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

[stuofsci02]

stuofsci02 have a very good point, the preamp is a better option for improvement your sound, with the amp you will get different sound (thats no mean better) but with a good preamp or SSP you will note a better presentation of your music. personally I'm saving to get my new preamp.

Did you figure out what you want yet? CP800?

[leo2498]

Did you figure out what you want yet? CP800?

yes, I've always wanted the classe but my local dealer are put very dificult to me this because he want to sell this 25% above the retail price(in usa) and if this is not enough I will need to wait two o three months to get it so I decided travel and get this but only when I can pay for the combo(pre+amp).

[mpauline]

Okay so suggestions on pre/pro for movies but that has excellent performance with audio (music)? I will then try and audition them although I might have to buy without an audition. I heard that the Cary Cinema 11 is excellent?

[Oddiophile]

How about the Bryston SP-3? The SP-3 has had tremendous reviews e.g. by Kal Robinson in Stereophile (go to the Bryston website for a list of reviews).

I don't know whether you can afford $9,500.00 and it doesn't have room correction or EQ but it sure looks like it would be a great unit. You could probably audition it at Audio Ark in Edmonton.

Jim

[mjb]

For that kinda money, you can look at Classé....

[mpauline]

I think I would probably go with the preamp/SSP/receiver as well especially if you feel your current one is lacking features you want to have. That alone makes it worthwhile and that would be in addition to better audible performance.

Does anyone think the Marantz 7005 is a good pre/pro?

[BVLDARI]

So, I currently have 802D2 and am about to get the HTM2D. I am powering them with Marantz MA700 mono blocks but am starting to think about upgrading amps.

I like the idea behind the MC303 but am not sure if that will have enough juice for the 802s. I’d love MC601s but that will be out of my price range for a while. The only other Mac option I think is the MC452. Please give me your opinions on the various McIntosh options.

I am also thinking about Parasound A31.

And finally, maybe one of the Emotiva monos.

Your opinions are appreciated.

[leo2498]

So, I currently have 802D2 and am about to get the HTM2D. I am powering them with Marantz MA700 mono blocks but am starting to think about upgrading amps.

I like the idea behind the MC303 but am not sure if that will have enough juice for the 802s. I’d love MC601s but that will be out of my price range for a while. The only other Mac option I think is the MC452. Please give me your opinions on the various McIntosh options.

I am also thinking about Parasound A31.

And finally, maybe one of the Emotiva monos.

Your opinions are appreciated.

Hi what about the classe CA-5300 is under your budget like mc303 and it will be a good match for the 802Di.

[BVLDARI]

Hi what about the classe CA-5300 is under your budget like mc303 and it will be a good match for the 802Di.

Thanks for the response.

But I should probably clarify - my budget will be more like the A31 pricing. So what I need to answer to myself is if it will be worth it to wait and "save up" for any of the macs or classe or what not, and if yes, then which one... or if the A31 or one of the emotivas will be “good enough”.

[Freddie40]

Thanks for the response.

But I should probably clarify - my budget will be more like the A31 pricing. So what I need to answer to myself is if it will be worth it to wait and "save up" for any of the macs or classe or what not, and if yes, then which one... or if the A31 or one of the emotivas will be “good enough”.

Wait, don't buy a band-aid and get in that cycle. Wait until you can afford.

Dave

[mjb]

I like the idea behind the MC303 but am not sure if that will have enough juice for the 802s. Please give me your opinions on the various McIntosh options.

The McIntosh sound is generally warmer than Classé, which coupled with their retro styling, makes deciding between them a personal thing. I went with Classé, but either is an exceptional match for B&W speakers and IMO 300 watts is enough for 802s. I would try to listen to both (if possible) before finally deciding.

The MC303 is a good choice because you can use it now to drive the front stage: left/right/center, and have the option of perhaps adding a dedicated 2 channel Amp later for the front pair, and re-employing the 3 channel amp for the center and surrounds - if you want to upgrade to a 5.1 system in the future. Its a pity that Classé dropped their 3 channel offering.

[Rod#S]

So, I currently have 802D2 and am about to get the HTM2D. I am powering them with Marantz MA700 mono blocks but am starting to think about upgrading amps.

I like the idea behind the MC303 but am not sure if that will have enough juice for the 802s. I’d love MC601s but that will be out of my price range for a while. The only other Mac option I think is the MC452. Please give me your opinions on the various McIntosh options.

I am also thinking about Parasound A31.

And finally, maybe one of the Emotiva monos.

Your opinions are appreciated.

Seeing as the MC303 is in the running then I'll throw Bryston into the mix, the 6B-SST² is right there with the MC303 in terms of power. I'm not sure if Krell or Mark levinson do anything for you but their 3 channel offerings are the Evolution 403e and No533H.

For what's it worth I power my 802's with a Bryston 4B-SST, which is the same power as the MC303/6B-SST²/No533H and I feel the 4B has more than enough power in my room.

[BVLDARI]

Wait, don't buy a band-aid and get in that cycle. Wait until you can afford.

Dave

I can see how someone would call the emotiva a "band aid"... but I hardly think the Parasound A31 qualifies for that expression... Or am I missing something?

[BVLDARI]

I know one guy on another forum that uses this one and likes it: http://www.ati-amp.com/AT3000.php Any one else have an opinion on this particular amp?

Thanks everyone for responding.

[leo2498]

Thanks for the response.

But I should probably clarify - my budget will be more like the A31 pricing. So what I need to answer to myself is if it will be worth it to wait and "save up" for any of the macs or classe or what not, and if yes, then which one... or if the A31 or one of the emotivas will be “good enough”.

Well that is a very difficult questions to answered because you are the only one who can answer that, I'm in the same boat like you and the past weekend I auditioned the parasound Halo A21 vs MC302 if you asking me how was it, I tell you that is not a huge difference like the price gaps is so it will be falling in your desires. I just bought the CP800 before auditioned of the parasound (P7+A21 with Blade Kef speakers) and I'm think that sound was better instead the B&W 803D with MC302+C2300+MCD500. both auditions had good speakers and different gears but the less expensive gear with the expensive speaker will give me a better sound.

I decided wait to see the CP800 performance and tested it for few month before I buy a new amp (I'm thinking in classe CA2300 or CA5300 but now I have my doubt), the parasound dealer have the A31 in stock and he could give me a good price.

BTW the parasound AMP is a big monster and with this you will get a cooking iron.

[BVLDARI]

^^^^^
Thanks for your feedback. The amps thing is something I really struggle with. Because realistically, I can get an A31 and a pair of 804 diamonds for the price of an MC303...

[leo2498]

^^^^^
Thanks for your feedback. The amps thing is something I really struggle with. Because realistically, I can get an A31 and a pair of 804 diamonds for the price of an MC303...

BTW the parasound is available in black too if you don't know.

[Rod#S]

I can see how someone would call the emotiva a "band aid"... but I hardly think the Parasound A31 qualifies for that expression... Or am I missing something?

I definitely wouldn't consider a Parasound product a bandaid. I believe Kal has used it on his 800 Diamonds at one point.

[leo2498]

I definitely wouldn't consider a Parasound product a bandaid. I believe Kal has used it on his 800 Diamonds at one point.

yes he reviewed this amp http://www.stereophile.com/content/m...n-the-round-56

[BVLDARI]

thanks for posting this. I knew he reviewed it but for the life of me could not locate the article.

[BVLDARI]

What do you guys think, how important is it to have the front three channels amplification identical? Cuz for about the same price as an MC303 I can have a MC452 and an A31 (the latter driving the center and two surrounds).

[leo2498]

What do you guys think, how important is it to have the front three channels amplification identical? Cuz for about the same price as an MC303 I can have a MC452 and an A31 (the latter driving the center and two surrounds).

I was asked the same question but the generally answer was from many people that a stereo amp is better option that a multichannel amp to music reproduction because you will need to share the power stage with less channels and you could get more improvement, but for HT I think is the same thing. if you are a stereo type like me, the option to wait and save for the best stereo amp you can afford is a good idea.

[Rod#S]

What do you guys think, how important is it to have the front three channels amplification identical? Cuz for about the same price as an MC303 I can have a MC452 and an A31 (the latter driving the center and two surrounds).

I think it's important (certainly not critical) that the amps are from the same manufacturer and have the same gain specs, etc. however there is no need for them to be identical in power. If the amps are from different manufacturers but of similar tonality as it were you should be fine. I did that for a number of years, I had a Bryston 4B-SST mated with an Anthem MCA-50 and that combination sounded great together.
Most people can not afford the luxury of having three identical fronts due to room layout etc. and in those cases the same amp would be critical however once you add a dedicated center which isn't as capable as the mains I see no need to try and make the center the same. For example I have 802 Diamonds and the HTM2 Diamond powered by Bryston amps, all of which are the same wattage, over 300 watts. If I were to upgrade the amps to 7B's I would only do it for the 802's. My 6B actually powers my center and surrounds rather than the front 3 only because I'm not listening in surround all of the time so it's good to have the option of simply turning off the 6B when it's not needed. Definitely nothing wrong with a multichannel amp of respectable wattage powering the front three though.

[madmac]

Just my two cents.......I think sonically..... amps are much more neutral sound wise than in the past. Where you can run into trouble is in the power delivery of different amps. Some amps deliver more amperage and 'pop' than others so you could run into trouble there. My main goal would be to get good speakers across the board......all the same from the same Mfr with the same drivers for a 5.1 or 7.1 system.

[BVLDARI]

(front stage) I currently have 802D2s and a Monitor Audio Silver center. Each is powered by a Marantz MA700 mono block. Here’s a curveball question for you guys: do I upgrade the amps for the 802s to say a mc452 or do I get an HTM2 center and hold on to my current amps. It will likely be a year before I can do another upgrade. The system is used 50/50 music/movies.

[Rod#S]

Personally I would get the center. The 200 watts from your MA700's are probably giving you adequate power unless you can see/hear them clip when playing loud. Sure more power is always nice as it gives better head room but I think getting a better timbre match across the front wil be better. Now if your MA700's are clipping, get rid of them quickly because an amp that is clipping can damage your speakers.

[leo2498]

hi guys, I have been looking the new marantz AV8801 for content five channel and I wondering if anyone had blending this with 800 series speakers? how can you compare this pre with something high end like SSP800 or SP3 in audio performance? with this pre will be have good blend with a amplifier like parasound or classe, five channel versions?
thanks for your inputs.

[BVLDARI]

Personally I would get the center. The 200 watts from your MA700's are probably giving you adequate power unless you can see/hear them clip when playing loud. Sure more power is always nice as it gives better head room but I think getting a better timbre match across the front wil be better. Now if your MA700's are clipping, get rid of them quickly because an amp that is clipping can damage your speakers.

I don't think I am getting into clipping until well over 100db (if at all). I think they sound good well into what I would consider very loud "reasonable" listening volume. I also think that I am going to get a lot more out of a center channel upgrade than from just getting more power. I suppose I can experiment and bridge my MA500s and see if it sounds any better. But I've never been a fan of bridging monos for some reason...

[eyalp]

About to get new 804 diamond this week (replace 704). Have MF M6i integrated . Will it be a step up or some advantage to use the balanced input instead of RCA?

[leo2498]

About to get new 804 diamond this week (replace 704). Have MF M6i integrated . Will it be a step up or some advantage to use the balanced input instead of RCA?

If your cables are very long(20ft or more) , yes It will be a plus but with short distance I think that is the same result.

[mjb]

Will it be a step up or some advantage to use the balanced input instead of RCA?

I would say YES. I always try to use XLR's (balanced cables) given the chance, although it does help if the circuit design is truly balanced, and not just pretending. You don't have to start out with anything too exotic, a cheap(ish) microphone cable from a music store is a good starting point to experiment.

[eyalp]

I would say YES. I always try to use XLR's (balanced cables) given the chance, although it does help if the circuit design is truly balanced, and not just pretending. You don't have to start out with anything too exotic, a cheap(ish) microphone cable from a music store is a good starting point to experiment.

Thanks leo&mjb. Both my cdp & dac have xlr's options. Think I'll try the dac first.

[Pedro]

From my stereo exprrience cant go wring with krell+audio research combo. Amazing perfirmance!

[Marco Lisi]

Hi guys

I think it all adds to the immersive experience...

Using X-time the same speaker, amplifier, cables, power, ... in your setup.
Words as coherence...homogeneous come to mind.

Kind regards

[emig5m]

I just recently picked up a Denon X4000 with no intentions of keeping it just to try out Audyssey XT32 and OMG WOW best sounding piece of audio gear I've ever owned! I can't believe how smooth and clear my system sounds with XT32! I didn't think it would be much if any noticeable difference over Audyssey XT because XT is only one step down from XT32, but to my amazement it was a dramatic upgrade in sound quality! My system now sounds with both music and movie better than any system I've ever heard before and that includes IMAX and Cinemark XD theaters and also stereo systems consisting of Classe/krell/B&W 802D/Velodyne DD15 (that didn't use room correction but was painstakingly setup non-the-less)... I was never 100% happy with musical performance of my Denon 3311 and at some times felt my older and cheaper Yamaha 663 performed better for music although the Denon was a clear step above for movie/theater. I always thought...is it or is it not possible to just get a damned pre/pro that can do both movie and music justice equally?? The new Denon X4000 with XT32 completely blows everything out of the water I previously owned or heard before. Music, movies, doesn't matter... Also being a headphonephile I also use headphones as my reference for detail and clarity since it's so hard to duplicate headphone level of detail and clarity out of a loudspeaker system so I have many fine references points to compare to. I'm so happy with it... FINALLY I can say that all the components in my system augment each other on equal grounds...

[PewterTA]

I am not sure how well they would power something like 802Ds (note I might be finding out at some point here)... but I have to say that for the price, Odyssey Audio might make an amazing amp to pair with a set of B&Ws. I've heard the bottom line (Khartago Plus & Extreme) and I have to say, except for a little bit of the powerful "umph" that was missing... the amps are AMAZING. I really would like to see what the Stratos or Kismets can do with my 802Diamonds... Those amps are one of the quickest amps I've heard to date. They sounded exactly like my Rotel RB-1090 that I'm using now which I've modified... and for the price. Yeah. I'm considering looking at the Kismets over a set of Classe CA-M600s..... I'll have to talk to Klaus about what his amps would be able to do just to make sure I get enough power...but for the price, it might be one of those hidden gems you find.

Anyone with B&Ws, I would recommend talking to Klaus and auditioning an Amp. I think you'll be very very surprised and what a lowly little bit of power these claim to output...but yet how absolutely powerful they are!

[Javier M.]

[IMG][/IMG]

I use McIntosh for my Bowers.
MC601 and MC303.

[mglimabr]

Last year i brought home 3 Mcintosh amps to choose for my 805D. It was mc275 (first choice int he store), mc302 and mc452. Intended to use for stereo high end audio i pick up the mc275, far better audio and tube sounds.. But if you need piwer i think mc452 is a great choice.. The mc303 i never heard, but based on 302 i dont think its a great idea..
I love mcintosh brand but classe is also a great option for consider using with 802D.

So, I currently have 802D2 and am about to get the HTM2D. I am powering them with Marantz MA700 mono blocks but am starting to think about upgrading amps.

I like the idea behind the MC303 but am not sure if that will have enough juice for the 802s. I’d love MC601s but that will be out of my price range for a while. The only other Mac option I think is the MC452. Please give me your opinions on the various McIntosh options.

I am also thinking about Parasound A31.

And finally, maybe one of the Emotiva monos.

Your opinions are appreciated.

[bhu]

Hi

My speakers are 803 diamond, HTM2 with M1 surrounds. I am currently using Denon X4000 with 3x Bel canto ref 1000 MKii monos for the LCR speakers.

I am now planning to replace the Denon as I think that it is not able to accurately reproduce the details which the speakers are capable of. I do understand that if I go the pre-pro way, I would also need to buy amps for my surrounds.

Could I get any suggestions on a processor + amps for surrounds. My budget is less that $5000 for new electronics

And my usage is 50:50 HT:music.

Thanks

[Audio_ElF]

And my usage is 50:50 HT:music.

When you say 50:50 HT and music - is that stereo or multi-channel music? Also what is your music source?

If primarily stereo; you might want to consider keeping the Denon for movies, and adding a 2channel pre-amp with HT bypass for the music duties. This will probably be better sounding for the money than replacing the Denon.

You will probably want to try anything new with the Bel Canto 1000 Monos before selling those and replacing them also.

No idea of its cost in USD ... but try the Primare SP33 for a processor which does well with music.

[TomScrut]

When you say 50:50 HT and music - is that stereo or multi-channel music? Also what is your music source?

If primarily stereo; you might want to consider keeping the Denon for movies, and adding a 2channel pre-amp with HT bypass for the music duties. This will probably be better sounding for the money than replacing the Denon.

You will probably want to try anything new with the Bel Canto 1000 Monos before selling those and replacing them also.

No idea of its cost in USD ... but try the Primare SP33 for a processor which does well with music.

I agree, 2ch pre depending on the source. Either way the AVR won't be doing them justice with music

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

[mjb]

Could I get any suggestions on a processor + amps for surrounds. My budget is less that $5000 for new electronics

Mr bhu, this is the holy grail - a processor/pre that is equally excellent for both HT and 2 channel. I would suggest looking at Rotel or Classé processors.

[bhu]

Thanks guys. My plan is to keep Bel Cantos, get a good HT processor for now and buy some reasonable amp for my surround processors. Thinking about the new Marantz 8802 when it comes.

I do like Classe a lot. Unfortunately they are expensive for my budget.

Between Rotel and Marantz, I am just leaning towards the latest technology

[TomScrut]

Thanks guys. My plan is to keep Bel Cantos, get a good HT processor for now and buy some reasonable amp for my surround processors. Thinking about the new Marantz 8802 when it comes.

I do like Classe a lot. Unfortunately they are expensive for my budget.

Between Rotel and Marantz, I am just leaning towards the latest technology

IMO you are FAR better off with a decent stereo pre amp if you listen to music and then not get as expensive a HT processor. For the price of the 8802 you could get something like a second hand Classe CP500 and a 7702. I used to have a 8801 doing exactly what you want to do, try and get the best of both worlds, and it wasn't anywhere near the mark as an analogue pre amp or dac for music. I sold it, bought a used Onkyo 818 and bought a Classe CP800, and I am a lot happier for it. I am thinking about a 7702 as I don't like the lack of balanced connections (I have a ground loop that is playing hard to beat) but that won't be until the new year. At the time I only had the 803Ss, and the difference was big going to a dedicated stereo pre, so you would get better results still with Diamonds. I would never dream of using a marantz pre pro for 2ch music unless this generation is a hell of a lot better at it than the last

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

[donkimizer]

Hey guys, first time poster here.
I owned a pair of B&W 683 for about a year and a half now, together with Boston Acoustics M subwoofer and Denon 1713 AVR (80 watt per channel). Recently I also bought pair of 685 S2 for surround + HTM61 S2 center speaker.
As you may notice, reciever needs to be replaced badly, but I am pretty much clueless about what to get. It seems in movies I need to crank up volume quite loud for decent experience, which I believe sometimes causes clipping (especially if audio in shows is crappy) I am both movie and music fan, so I would prefer best of both worlds. I probably won't ever upgrade to higher then 5.1, but eventually I will get 4K TV once content gets widely appreciated.

My first issue is, if i get like 200 watt reciever, which would do 683s a favor, will that burn my center and surround speakers (which have 150 and 100 watts max recommended)?
Which avr would you recommend?
I have seen few posts in thread with separate stereo and surround amplifications. Are those each for movies and music respectably or stereo amp (preamp) is also used to give extra power to main speakers during movies?

Price is not an issue (at least for avr)

Thank you