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CAV-50 and 804 Diamonds

I am demoing B&W 804 Diamonds. I have a Conrad Johnson CAV-50 and pretty sure it's not a good match. I'm having to constantly bias the tubes and unless I get it right it produces a fairly grainy sound at volume. The 804's need WPC of 50-200, while the CAV-50 produces 50 WPC I'm replacing Coincident floor standers which is a fairly efficient speaker. I really want to stick with the 804s. I guess the point is I'd like comments on match with the CAV-50 and/or what would you replace it with. Thanks
nedmoto
eljack
9 posts
 
I had a CJ preamp and when I changed to solid state I had to make sure to get something that was really good in the treble. Those CJs will spoil you and make most solid state sound really bright and etched in the treble
jimmy2615
440 posts
 
I'm surprised so far we don't know your room size. As Boband mentioned the B&Ws need power. Perhaps they'd be OK in a small room with your CAV-50. But since you say it is not a good match I would look to solid state. I owned these speakers and loved them. I had them paired with an Audio Research 100.2, a used amp that can be had for about $1500 used. Also, what is your preferred music? If you can afford these speakers and another $2-3k of wisely spent amplification I would agree to keep them. I only sold mine because of small children and the loss of my dedicated listening room. If you have a medium sized room (>150' squared) or bigger I would get at least 100 w/ch and a high current amp at that (one that doubles down its power).
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,804 posts
 
OP-
if you enjoy lesser powered power amps from CJ, check out the Classic 60. I heard this power amp mated w/ the CJ ET-3SE pre-amp on B&W 802D speakers. And it drove the hell out of those speakers! A very powerful, little amp, if you will. I was very impressed to say the least. Happy Listening!
daniele_g
81 posts
 
I second Jimmy2615, as I own 804s (not D) with ARC LS25 + 100.2: a very good match.
just one among many others, OK, but I think a good SS power amp, with a tube preamp if you like tubes, may be what to look for.

(nevertheless I must confess that I'm willing to try an ARC D115 that my bro could borrow to me: a fist in a velvet glove... curious to see if this could be even better)
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