I've spent years building an amp collection for my home system and just had an epiphany. If I get a MC205 my 4 boxes turn into 1 box. My wife it happier therefore I am happier. I want to believe that 200W per channel is more than enough to power the 803S fronts, 805S surrounds, and a Monitor Audio Platinum center. The B&W 803S got put in the box in the basement because it was too big for the audio stand and my wife could no longer tolerate it's appearance. I think price wise, this is probably the best bang for the buck I will get in the McIntosh range for my application. Right now I am using 4 Audio Research amps (3 monoblocks and a 2 channel) and they are plenty smooth but seem a little anemic for home theater. I am going to move the 2 channel to my daughter's room for music and the three mono blocks to do a 3 channel tv set up (L C R) in my bedroom.
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cneal,
Yes, the 205 will be enough to drive the 803S, and will be a very nice combo sound-wise. Congrats on your purchase! I love McIntosh + B&W :T
I have not heard the MC205 with the 803S, though, but have heard the MC252 (2x250W) and it was very good. Nevertheless I opted for the MC275 for my 804S, but that was only because of personal taste, as the 252 was wonderful too.
I'm not clear if you listen to stereo a lot, but if you do you might want to consider a separate 252 for the 803S, so a 205 + a 252. I know it's a lot more money...but hey, it's YOUR money!!!! :B
Please do get those 803S out of the box and enjoy your setup!!!
Horacio -
Yes I agree.. 200W of will be no problem.
I think it is your HTM3S that is in the basement box?
Does it happen to be Rosenut?Main System:
B&W 801D
Emotiva USP-1 Pre-Amp
Chord SPM-650 Stereo Amp
Oppo BDP-105
Squeezebox Touch
Second System:
B&W CM7
Emotiva UMC-1
Emotiva UPA-2
Oppo BDP-83SE
Grant Fidelity DAC-09
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cneal007,
The MC205 will have no issue driving your speakers. I got an an MC205 to drive 802D's, HTM2D and N804's. It worked very well. Mac's and B&W are a very nice combo.
I also agree it maybe the best bang for the buck in the Mac amp lineup.
Hope this helps.Comment
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I have that exact combo and have been enjoying it for the past few years. No regrets on the amp and believe me when i say that it is very capable at handling those speakers at reference volume! My room is 19 x 16 open to an adjacent kitchen and that amp sounds wonderful. I can only imagine for now how better it would be with a better Pre. Currently i am still using a Rotel Receiver.Comment
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Fellow members,
I recently got a pr of 803S's which I've been using in my growing 5.1 system with an Arcam AVR-300. I've been pleased with the setup thus far, albeit with the realization that at some point, I would need to kick it up a notch in terms of power to make the 803's really... -
I have decided to upgrade the amplifier for my B&W 803S mains and am going with McIntosh because I like the big meters. I have been debating between the MC252 and MC402. The 252 will provide the full rated powers listed for the speakers. The only advantage I saw with the 402 was it is a fully... -
A few weeks ago, I asked your advice on compatibility of the B&W 803S with the Arcam AVR-300.... Well, I received the 803S (rosenut) just a few days ago, and got 'em set up and running this weekend. What I have is a Pioneer Elite Pro 920 HD Plasma TV, Arcam AVR-300, B&W 803S and B&W HTM-4S...
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I just bought a new house and am planning the home theater system. My current home theater is about 5 years old now, so I'm looking to get new everything.
For the speakers, initially I was decided on 2 B&W 803S for the front channels, the HTM3S for center, either the SCMS or DS8S... -
I know, I know - B&W/Classe is a "classic" pairing from the same audio group. But in spite of a comfortable budget I have to keep my costs in mind.
I'm replacing 3 x Musical Fidelity XP-200s (LCR, 200w each bridged) and a Rotel 1562 (100wpc). I have 2 x B&W 803s,...
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