B&W 802N

I've had a few speakers in my time, and currently still have the N802's in my possession... they are, in my humble opinion, one of the best bargains out there, period! I kept them over the 802Ds (yep, was not worth 2-3x the price, for 10% improvement), the Von Schwiekert VR4's, among others.

They don't "need" power, but they operate best with good reserves. I've ran them with a Parasound A21 which did ok, then onto a Pass Labs X250 which was more than fine, most of the time. Just recently swaped the X250 for a pair of X600 pass Labs Monoblocks, and it is perfect. A great combination, at a great price point.

YMMV, but I would think you will have a tough time keeping tube amps in check with these guys unless you go big like a pair of Audio Research Tube Monoblocks.

I set the 802's up on Sunday powered by the W4S ST500 running balanced inputs from the VAC ren. I'm at 30 hrs on the amp and very impressed with the results. The bass is very well controlled, but it is the mids that I find special. It doesn't possess the typical SS hardness. Yes it is a bit dry compared to tubes but still has a muted lushness that is appealing to a tube amp afficiando. The soundstage is increasing in size with use, creating a natural image relationship between instuments and vocals. Details are easily presented in free space and not localized to the speaker. Depth of image is dependent of the recording as it should be. This amp is an excellent match for the 802's.

"Also with so many great things people have to say about the 802N's I am wondering why I do not like them."

That says it all.

Your own opinion and listetning experience is all that matters.

From my experience, I can tell you that I drive a set of N800's with tube mono amps rated at 140 per channel, but with an external power supply with plent of reserves when you need it. My room is 25x18.5 and I can fill the room loud enough where you have to shout to hear each other, and the music will sound sound crisp, playing from my turntable to boot.

Having experienced a myriad of amps with these speakers, I can tell you that most of the time, it will be your very own listening experience that will let you know if it sounds right. I have used transistor and tubes and for me by far, the sound of using tubes is way better, even with my flea watt sized 140 watt mono amps.

Everyone is going to say somehting differnt, and I have heard the same things being said about other speakers as well. I highly suggest you take a test drive and evaluate for yourself, but to just jade your opinion more, tubes can drive both the N800's and the N802's easily, loudly and with great musical pleasure. That is my experience. No issues and no hassles. BTW, I am using German amps called Octave.
Ciao,
Audioquest4life