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Suggestions for integrated amps for B&W CM10

I recently bought the Bowers and Wilkins CM10 speakers, currently paired with Peachtree Audio Nova 125. Although, the clarity and details are phenomenal, I can't help but notice two shortcomings:

1. At times, things get a bit too bright for my taste -- also, I would prefer a bit more warmth
2. It doesn't seem that the Nova has enough authority to drive the bass drivers that well. I just feel that I can get more from these speakers on the lower end without adding a separate sub.

Now, I do realize that the speakers are fairly new with less than 30 hours on them, so maybe things will get better after the break in period. And I also realize that the placement and the room characteristics are not ideal.

But having said that, I would be interested in suggestions for what other integrated amps (or even separates if affordable) go well with the CM10s and provide a bit more warmth and better base. Budget is under$2500, new or used.
128x128arafiq
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
By the way, there's an ad on craigslist for parasound:
dallas.craigslist

What do you guys think of this combo? Do you think the asking price is fair?
Price is fair if the units are in good condition, both operationally and cosmetically. But the P7 is an analog surround sound preamp with facilities for 7 channels. And no DAC.

The seller is willing to split the pair and is asking $475 for the amp. Not bad, and it is still a current model and will drive your CM10's effortlessly. You can match it with Parasounds new P5 2 Channel preamp for only $1095 brand new. It is cheaper than the used P7 and has what you want. Now your at $1570 for the pair.

http://www.parasound.com/p5.php
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,693 posts
 
Paraneer, agreed. I would prefer a pre-amp with a built-in DAC, so actually the P5 looks like a better deal.
Now, my main concern is if the A23 would provide the kind of extended bass that's currently missing from the Peachtree. I don't know if the difference between the two amps will be considerable. My thinking is if I'm upgrading then get something which is more future proof - more wattage, current, etc than the A23. Perhaps, I should wait out for a A21 used deal?
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
Well I certainly agree that you can never have too much power. The A21 will provide it in spades. But by the time you add the cost of a new P5 and a used A21, I'll bet your back to what a new Halo Integrated costs.

I would think the A23 is more than adequate for your CM10's that are 8 Ohm nominal with a sensitivity of 90Db. The seller was driving Diamond 805D's with it and those are 8 Ohm and 88 Db sensitive. The A23 puts out 125 wpc into 8 and 225 wpc into 4 with 45 amps of peak current. I can't imagine that kind of power not getting the job done.

But I guess you won't know for sure unless you try it - the price is right and you could probably resell it for the same amount. If you get the bass response your looking for, then you can keep it and smile about the money you saved.

Maybe the seller will let you audition it with the 805D's? Hope it works out for you.
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,693 posts
 
Paraneer, I really appreciate your advice. I think I'm going to pick up the A23 tomorrow. Next I'm thinking about selling the Peachtree Nova 125 to buy the P5. Come to think of it, I should probably also unload the LSA-1 Signature speakers that haven't seen much use in the last year or so.
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,693 posts
 
BTW, I also saw the HCA 1500A on sale on eBayhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/Parasound-HCA-1500A-High-Current-Amplifier/131647945256?_trksid=p2047675.c100010.m2109&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D34225%26meid%3D42fe23b170174b6dbe2812b478aba7cc%26pid%3D100010%26rk%3D9%26rkt%3D17%26sd%3D351574897452

Need some advice on whether to go with the older/discontinued model with twice the wattage, or stay with the relatively newer A23.
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