803S and MC205

[cneal007]

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.

[Horacio]

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

[stuofsci02]

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?

[htsteve]

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.

[scanido]

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.