Slim,
I also have 804S, but only do stereo, so I can't comment on processors or multi-channel amps, but can give some input.
I use a McIntosh MC275. It's 2x 75 Watts, tubed amp. I LOVE it.
Amp brands that are generally regarded as good matches with B&W 800-series are Classe, McIntosh, Rowland (have not heard), Levinson (have not heard). Bewtween Classe and solid state McIntosh with 804S is a matter of taste. Both are good, in my view. Mc tubes are also a matter of taste.
I tried MC252 (250 W per channel, solid state) and MC275 and preferred the latter. Some prefer the 252.
Now, I did have a Rotel RB1080 (200 per channel), and while good for the money, they are on a different, lower, league than McIntosh or Classe. I actually switched over because the trebble was overbearing for my taste. The aluminum tweeters in the 804S are to be dealt with, with their pros and cons.
Please note the RB1080 is 200W while the 275 is 75W, yet to my ears the 275 had nicer bass coupled with the 804 and in my room. Someone over at AAsylum explained this was because the 804S is an overdamped design and the 275 has low damping factor, so they even up. Can't tell if this is so, but it sounds good to my ears.
I hope this helps!
Horacio
I also have 804S, but only do stereo, so I can't comment on processors or multi-channel amps, but can give some input.
I use a McIntosh MC275. It's 2x 75 Watts, tubed amp. I LOVE it.
Amp brands that are generally regarded as good matches with B&W 800-series are Classe, McIntosh, Rowland (have not heard), Levinson (have not heard). Bewtween Classe and solid state McIntosh with 804S is a matter of taste. Both are good, in my view. Mc tubes are also a matter of taste.
I tried MC252 (250 W per channel, solid state) and MC275 and preferred the latter. Some prefer the 252.
Now, I did have a Rotel RB1080 (200 per channel), and while good for the money, they are on a different, lower, league than McIntosh or Classe. I actually switched over because the trebble was overbearing for my taste. The aluminum tweeters in the 804S are to be dealt with, with their pros and cons.
Please note the RB1080 is 200W while the 275 is 75W, yet to my ears the 275 had nicer bass coupled with the 804 and in my room. Someone over at AAsylum explained this was because the 804S is an overdamped design and the 275 has low damping factor, so they even up. Can't tell if this is so, but it sounds good to my ears.
I hope this helps!
Horacio
