Pre and Amp suggestions for B&W Nautilus 804?

I use the 804N with Krell KRC 3 preamp and a Theta Dreadnaught power amp. The sound is very warm.

I also have the 804Ns sitting on granites stands made by HNE. They cost around US$500 here in the UK but they make a huge difference to bass weight and overall integration of bass with the mids. Without the stands, I find the 804s lacking bass weight and its bass timing somewhat odd. I certainly think that these stands are essential for the 804Ns to sound good.

I'm running B&W Silver Signatures. I traded in my Krell KRC-3 Pre and KSA-50S after Christmas on a Musical Fidelity A308cr Pre and Amp. I heard them after I ordered the MF Tri-Vista 21 DAC from a new dealer in town. I canceled the DAC order after hearing them A308cr's because I couldn't listen to my system without getting sick to my stomach. When reviewers say "it's like lifting a veil" from the sound, I now heard exactly what they meant. The Krell's served me well for eight years, but these Musical Fidelity pieces lifted the veil I never even knew I had. Also, try spiking the speakers with AudioPoints instead of the ones from B&W. PS. I ended up getting the Tri-Vista 21 DAC, and now I'm getting the lowest bass I've ever heard out of the Silver Signatures. I always thought Krell was the master of bass response.

Krell man,
B&W speakers like a lot of power! My B&W's have a sensativity of 93dB. I use 1200 watts per channel into their 4 ohm load. 50 watts, might have been a little weak for those excellent speakers of yours.

I am glad that you love what you have.

Richard

I second (third) the Krell suggestions. I added the new Krell integrated to my system and got a huge improvement. I have the CDM9's, which, to my ears are similar, but maybe not quite as nice, as your speakers. The Krell improved the sound in my system significantly. The B&W's loved the added power from this amp. Check it out.

I'm using the new Krell 400xi to power my Nautilus 804s with excellent results. This 400wpc (into 4 ohms>N804 operating load) Integrated Amplifier seems to have plenty of high current/clean power for these speakers. I'm also using the new Krell SACD Standard. An excellent sounding system for $10,000- I haven't heard a better combination at this price.