What to power my diamonds with

Collapse
This topic is closed.
X
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • cyisone01
    Member
    • Feb 2012
    • 50

    What to power my diamonds with

    I am still braking in my 802 Diamonds but am currently using a rotel class d amp. I am wondering what difference I would hear with something like the Mcintosh 452 or classe amps. If you have any suggestions please feel free to let me know!
  • leo2498
    Senior Member
    • Feb 2012
    • 370

    #2
    I can't tell nothing about the 402 but I have compared the MC252, MC302 and my rotel RB1582 with the 802 in my dealer room, all brand have different sound but this not mean better, I preffer my rotel amp instead the mcintosh sound because to my ears the bass is more boomy in the rotel and the mc is very laid back. I have compared the class D and class AB of rotel too and in this amp the sound is very different, I never knew what is a harsh amp until when I compared this two side by side, the class D is very clinical and harsh at least the rotel amp(it's not my kind of amp). so the real answer is go for audition for yourself and let your ears tell you what is missing.
    Last edited by leo2498; 29 May 2013, 13:00 Wednesday.
    Leo,
    Saludos
    My HT: B&W 804D fronts, HTM4D center, 805D rears, Classe CA-2300 Main amp, Preamp Stereo CLASSE CP800, Preamp Multi Marantz AV8801, Parasound A31 center and Surround Amp, Source Oppo BDP-95 screen Samsung 55" UE55d8000 SVS SB12-NSD

    Stereo: B&W 804S fronts, Pre: Denon AVR-2809 Amp: Rotel 1582, Source Marantz CD5004.

    Comment

    • Antioch
      Junior Member
      • Feb 2013
      • 22

      #3
      You may want to add Bryston and Ayre to the list of possibilities. The 802's like current so keep that in mind. I found the pre-amp made a significant difference in the nuances with my 803 Diamonds. The same was true for the 803S & 802N's I auditioned. You may want to break them in for a bit before auditioning new gear.

      Good listening

      Comment

      • cyisone01
        Member
        • Feb 2012
        • 50

        #4
        Great point! What are most of you using as a break in period?

        Comment

        • Antioch
          Junior Member
          • Feb 2013
          • 22

          #5
          It's been awhile but I want to say I noticed a significant difference after maybe 24 to 36 hours. I was running them about 8 or 10 hours a day but not all that loud. The changes were more subtle after that for maybe 100 to 200 hours. The biggest differences I noticed were bass response and the tweeter mellowed.

          Comment

          • cyisone01
            Member
            • Feb 2012
            • 50

            #6
            I have noticed they are very sensitive to room positions. I have had them for a week or two and tonight I messed around moving them around ever so slightly. It made a huge difference even with my class d amp.

            Comment

            • peter clarke
              Member
              • Oct 2006
              • 53

              #7
              Parasound JC-1 monoblocks, power & control!!!

              Comment

              • Rod#S
                Senior Member
                • Oct 2010
                • 474

                #8
                Originally posted by cyisone01
                I am still braking in my 802 Diamonds but am currently using a rotel class d amp. I am wondering what difference I would hear with something like the Mcintosh 452 or classe amps. If you have any suggestions please feel free to let me know!
                McIntosh and Classe are both very popular in pairing with B&W and the 452 is one of the most powerful 2 channel amps out there at 450 watts with the Mark Levinson No532 and Krell 402e right there with it both at 400 watts. If you are only looking for a stereo amp with lots of power and not mono blocks then another stereo amp to look at is the Bryston 14B-SST Squared. It's even more powerful then the McIntosh at 600 watts. As you can see from my signature I am a Bryston user with 2 4B-SST's bi-amped for my 800's and a 6B-SST powering my HTM2 and 802's.
                B&W 800 Diamonds (L/R), HTM2 Diamond (C), 802 Diamonds (SL/SR), Paradigm Signature Sub 25 (LFE), Reference Servo 15a x 2 (Stereo subs), Lexicon MC-12Bv5EQ SSP, Bryston 28B-SST2x 2, 7B-SST2x2, 4B-SST C Series, BDP-2, Oppo UDP-205, Pioneer Elite Kuro PRO-150FD, Furman SPR-20i, IT-Reference, Eastlink Maestro PVR, Xbox One & 360, PS3, Siltech Golden Ridge II, Ruby Hill IIx2, 330ix2, Kimber Kable PK10 Gold, Tonic, PBJ, Cadence, HD19e, HD19, OPT-1, HDSW 4x1, Ixos 6003, Harmony 1000

                Comment

                • PewterTA
                  Moderator
                  • Nov 2004
                  • 2901

                  #9
                  Once I become rich... I want 4 CA-M600's for my 802Dis.... hee hee. Is it needed.... of course not.... would I want it... you bet! ha ha.
                  Digital Audio makes me Happy.
                  -Dan

                  Comment

                  • Pio
                    Senior Member
                    • Nov 2005
                    • 169

                    #10
                    Originally posted by peter clarke
                    Parasound JC-1 monoblocks, power & control!!!
                    +1 on the JC1s. They are current monsters which is what our B&Ws crave. And, you get 1,100 + watts into 4 ohms!!

                    Sidebar 3: Measurements Before I performed any measurements, I ran the big Parasound Halo at one-third power into 8 ohms for an hour, after which the heatsinks were way too hot to touch. I had one mishap: Before I measure anything, I experiment with the grounding between the amplifier under test, the AC supply, and the Audio Precision System One test setup, in order to reduce power-supply spuriae to their lowest level. With balanced drive, there were no problems.
                    Stereo: Revel F208, Parasound JC2, JC1's, Oppo HA-1, VPI, Dynavector, Moon

                    HT: B&W 802D2, 805S, HTM4, Marantz, OPPO BDP95, Velodyne DD-12's

                    HP / secondary system: Woo Audio W2, Carver Sunfire, Kef LS50, Denon, and too many headphones to list

                    Comment

                    • ShadowZA
                      Super Senior Member
                      • Jan 2006
                      • 1098

                      #11
                      I'm powering my 3 frontend 802D's (not 802 Di or 802N) using Krell Evo 403e amplification and I am completely satisfied - so much so that I'm not on the forum much anymore... too busy enjoying the music. Speaker setup is important but one also needs to know that there are always compromises which are sometimes necessary. Here's a pic of my setup. Strictly speaking, my rack should disappear and the 802D's could benefit by being moved forward into the romm another 6 inches or so. Best of luck and enjoy your magnificent 802 Diamonds!
                      Attached Files

                      Comment

                      • RebelMan
                        Ultra Senior Member
                        • Mar 2005
                        • 3139

                        #12
                        There is only one Rotel Class-D amplifier worth considering for the 800 series and it is no longer being made. You don't say so unless you have the RMB-1077 take a cue from Rotel and move away from their Class-D topologies. There are exceptions, previous remarks are one, but many if not most solid state amplifiers will have more similar than dissimilar sound characteristics when driven within their operating range. If you are looking for notable changes in amplifier sound quality you will need to consider amplifiers built with tube technologies. Today's tube and transistor based amplifiers are capable of sounding nearly identical but the designers choose to voice them differently. I would be more concerned about the pre-amplifier you are using. In terms of the sound characteristics you hear, it is the most important link in the gear chain following speakers.
                        "Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today."

                        Comment

                        • wkhanna
                          Grumpy Old Super Moderator Emeritus
                          • Jan 2006
                          • 5673

                          #13
                          Originally posted by RebelMan
                          I would be more concerned about the pre-amplifier ..... it is the most important link in the gear chain following speakers.
                          Sage advice as my personal experience has proven this to be true in every instance.
                          _


                          Bill

                          Practicing Curmudgeon & Audio Snob
                          ....just an "ON" switch, Please!

                          FinleyAudio

                          Comment

                          • cyisone01
                            Member
                            • Feb 2012
                            • 50

                            #14
                            Originally posted by RebelMan
                            There is only one Rotel Class-D amplifier worth considering for the 800 series and it is no longer being made. You don't say so unless you have the RMB-1077 take a cue from Rotel and move away from their Class-D topologies. There are exceptions, previous remarks are one, but many if not most solid state amplifiers will have more similar than dissimilar sound characteristics when driven within their operating range. If you are looking for notable changes in amplifier sound quality you will need to consider amplifiers built with tube technologies. Today's tube and transistor based amplifiers are capable of sounding nearly identical but the designers choose to voice them differently. I would be more concerned about the pre-amplifier you are using. In terms of the sound characteristics you hear, it is the most important link in the gear chain following speakers.
                            Purchased the MC452.

                            Comment

                            • leo2498
                              Senior Member
                              • Feb 2012
                              • 370

                              #15
                              Originally posted by cyisone01
                              Purchased the MC452.
                              how was the performance of mcintosh vs your old rotel? what are you using for preamp?
                              Leo,
                              Saludos
                              My HT: B&W 804D fronts, HTM4D center, 805D rears, Classe CA-2300 Main amp, Preamp Stereo CLASSE CP800, Preamp Multi Marantz AV8801, Parasound A31 center and Surround Amp, Source Oppo BDP-95 screen Samsung 55" UE55d8000 SVS SB12-NSD

                              Stereo: B&W 804S fronts, Pre: Denon AVR-2809 Amp: Rotel 1582, Source Marantz CD5004.

                              Comment

                              • BVLDARI
                                Member
                                • Dec 2012
                                • 58

                                #16
                                Originally posted by cyisone01
                                Purchased the MC452.
                                Can you elaborate? What did you compare it to? Why did you go with 452? Thanks.

                                Comment

                                • cyisone01
                                  Member
                                  • Feb 2012
                                  • 50

                                  #17
                                  I have not received the amp yet. McIntosh 2 channel gear will be having a price increase at the end of the month and this amp will be going up 1k in price. I compared it to a lot of different amps but my dealer had one he allowed me to take home. It sound great for the short time I had it. The difference I noted right off was the sound stage was wall to wall and floor to ceiling. I also noted a very detailed expression of the music. I could hear each instrument more clearly, the tone was different. It is very hard to explain. Very crisp but yet not fatiguing if that makes sense. The difference in the two are night and day. Low levels also were incredible. Right now I am using my denon 4311 as a processor so the next step will be an updated preamp.

                                  The final decision was based on price and the improvement I felt I was getting dollar for dollar. It also helped that I have a McIntosh dealer in the area. They will deliver, set up, stand behind and they have been very good to me. Looked at Classe but I just felt like it was missing something. Compared them to Krell, audio research, Mark Levinson, pass labs amoung others and the bang for my buck was a not brainer. Seems like the speaker and amp combo were made for each other and my ears!

                                  Comment

                                  • BVLDARI
                                    Member
                                    • Dec 2012
                                    • 58

                                    #18
                                    cyisone01 - thanks for the feedback. Any chance you compared it to the Parasound JC1 also?

                                    Comment

                                    • leo2498
                                      Senior Member
                                      • Feb 2012
                                      • 370

                                      #19
                                      Originally posted by cyisone01
                                      I have not received the amp yet. McIntosh 2 channel gear will be having a price increase at the end of the month and this amp will be going up 1k in price. I compared it to a lot of different amps but my dealer had one he allowed me to take home. It sound great for the short time I had it. The difference I noted right off was the sound stage was wall to wall and floor to ceiling. I also noted a very detailed expression of the music. I could hear each instrument more clearly, the tone was different. It is very hard to explain. Very crisp but yet not fatiguing if that makes sense. The difference in the two are night and day. Low levels also were incredible. Right now I am using my denon 4311 as a processor so the next step will be an updated preamp.

                                      The final decision was based on price and the improvement I felt I was getting dollar for dollar. It also helped that I have a McIntosh dealer in the area. They will deliver, set up, stand behind and they have been very good to me. Looked at Classe but I just felt like it was missing something. Compared them to Krell, audio research, Mark Levinson, pass labs amoung others and the bang for my buck was a not brainer. Seems like the speaker and amp combo were made for each other and my ears!
                                      it's good to hear that you have getting what you are looking for, I just went with the other option of amp because I felt that mcintosh amp not fill my taste completely although is a good sound too, but my main motivation to get the classe amp was that I had waited two month for the preamp(the one with the new ethernet board) and classe delayed its release two or three months more again so I changed the preamp for a new amp that will arrive in few days. BTW is very good to hear that you have got a sound improvement with your receiver this is my main concern rigth now because I thought that without a good preamplifier you will not get a huge improve.
                                      Leo,
                                      Saludos
                                      My HT: B&W 804D fronts, HTM4D center, 805D rears, Classe CA-2300 Main amp, Preamp Stereo CLASSE CP800, Preamp Multi Marantz AV8801, Parasound A31 center and Surround Amp, Source Oppo BDP-95 screen Samsung 55" UE55d8000 SVS SB12-NSD

                                      Stereo: B&W 804S fronts, Pre: Denon AVR-2809 Amp: Rotel 1582, Source Marantz CD5004.

                                      Comment

                                      • cyisone01
                                        Member
                                        • Feb 2012
                                        • 50

                                        #20
                                        I did not try the parasound.

                                        Comment

                                        • ShadowZA
                                          Super Senior Member
                                          • Jan 2006
                                          • 1098

                                          #21
                                          Originally posted by cyisone01
                                          ... The final decision was based on price and the improvement I felt I was getting dollar for dollar. It also helped that I have a McIntosh dealer in the area. ...
                                          Congratulations, cyisone01! It's a great feeling when one upgrades a significant piece of audio hardware like this. Enjoy!

                                          Comment

                                          • Katje
                                            Member
                                            • Nov 2012
                                            • 30

                                            #22
                                            cyisone01 Congratulations and enjoy your new toy.
                                            Katrien

                                            B&W 683,
                                            HK980 TU, HK980 HD, HK980 HK, HK 3D BLU-RAY player BDT30.

                                            Wishlist:

                                            Pro-ject xTension 9 with 9cc Evolution tonearm
                                            Ortofon 2m Silver (If there isn't any cartridge delivered with the turntable)
                                            QED Reference Audio analog interconnect (For tuner, CD player and Blu-ray player)

                                            Comment

                                            • cyisone01
                                              Member
                                              • Feb 2012
                                              • 50

                                              #23
                                              Thanks for all of the input! I will let you know how it sounds once home and broken in.

                                              Comment

                                              • BVLDARI
                                                Member
                                                • Dec 2012
                                                • 58

                                                #24
                                                has anyone compared the MC452 to the Parasound A31 and/or Parasound JC1?

                                                Comment

                                                • BVLDARI
                                                  Member
                                                  • Dec 2012
                                                  • 58

                                                  #25
                                                  I posted this at another forum but I figured it is worth it to post here as well:

                                                  Hey guys. First, I know I am going to ruffle some feathers with this post (I know it ruffled mine) but still would like to share my experience. Second, I did NOT do a “blind” test of any sort.

                                                  I went to the dealer today to compare an MC452 with my current Marantz MA700s. I brought them to the dealer. The equipment used was 802D2 driven by MC452/MA700/A52 processed by a C48. The C48 had the EQ bypassed and no other room correction or anything else was in the signal path. Music was provided by a mac mini via USB directly into the MC48. We used various content including high res and regular mp3s at 320kbps. We used same cables to the speakers. The MC452 was hooked up to Output 1 via balanced cables and Output 2 was used to either drive the MA700s or the Parasound A52. Audioquest cables were used of the same “line”. Finally, I used a Radioshack SPL meter to ensure that there were no vast differences in listening levels. I mainly listened to the speakers at about 90 db.

                                                  I spent most of my time comparing the MC452 to the MA700 and very little time comparing the MC452 to the A52.

                                                  Conclusions:
                                                  1. MC452 ran around 40ish Watts at 90 db.
                                                  2. The 200 watts of the MA700 were more than enough to drive the 802D2 at 90-100 db in the dealer’s room (and mine for that matter).

                                                  The above were not surprising but more of a confirmation.

                                                  Below is the shocking (to me) part. To be fair, I went to the dealer thinking I was going to merely confirm to myself that there is absolutely no difference between amps.

                                                  3. The MC452 sounded DIFFERENT than the Marantz MA700.

                                                  Basically when listening to the Marantz MA700 the sound was fine but the music appeared to come from in between the speakers. When listening to the MC452 the sound appeared to come from literally everywhere. There was a very clear and distinct difference between the two. And this was true at higher spl levels as well as low levels which allowed for conversation.

                                                  4. The A52 appeared to sound much more like the MA700 but to be fair I spent very little time listening to it.

                                                  So I am in a pickle now – do I get an MC452 or do I get an A31 with a subwoofer... or do I keep what I have...

                                                  Comment

                                                  • Rod#S
                                                    Senior Member
                                                    • Oct 2010
                                                    • 474

                                                    #26
                                                    What's the conenction between the A31 and a sub, is it just that you can also afford a sub if you buy the A31 but if you get the 452 there would be no money left for a sub?

                                                    I think you have to ask yourself this, what is more important to you, having the eperience you had at the dealer with the 452 or adding a subwoofer to your existing setup? Personally speaking if you have a hometheater surround setup and not a stereo rig and have no sub I would put way more importance on adding a sub.
                                                    B&W 800 Diamonds (L/R), HTM2 Diamond (C), 802 Diamonds (SL/SR), Paradigm Signature Sub 25 (LFE), Reference Servo 15a x 2 (Stereo subs), Lexicon MC-12Bv5EQ SSP, Bryston 28B-SST2x 2, 7B-SST2x2, 4B-SST C Series, BDP-2, Oppo UDP-205, Pioneer Elite Kuro PRO-150FD, Furman SPR-20i, IT-Reference, Eastlink Maestro PVR, Xbox One & 360, PS3, Siltech Golden Ridge II, Ruby Hill IIx2, 330ix2, Kimber Kable PK10 Gold, Tonic, PBJ, Cadence, HD19e, HD19, OPT-1, HDSW 4x1, Ixos 6003, Harmony 1000

                                                    Comment

                                                    • BVLDARI
                                                      Member
                                                      • Dec 2012
                                                      • 58

                                                      #27
                                                      Originally posted by Rod#S
                                                      What's the conenction between the A31 and a sub, is it just that you can also afford a sub if you buy the A31 but if you get the 452 there would be no money left for a sub?

                                                      I think you have to ask yourself this, what is more important to you, having the eperience you had at the dealer with the 452 or adding a subwoofer to your existing setup? Personally speaking if you have a hometheater surround setup and not a stereo rig and have no sub I would put way more importance on adding a sub.
                                                      Rod, yes, it's a money thing. I do have a sub I just don't think the sub is "great" but it's certainly adequate.

                                                      Has anyone here compared the MC303 to the MC452?

                                                      Comment

                                                      • mjb
                                                        Super Senior Member
                                                        • Mar 2005
                                                        • 1483

                                                        #28
                                                        Just to add another viewpoint, I don't run a sub. I had one, but disconnected it as it boomed in every room except the listening room! I admit that action movies might be missing a little something, but IMO the 802D's do a pretty good job (in most circumstances) on their own. However, I listen to music first and movies second. YMMV.
                                                        - Mike

                                                        Main System:
                                                        B&W 802D, HTM2D, SCMS
                                                        Classé SSP-800, CA-2200, CA-5100

                                                        Comment

                                                        • BVLDARI
                                                          Member
                                                          • Dec 2012
                                                          • 58

                                                          #29
                                                          Originally posted by cyisone01
                                                          Thanks for all of the input! I will let you know how it sounds once home and broken in.

                                                          So how long before you get the amp?

                                                          Comment

                                                          • cyisone01
                                                            Member
                                                            • Feb 2012
                                                            • 50

                                                            #30
                                                            Originally posted by BVLDARI
                                                            So how long before you get the amp?
                                                            It has been ordered and they are making it now. When my dealer followed up we were told it would be delivered in July - nothing on a specific date. As you can imagine it stinks waiting.

                                                            Comment

                                                            • Aussie Geoff
                                                              Super Senior Member
                                                              • Oct 2003
                                                              • 1914

                                                              #31
                                                              Originally posted by BVLDARI
                                                              has anyone compared the MC452 to the Parasound A31 and/or Parasound JC1?
                                                              Yes, it was a couple of years ago. I was being a second pair of ears for a friend with the JC1 trying other amps for 802Ds. The JC1 was relatively clinical / analytical and seemed to almost dissect the music, showing every fault in the recording and soundstage. The MC452 was just (to our ears) more enjoyable even if arguably a little less revealing. Music was fun to listen to, even lesser recordings. And as per the earlier post, the MC452 had a phenomenal sound stage, wider than the speakers and deep. The JC1s also had a good soundstage, but the MC452s was wall to wall. I could see why people like to combination. At the time I remember using "valve like" for the sound. For my tastes the big Classe is the best I have heard on the B&Ws, though I can see why people find the MC452s hugely enjoyable and they are so popular.

                                                              Cheers

                                                              Geoff

                                                              Comment

                                                              Working...
                                                              😀
                                                              😂
                                                              🥰
                                                              😘
                                                              🤢
                                                              😎
                                                              😞
                                                              😡
                                                              👍
                                                              👎
                                                              Searching...Please wait.
                                                              An unexpected error was returned: 'Your submission could not be processed because you have logged in since the previous page was loaded.

                                                              Please push the back button and reload the previous window.'
                                                              An unexpected error was returned: 'Your submission could not be processed because the token has expired.

                                                              Please push the back button and reload the previous window.'
                                                              An internal error has occurred and the module cannot be displayed.
                                                              There are no results that meet this criteria.
                                                              Search Result for "|||"