2. amps-preamps
  3. 127314-90652

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
bo1972's avatar
bo1972
2,789 posts
 
I had a client with 800D1, he owned Mark Levinson H33. It sounded dull. So I adviced him Pass Labs X600.5. They are a great match.

The Pass labs Labs X600.5 can build a very deep and wide stage. But with the DNA of the B&W the stage was still not that deep. This is a part no one can change.

B&W need new developers who are able to create better crossovers and drivers with a faster response. This is what you need to create a bigger and holographic huge stage. This will always be an essential part of highend.

I know many people with an expensive audio system who don’t take a 2 dimensional system serious either. For them as for me this has nothing to do with ’real’ highend.


Post removed 
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,570 posts
 
@joey_v 

Based on these posts, bo1972 deserves a lifelong membership of B&W haters club :-)
 
joey_v
668 posts
 
@lalitk I agree haha

im not going to give bo any more time that he needs.  I've encountered him way too many times on audiogon and he says the same thing.  Every thread he tries to derail even though it's not about the speakers that the OP is asking about... He is asking about amplification but Bo takes it upon himself to teach us about his trufi garbage.

FYI I've had Sonus Faber Stradivari and Rockport Aviors in my room and the BW  802d3 for me are better for my listening preferences and my biases.

Are they for everyone?  No there is no such thing.

But unlike Bo, I don't presume to tell everyone what to listen to because I have insight.  I'm not blind like Bo.

Not everyone is Bo.
matt_gf's avatar
matt_gf OP
5 posts
 
Thanks again for the continual feedback.  Some more useful than others :)

I hear that there could be new Classe Kit on the market in March/April so I need to bare this in mind.

I have planned some dealer visits over the weekend with a friend and somebody who I believe will help me to debate the pros/cons.

I agree with the main summary that I should base the choice on my own listening preferences.  After all, you guys have no idea how well calibrated my ears are!

Thanks again.

Matt

P.S.  I have learned through this process, that most of the brands could do with a serious design/aesthetic overhaul.  I would say that I am an Industrial Designer :)
More to discover