Power for 802 Diamonds

[cyisone01]

What size amplifier do I really need. I am going to use the speakers with for two channel and 7.1. I have looked at the MC8207 which is 200 watts per channel and many feel I would get improved sound with the MC452 &MC205. For the extra money will I hear a big difference and if so in what way?

[quan325i]

I would go for a pair of Krell FPB monos.

[sgtjim57]

http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/amplifiers/products/xpr1

Here's a beast for you at a song.

[miner]

MC452 is a great amp that runs cool. In you case current trumps watts.

[stuofsci02]

Power is overrated.. It is stability you want..

I am powering 801D's with a 130wpc into 8 ohm amp. But my amp is 210 wpc into 2 ohm..

Usually people feel they need more power but really it is to compensate for an amp that struggles with the speaker load.

[Greg Gale]

What size amplifier do I really need. I am going to use the speakers with for two channel and 7.1. I have looked at the MC8207 which is 200 watts per channel and many feel I would get improved sound with the MC452 &MC205. For the extra money will I hear a big difference and if so in what way?

I had a Classe CA2200 which is rated at 200 Watts per channel which will double down into 4 ohms. The impedence of the 802 Diamonds is quite demanding in the low bass dipping below 3 ohms so they can really use an amp that is very stable into 4 ohms. I upgraded to the Classe CA2300 which is rated at 300 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 600 into 4 and the difference was quite substantial especially in bass dynamics. I like to crank up my system from time to time and have a large room 23X22 with 18 foot ceilings so having this type of extra power did make a difference.

[dan87951]

Nice choice with the McIntosh amplifiers. IMO B&W gear sounds really good when paired with McIntosh equipment. The MC452 is a fantastic amplifier and has plenty of head room for a set of 802 Diamonds. If you feel the need for more power you can always add a second MC452 and bridge them as mono blocks. The best part is McIntosh still takes pride in what they build unlike a lot of other manufactures out there (Classe).

[cyisone01]

If I go with the MC452 for the fronts - does anyone see a problem with using a 5 channel amp with the remaining 5 speakers? In this case the MC205? Or for that matter can I go with something less expensive for the remaining 5?

[dan87951]

Not at all. A MC205 should fit the bill nicely.

[cyisone01]

So no issues with different power outputs to the fronts and center and rears?

[BVLDARI]

I have old Marantz MA700 powering my 802D2. I did an experiment the other day – played as loud as I could stand it and I think they had some room left on them. Now with that said, I was at my dealer for a demo night where they have the 600W per channel Classe running a pair of 800D2. In their “treated” room they only got up to about 100db before the amps clipped. So I think a lot of it depends on your room.

I am also looking into amplifiers. I like the idea behind the xpa1 and can’t seem to find anything negative about the emotive XPA1. The only negative comment I’ve heard is from my dealer who says they are not “musical” at all and that I am better off with my Marantz amps vs. going to the XPA1. Another one I am eyeing is the MC303 but can’t figure out why the price is more per channel than the MC302.

At any rate, I would say, unless you have a super dead room, 250W is probably more than enough to drive these speakers to any “reasonable” level. But please note that I am not sure what the effects of “headroom” really are…

[cyisone01]

I agree with what you are saying. I currently have rotel amps powering my 7.1 system. While they are good amps I feel I could get more out of amps better suited for my upgrade to 802 diamonds. I don't want to make the call on a lower powered amp and hate myself. So far I have only heard the MC8207 with the 802 diamonds. They sounded great but many are saying with a larger amp it will sound more dynamic and have tighter, cleaner and more realistic bass

[PewterTA]

I have a 200w Rotel RB-1080 that I put on the speakers just to test it out over my Rotel RB-1090 384w and the only difference was the in the Bass, which is due to the amplifier anyway (which I've heard on every speaker I've hooked both up to)...

Your current amplifier will drive the speakers pretty darn well, so I'd say no worries unless you want to upgrade! hee hee

Which Rotel Amps do you have??? I can make them a lot better. hee hee, if you live anywhere near Pittsburgh, PA I can hook you up. If not, a little soldering is all you need to do to make them sound like a much better amp.

[cyisone01]

Mine are class D amps so I am not sure if you can do much with them.

[Antus]

I have a 200w Rotel RB-1080 that I put on the speakers just to test it out over my Rotel RB-1090 384w and the only difference was the in the Bass, which is due to the amplifier anyway (which I've heard on every speaker I've hooked both up to)...

Your current amplifier will drive the speakers pretty darn well, so I'd say no worries unless you want to upgrade! hee hee

Which Rotel Amps do you have??? I can make them a lot better. hee hee, if you live anywhere near Pittsburgh, PA I can hook you up. If not, a little soldering is all you need to do to make them sound like a much better amp.

I am interested in how to make the rotel sounds better. the model i am thinking is 1582.