Need amplifier advice for B&W cm10

[dansken75]

Hi. I am new to this forum and couldn't find the answer in other threads. I have a set of Bowers & Wilkins Cm10 speakers with the matching center CMC2 . I run this with a Yamaha receiver but I lack the full punch that I know they can deliver, the receiver is to weak. However, I've looked around for alternatives and come to a conclusion that a pure 2 or 3 way amplifier is what I want. I want to have all my equipment connected to my receiver but let an amplifier take care of only the front and center speaker via pre-outs from the receiver to the amplifier.

I've found either NAD C275bee or Emotiva XPA gen3. According to the specs it looks like they are going to do the work. But how will it sound with cm10? Does anyone here have any experience with either of them, or even both? Or what other options are there?

Thanks in advance
Magnus

[sgtjim57]

I have the XPA-5 Gen one driving my B & W's (600 series 3 for center and surrounds and N804's for mains) and have never had an issue with the amp. Very powerful and musical. The Gen 3's use a different typography for the amp channels so i can't speak for them.

[Alaric]

B & Ws historically like lots of current. Emotiva makes some powerful amps, as has been mentioned, and NAD typically provide enough current to punch above their weight class relative to wpc ratings. ATI http://www.ati-amp.com/home.php make some very good amps, and their multi channel amps aren't weakened like most by having 3-7 channels. They make the actual amplifier inside the case of some big name amp companies. The gear they sell under their own name doesn't scrimp on power supplies, either. If wkhanna weighs in I'm hoping he remembers some of them for reference. Hey, Bill!