Rotel RA-1592 MK II or something else to deliver around 200W to B&W towers around $3000?

As for amps, I know the Bryston SST series, very nice, and just a little mellow. I understand that the SST2 is a little bright, which may be the last thing you need with your speakers. SST3 is reputed to be neutral - but I haven't heard either of the latter series, so consult the factory if you are interested. 

Good luck! And welcome.

Well I have own some of the equipment you are looking at. 


I owned a B&W 703s and a Rotel 1072 amp. I also owned a Peach Tree Deco, and wyred4sound equipment… and McIntosh. My comments are all very general as it has been a long time and my system changed between some of these pieces. 


The B&W and Rotel combination wore my ears out. It was fine when I had it as I did not know any better. The highs had a lot of hash in them and the upper mids were peaky. Bass was fine.



The Peach Tree had poor quality and the right to left balance would change 1-1.5db from the 9 o’clock to 12 o’clock position on the volume. I returned it. I have no idea if this has been fixed now. It’s sound fine but nothing special. The tube buffer seemed to do almost nothing.
Wyred4sound is a good budget option and will drive them fine but again nothing amazing but more than good enough.
The best I have heard B&W sound is on McIntosh. It is a good combination. The Mac takes the edge out of the B&Ws. At least the ones with autoformers. Maybe look on the used market but it will push your budget for sure.



803d3 on mc611 monos with tube pre was good and the least edgy I have heard the 803d3 sound. 805d3 on the MC275 was good (tamed the highs). The 805s on the MA7200 was ok (little bright). Again all very expensive but might related to lower end B&W and lower end Mac or not, not sure. I personally own a MC462 (450 watt Mac) but never used it on my B&Ws.



I think the Musical Fidelity suggested above is a good option. An often over looked amazing bang for the buck brand.

There are a couple of early 90's solid state McIntosh power amps listed for prices that I could stomach.  There is an MC7150 for $1650.  There is an MC7200 for $2200.

Thoughts on these?

Lots of good options out there.

As much as I like their amps, I think McIntosh are over priced and capitalize on legacy reputation and aesthetics. But if $ is no (significant) object, then I may have them in my system too.

While not inexpensive, I have grown very fond of Plinius products … so much that I repurchased an 8200MkII integrated and sent off to be completely refreshed. This one in particular seems to combine the strengths of tubes and SS while mitigating each ones downsides. This one will never leave again. And well within your budget. Also a used Hautonga would fit. I think the sound is just a bit more clinical than the 8200, but offers the convenience of more remote control functions.

One says Bryston is mellow, it's accurate. Some amps are bright to give the appearance of better high frequency response, listen closely.