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B & W Matrix 801 S3 and tube amplifier

I cannot find an impedance graph for B & W 801 S3.. The manufacturer states min impedance of 4 ohm and recommends amp of at least 50W. I am wondering if a 60W tube amp such as Conrad Johnson MV 60 or Premier 11A would do the job for mostly low level listening in a small-mid size room. Does anybody have experience with similar combination ? Would ss Conrad Johnson amp be a much better match ?
pvctor
rrog
1,958 posts
 
Even in a small room for "mostly" low level listening you should have as much solid state power as you can afford for that speaker.
french_fries
815 posts
 
the speaker will work with 60W as long as the amp can produce solid bass.
as for solid state a minimum of 100 quality watts would be plenty- 200W would
be optimal if you like big orchestrations in a 15x20 room. but your room is of modest size, so
while the 802 would be a better match, the 801 just wants a great signal to work with. this is not a watt-puppy with a 2ohm dip in impedence.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
frequently blown output tubes guarranteed even at low listening levels as the best case scenario while could be far more complicated problems driving loads that substantially exceeding the amplifier abilities.
tube pre OK, but not tube amp.
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