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How do I power my 800D(3)s

Hi folks

I am new to this, but trying to learn fast!

I have long been a fan of Bowers and Wilkins and I am lucky enough to buy a brand new pair of 800D(3)'s.  I have recently built a new house, so now have enough space for this very special purchase, which I plan to make in the next month or so.

I want to run a two channel system in our living room so it's a pretty simple layout.  Can anybody give me some advice, so that I get the best out of the speakers.  Will a Pre-Amp, and an Amp be enough with a Streamer?  Do I need two amps?  

Can you also advise on the best brands to look at.  I see that B&W tends to show the speakers off in thier demo's with Classe?  Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

Matt
128x128matt_gf
erik_squires
16,058 posts
 
Congrats.  First, invest in room acoustics. GIK Acoustics has great advice and products.

Next, tubes man. These are definitely speakers I'd pair with Tubes a-la AR, CJ or if SS, Ayre.
mcgal
199 posts
 
Matt, I have never owned 800D3s but have owned 803Ds. For me the B&W's sounded best with lots of power behind them. The more power I gave them the better they sounded and I don't listen at loud levels. For example, I had them paired with one McIntosh MC352 and then vertically bi-amped with 2 MC352s and then with MC601 mono blocks. For me a tube amp just doesn't have enough power to really let the 800's sound the best they can. I also believe in room treatments, vibration control and better cabling. Just my 2 cents.
bassmass1
13 posts
 
Krell with Transparent Cable would be something to look into.
lewinskih01
909 posts
 
B&W 800 series are often paired with McIntosh, Classe, Rowland, Levinson. Generally people like lots of power behind them.

Having said that, I own 804S (different league from yours) driven by McIntosh tubes. I prefer it to a larger McIntosh solid state amp. And I've heard a system with 802D driven by large $30k tube monblocks that sounded outstanding - plus you save on heating the house 😁

B&W can be auditioned rather easily. At that level of money, spend some visiting stores and understanding what you like. And enjoy the journey!

Cheers
joey_v
663 posts
 
I have the 802D3 and have heard the 800D3 several times.

I have them in my listening room and I have the room treated with GIK acoustics.

I am very familiar with the speakers and would probably be better off talkign to you on the phone or via email. I will send you a PM.

I have tried 5 amplfiers with them, 4 of them in my room. In my room, I have tried Classe CAM600, Rotel RB1590, Cary 211 FE tube monoblocks, and Boulder 2060 stereo amp. At the dealer I have heard them on MAC 601.

I have tweaked them and they sound fantastic. They are very transparent to the source and to changes upstreams including cabling and speaker wire.

The best set up so far that I have been able to get has been mine:

Emm Labs DAC2x with TSDX transport via EMM Link -> Cary SLP05 (tube preamp) -> Boulder 2060 stereo amp -> Audioquest WEL Signature Speaker wire -> BW 802D3.

I still have complete my loom of wires. Also will need power cords and will need to control the room better with regards to the ceiling as the D3 are baffleless speakers and interact with the sides and ceilings more than typical box speakers which means your imaging is compromised.

I have heard them sound like crap. I have heard them sound spectacular.  My system sounds just spectacular.  I have nearly no complaints.  OTher than I'm moving to the 800D3. 
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