2. amps-preamps
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Class D amp wyred4sound and B&W 803D

I still havent decided what to use to power my recently bought 803d, some days ago I asked about a match with a Primare integrated amp (I30) and got mixed responses. On the other hand, some suggested I use a spectron amp (class D), and I have just started noticing lots of good reviews for the Wyred4sound integrated amps, which use the ICE power module. Is anyone using one of the ST/STI int amps to push a set of b&w? Power should be enough with 250w@8ohms....but I dont know how it will handle the low ohm loads and the final sonic characteristics.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me.
Demian
demianm
mfsoa
76 posts
 
Some of those AC posts about the Digital Amp Co are from me, and I do know the designer so take that as you will.

The rear may look a bit industrial but it's the listening that counts.

Haven't heard the Wyred but one of the AudioCircle mainstays has heard them and the DAC and thought the DAC was far superior.

Unlike others with a shiny case and the same boring modules inside, the DAC products are proprietary technology that, IMHO, sounds much better than the ICE or UcD amps I've heard.

Don't discount them just because they are new (they aren't). They are a far cry from someone just stuffing modules into a box to ride the class D wave. Not all designers you've never heard of lack serious industry design experience.

-Mike
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Mfsoa, you have peaked my interest. Can you post appropriate URLs for info on DAC amps?

Thanks. G. 
james63
534 posts
 
I have a pair of B&W 703s in the secondary bedroom system that I was never crazy about (why they are in the bedroom...) that I bought a class D amp cheap off ebay for (Rotel 1072 I think). It sounds great with the 703s! The bass has drive and punch like never before. The mids are flushed out and full. The highs are about the same as other inexpensive class A/B I have used on the 703s.

All in all class D is very good and not just good for the money. People that call Wyred 4 Sound budget clearly listen with their wallets and not their ears...

I am not one to argue with people online but Chazzbo advice is the worst I have heard in awhile. Maybe back in 96-2001 when he sold B&W, class-d was lacking but not today.

But really you have to hear for yourself. I would be very careful about taking blanket advice where people call an entire class "dry" or bright etc. What is dry anyway? Does it mean balanced tonally, if so that is a good think in my book. I have found many people like a colored sound the have grown accustom too and it becomes important to use your own ears.People have different tastes and ears. Think about how many people need glasses to see correctly... I can only guess how different all of our ears are.
mfsoa
76 posts
 
Sure thing, G.
digitalamp.com
Tommy knows the web site isn't the slickest on the planet but you can learn about the amps there.

And the Digital Amp Co. has a circle on AudioCircle:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?board=174.0

The amps are true-balanced inputs, and I thought it (I own a Cherry Jr but am talking to Tommy re a Cherry Plus upgrade) sounded better using the XLR outs from my VAC preamp than using RCAs w/ XLR adapters.

Tommy's a good guy, for sure. I'm sure he'll be glad to answer any questions (again - I know the guy so I like to add this just to be fair)

I think some reviews are in the works in some on-line mags.
dob
577 posts
 
Hello Demianm:

I have B&W802D and I drive them with the pair of Spectron monoblocks and also I have one of the best tube preamps there is around, Joule-Electra LA-300ME and I am very happy.

A know at least one more audiogoner who uses Spectron with B&W 803. As far as I know he is (was?) a dealer and compared Spectron to Classe and McIntosh (both belong now to B&W group and cattied by the same dealers) and recently with Bel Canto 1000 Mk2 and he still uses Spectron, so I presume he likes it...

Hope it helps
Rafael
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