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How do I power my 800D(3)s

Hi folks

I am new to this, but trying to learn fast!

I have long been a fan of Bowers and Wilkins and I am lucky enough to buy a brand new pair of 800D(3)'s.  I have recently built a new house, so now have enough space for this very special purchase, which I plan to make in the next month or so.

I want to run a two channel system in our living room so it's a pretty simple layout.  Can anybody give me some advice, so that I get the best out of the speakers.  Will a Pre-Amp, and an Amp be enough with a Streamer?  Do I need two amps?  

Can you also advise on the best brands to look at.  I see that B&W tends to show the speakers off in thier demo's with Classe?  Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

Matt
128x128matt_gf
samac's avatar
samac
499 posts
 
@joey_v 

Since this could help the op and I'm very interested I'll ask; how did the 350 watts of the Rotel RB1590 fare with your 802 D3s? Thanks.

Cheers,

Scott
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
I 2nd the McIntosh preamp/amp combo....you will not be disappointed!

Make sure on the amp you buy though, it needs to be one of the double balanced (MC352 or better) find a used one if you can, (this is an older model that is lower powered 350wx2 MAC dosent make this anymore, too bad because its one of the best sounding amps they ever designed (solid state) the MC402 400wx2 either ). Now Mac is making all high powered 500w 600w + monos very expensive new quad balanced designs. Find a used Tube based pre amp like the C2200 would be a great match. B&W’s are wonderful sounding speakers IF you give them the electronics they deserve.

Matt M                                     Call Mike Sastra @ Audioclassics.com
fossda
112 posts
 
I own a pair of 800D and these speakers like quality power. They are faily efficient but have a tougher load. I am running a 300 watt Edge pre/power and have heard them with 600w classes mono. Look for quality first. Great purchase.
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joey_v
663 posts
 
@samac 

The Rotel RB1590 sounded warm with the 802D3, I had it in my room at the SAME time as 3 other amps (Cary 211fe, Classe CAM600 monoblocks, and Boulder).  

It was not shamed by the rest of the gear other than the Boulder.  

It sounded very acceptable and it was very good for the $2999 that it is.  

The soundstage seemed cramped and narrow.  There was less dynamics.  

But I could live with it. 

I a/b'd the Classe M600 against the MAC 601 at the store, I brought my amps there and plunked it on top of the 601... we listened to the 802D3.  I came away liking the 601 more.  It was warmer but still had the impact of the Classe M600. 

The Boulder smokes them all.  

Funny how the Classe M600 was used to tune the speakers, but clearly not the best with these other super amps in the picture.  

Cary 211FE is a little weak with bass.... but there is an etherealness to the vocals that is just superb. 

So though I sold my 211FE to my brother, I am looking to bring back some Cary tubes (805AE) monoblocks to my system just for vocalists. 
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