system:

803ds as the mains
HMT2D center
(will be adding some 805's for rears)
Mac 402 for mains
Mac 303 for center and rears

Listening fairly evenly split between HT and 2 channel. Looking for a processor that will enhance my current equipment....not limit it. Want good HT presentation as well as superb 2 channel sound. I realize there is always a tradeoff when you go for an "all in one" pre but budget and space are currently limiting my options.

Budget between $5-$10k. Less expensive for similar performance always desired. Also would like a CD/DVD player recommendation.

Thanks in advance.

Curt

Since you have MAC amps, maybe a MAC processor.

Anthem may be nice option. Their ARC is rated very high. They also have a lot of features not yet found in other higher end processors such as HD inputs, etc.

[lawpoke87]

Does anyone have any experience with the Mac mx136? I've heard it's good for 2 channel but lacks video options? Is it important to keep the processor and amps in the same family (Mac).

I've good things about the Anthem D2 on the HT end. How does it do with 2 channel?

[htsteve]

Does anyone have any experience with the Mac mx136? I've heard it's good for 2 channel but lacks video options? Is it important to keep the processor and amps in the same family (Mac).

I've good things about the Anthem D2 on the HT end. How does it do with 2 channel?

I have the smaller brother to the MX136, the MX-120. The MX-120 has the same processing and capability, but fewer inputs and is balanced across the front three channels only.

Both units are essentially a stereo pre-amp and a separate HT processor in one chassis. I moved from Rotel separates to my current Mac separates. All of the performance jumped. But especially the 2 channel performance. I find myself doing much more 2 channel listening than before. Having said that, HT performance is superb. Depth and soundstage are enormous. Quite clear and detailed, but also smooth.


As for video options, I am pleased with the video options. It scales well. Full HDMI output. All of the inputs are assignable. It's worked well for me. I have a BR player, XBOX 360 and a DirecTV HD box going through it. Is there a specific video issue you are concerned about?


I also believe in synergy for the electronics. That has worked best for me over the years.


Hope this helps.

[Skyblue]

Anyone tried Ayre MX-R with the 802 di or 800 di?

[lawpoke87]

HtSteve,

Thank you for the detailed reply. My concern is the picture quality coming out of the Mac processor since there is no HDMI out. I assume I would have to go with component or S from the 136 to my display. The current picture quality on my Sony Bravio LED is outstanding via HDMI. I also own a Pioneer Elite, Panny, and LG and none can come close to the Bravio's clarity. I don't want to sacrifice the picture with a lesser connection. Do you think there is a quantifiable difference between connections?

Also, what is everyone thoughts on the Sony ES5400 sacd player? I've heard some really good things about this $1200 player.

[htsteve]

HtSteve,

Thank you for the detailed reply. My concern is the picture quality coming out of the Mac processor since there is no HDMI out. I assume I would have to go with component or S from the 136 to my display. The current picture quality on my Sony Bravio LED is outstanding via HDMI. I also own a Pioneer Elite, Panny, and LG and none can come close to the Bravio's clarity. I don't want to sacrifice the picture with a lesser connection. Do you think there is a quantifiable difference between connections?

Also, what is everyone thoughts on the Sony ES5400 sacd player? I've heard some really good things about this $1200 player.

The MX-136 definitely has HDMI capability. I has 4 inputs and one output. Up to 1080p. It's a very good picture. So that should not be an issue for you. See attached link, upper left corner.

http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/1078.asp?action=imagePopup&imageId=pd_t_img2

Also, if you do not need all of the inputs, or the balanced connections for all 7 channels, you might consider the MX-120. Save a few bucks. Maybe get that Sony SACD player........

Hope this helps.


PS Welcome to the forum!

[Chucka]

Is anyone out there powering their B&W 804 Diamonds (L&R) and HTM4 Diamonds (center) with the new Anthem MRX 700? I heard this combo in a dealers showroom and it sounded wonderful (and with no EQ), but I am concerned if this receiver has enough power for a Condo (not able to run very loud) install.

Chucka

[wettou]

Is anyone out there powering their B&W 804 Diamonds (L&R) and HTM4 Diamonds (center) with the new Anthem MRX 700? I heard this combo in a dealers showroom and it sounded wonderful (and with no EQ), but I am concerned if this receiver has enough power for a Condo (not able to run very loud) install.

Chucka

My dealer uses it for 802 Diamonds and loves it. I think about Pass labs would be cool if it was not so expensive

[patrick64]

Recently I've purchased B&W 683's to replace my old fronts. My centre is a CC6 s2, surrounds are the DM601 S2 and sub is the ASW 500.
The receiver to power this set-up is a Denon 2311 but I think it's just not powerfull enough for the 683 speakers.
Can the 2311 handle the 683's in your opinion or is it better to have more power?
I was thinking of adding a power amp to the 2311, for example a Rotel RB-1050 or 1070.My 2311 is a European model with pre-outs, I know the US version doesn't have pre-outs.
An other option is a more powerfull receiver. Could a Pioneer sc-lx72 (SC-25 in the US I think) do the job with the 683 ?
I hope you guys at HTguide can help me with some advise.

[htsteve]

patrick64,

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


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.


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.



Hope this helps.