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Calling B&W speaker users with tube power amp

Hi,

Am currently using a B&W Matrix 803 series 2 speakers, driving it with a solid state power and tube pre. Am actually preferring tube sounds. Therefore, am toying with the idea of getting a tube power to replace the ss. Big question in mind is whether tube power amp is able to drive the speakers.

Could anyone who is using B&W speakers driven by tube power amp share experiences pls? pls also inform what brand/watt of the tube power amp used.

Thanks.
audiodb
mysearcher257
60 posts
 
Audiodb, For a long time I have driven my B&W 805N with a Cary V12I (now R) amp in triode mode (50w). I listen loudly to Jazz vocals, blues and R&R. I must admit that at times the Cary seems unable to drive the 805s to the volume and pressure that I desire. But, when listening at 'normal' volume the combination is breathtaking. Huge soundstage, warm involving believable mid/vocals. Nirvana probably could be found with a more powerful tube amp.
dodger4
61 posts
 
I am using a cj140 to drive my bw n803 with no problem whatsover and with excellent bass response..not some overblown bass slam you get with some ss units ..
efort
14 posts
 
I'm running a pair of B&W 604s3's with a AES/Cary superamp, and a Mcintosh pre. I cut my teeth with a pair of ASL wave 8 mono's and they sounded great. So much so I sold my Mac MC162's running mono at 320wpc. The superamp is 15wpc and I've rolled and found a great tube match so far. All B&W's are a little foward in the mids, and I think this makes for a good match with the B&W's. Keep in mind that the combo must work with pre, source and amp.
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