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
I think most people think B&W speakers tend to be a tad bright as compared to very neutral speakers. So the choice of preamp/amp/cable, etc., and room treatment needs to take that into account. Lots of great choices in that (or even lower) price range.
@kalali

B&W use a large mid range which beams and leaves an off access suckout from 1 to 4 KHz - so actually a recessed upper mid. They crossover around 4 KHz to the tweeter giving a sudden but correct boost to the off axis presence region. This is fairly consistent characteristic for B&W and gives them a brighter treble in relation to the mids. The bass also feels relatively stronger due to the recessed mids. These effects are more apparent the further you sit from the speakers and the more the off axis contributes to the overall sound at the listener.

Strictly speaking this is a design limitation but it has proved so succesful and core to B&W sound that it is certainly a deliberate design choice, as B&W for sure are one of the top speakers.
Rotel is not the quality you should pair with the 800. Pass labs a much better choice. These new models are world class and will be very revealing of source, power etc. High current, clean power is the best option. If you prefer to stick to an integrated some nice choices (with power) from Jeff Rowland,  Mark levinson. Good hunting.
I agree that the following amps would sound good with the B&W 800D(3)s in no particular order:
Bryston
Classe
Pass Lab
The B&W dealier in my area uses McIntosh, but that might be because thats what they carry.
I would also add ti the list Plinius Reference amp.

This post has a great list of amps that should sound good with Bowers and Wilkins Diamond Series, here's a few more:

Parasound
NAD
Rotel
Krell
Arcam
Cambridge
Naim
Plinius
Peachtree
Nuprime
Wyred
Bel Canto


...... and many, many more. Choose your budget, pick the sound you like, give them the appropriate power and enjoy.

Cheers,

Scott