B&W HTM1D and Parasound A51?

Perhaps while you are at it you can answer 1 or 2 of my other parasound threads. Mainly the C1 vs C2 vs waiting for HDMI 1.3

I've already responded to your other threads on on the C1 and C2. :-)

Since your primary interest is going to be 2 channel. I would probably direct you to using the JC1's for the 802D L/R and let the A51 run the center channel and the surrounds. You could always add another JC1 if your interest changes to HT over 2 channel.

The B&W diamond series speakers lover clean power, a lot of it (closer to the max recommended wattage is better) and bi-wiring at least.

I wouldn't use anything less than 250 watts with it. More would be better as the speaker also dips in impedance to around 3 ohms at certain points during playback which can clip or cause distortion from the amp.

But if most your listening is 2 channel, I would recommend getting the HTM2D which is less demanding and will still match up well with your 802D mains.

I have 803D mains and then sound much, much better with the new Spectron MK2 I bought than the previous Rotel RB-1090 (380 watts/channel) I had. I know the Rotel vs. the Spectron isn't a fair match-up even if the power was the same but these speakers love good clean power.

I would presume the HTM1D is rated for 500 watts like the 802D mains and unless you plan on doing a lot of HT listening and buy an appropriate amp for it, I'd suggest buying the HTM1D (which I have and is rated for 300 watts). It is a terrific center channel.

Nick made a good suggestion stepping down in center speakers. That is certainly an option as well.

I'll have to see if I can't do demo at the dealers between the HTM1D and HTM2D! I hear the HTM2D is a good match for the 802's but the HTM1D is in another class. If I can't tell the difference though I'll go the HTM2D route! Thanks for all the help!

I've thought about another option, if I'm going with JC1's up front would my old 1091's be a good option for the surrounds? A51 vs 1091's, any opinions? I assume I could get another pair of 1091's for near or less then cost of the A51. This just leaves the center channel. Any good parasound options for it? Would bi-amping an A21 be worth the effort?