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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
joey_v
668 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. 
mmporsche's avatar
mmporsche
144 posts
 
Constellation Inspiration Series. All the power you need with a beautiful signature sound. Email me for an in-depth discussion at mmporsche@mac.com
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,575 posts
 
Congrats on your purchase!

As suggested, have your dealer pair 800's with couple of amps and let your ears decide the best amps.  

I currently own 800D2's and agree with 'mcgal'. 800's sound best with a decent power amp. I highly recommend mono-blocks with at least 300W in class A/B. 

i am running a pair of Modwright KWA-150SE in bridge mode (450W). Personally, I found Classe M600 bit lean on the bottom end.  

My front end consist of Aurender N10 and Aesthetix Pandora 'Eclipse' DAC w/volume control. 

Good luck! 
samac's avatar
samac
499 posts
 
@joey_v 

Since this could help the op and I'm very interested I'll ask; how did the 350 watts of the Rotel RB1590 fare with your 802 D3s? Thanks.

Cheers,

Scott
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
I 2nd the McIntosh preamp/amp combo....you will not be disappointed!

Make sure on the amp you buy though, it needs to be one of the double balanced (MC352 or better) find a used one if you can, (this is an older model that is lower powered 350wx2 MAC dosent make this anymore, too bad because its one of the best sounding amps they ever designed (solid state) the MC402 400wx2 either ). Now Mac is making all high powered 500w 600w + monos very expensive new quad balanced designs. Find a used Tube based pre amp like the C2200 would be a great match. B&W’s are wonderful sounding speakers IF you give them the electronics they deserve.

Matt M                                     Call Mike Sastra @ Audioclassics.com
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