As the owner of B&Ws for 15 years, I can tell you that they are power hungry, and love clean, solid state watts. Tube power amps make them sound flabby, in my experience. I would recommend no less than 150 wpc to get the best out of them.
How much power needed for B&W 683?
Hello,
I am putting together a system for a friend and picked up some used B&W 683 (S1) loudspeakers. Likely going for a Cambridge Audio CXN for the source component, but am having trouble picking out amplification. I would like to keep the system as simple as possible. Integrated with a pre out would be ideal, as a sub may need to be added to the system later, but I am also open to the idea of getting a straight power amplifier. (No preamp will really be needed as the CXN has a digital volume control and no analog sources will be used) Don’t want to spend more than $1000 used on this. Units I am currently considering are:
NAD C 375BEE (Integrated, 150wpc, feel like this not enough power)
Anthem 225 (Integrated, 225wpc)
Emotiva XPA-2 (Straight power amp, 300WPC)
I’m most set on the Anthem 225, but am open to ideas. Will 225 watts be enough power for these speakers to get the most out of the bass drivers? While it won’t be their main use, the speakers will often be used at pretty loud levels during parties and such.
I am putting together a system for a friend and picked up some used B&W 683 (S1) loudspeakers. Likely going for a Cambridge Audio CXN for the source component, but am having trouble picking out amplification. I would like to keep the system as simple as possible. Integrated with a pre out would be ideal, as a sub may need to be added to the system later, but I am also open to the idea of getting a straight power amplifier. (No preamp will really be needed as the CXN has a digital volume control and no analog sources will be used) Don’t want to spend more than $1000 used on this. Units I am currently considering are:
NAD C 375BEE (Integrated, 150wpc, feel like this not enough power)
Anthem 225 (Integrated, 225wpc)
Emotiva XPA-2 (Straight power amp, 300WPC)
I’m most set on the Anthem 225, but am open to ideas. Will 225 watts be enough power for these speakers to get the most out of the bass drivers? While it won’t be their main use, the speakers will often be used at pretty loud levels during parties and such.
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- 4 posts total
- 4 posts total