B&W 802 d4 with Tube Amplifier

I recently changed my amplifier from a 150 watt pre/power hybrid to a 40 watt tube amp.  The tube amp drives my 89dB/4 Ohm Audio Physic speakers at least as well as the hybrid, with better bass and soundstage. 

I’m running my 802d3s with mono mc275s and love it, also running 804d3s with vintage mc60s - both sound fabulous and the tubes really warm up the rather bright high end in my opinion

Years ago I was auditioning the new-ar-the-time 804S (no D tweeter then) with McIntosh pre, tubed MC275 mkIV and a SS Mac rated 250 Wpc. I preferred the tubed MC275, which I still own. But it is my understanding larger B&W do open up with more power. At the same store they had 802D with very large tube amps.

FWIW I auditioned ARC ref75 (not with the 804S) and wasn't my kind of sound, so what I liked might not be what you are after.

I would take a look at the better GaN amps ike Audions.

I took a look at the measurements in the Stereophile review from 2005.

With sensitivity at 89-90dB these are not as inefficient as many similar designs.

But impedence is below 4 ohms and down to 3 pretty much all the way from 80Hz to 800Hz.  This will be a tough load to drive for a medium size tube amp.

John Atkinson adds:  In addition, the very high peak impedence between 2 and 3kHz, resulting from the tweeter/midrange crossover, will give a somewhat forward tonal balance with amplifiers having a significant source impedance; say, tube models.

Definitely do an extended trial in your room before buying.

Clearthinker….this seems like the key data, thanks!  I might drag the amp to my dealer to listen to how the 802d4s sound with my ARC.   Im sure it’ll be amazing but expect I won’t get the open and lively soundstage without high current solid state.  We’ll see!!  At 30k not sure I can find a full range speaker like these….Wilson seems to be the next best choice but double the price.