How do I power my 800D(3)s

+1 on China Crap!

We must recognize that it is the fault of us consumers too - we like cheaper products - as soon as one or two companies shut shop and fire staff and move overseas - others are forced to follow to be able to compete for consumer $ in the lowest bottom of the barrel cheapness race. China makes what the investors want. It goes on in all sectors of the market. I blame greedy corporations for tarnishing great names like Saul Marantz. The Marantz MM7025 is an example of a legendary brand name on a poorly built product.

My DAC is made in America. My speakers are entirely U K built (including the cabinets, woofer, mid range and tweeter) My power amp is also hand built in UK.  My TT is vintage Japanese from 70’s. My UHD bluray and DSP are probably made in Malaysia. Am I avoiding China - you bet!!!! Does it make a difference - you bet!!!

No body mentioned BAT VK-1000? I have a pair of monoblock VK-1000s drive B&W 801D, they are perfectly marriaged, they sound amazing with deep soundstage!

Bryston

I don’t think that it is bad to manufacture audio in China when you use good parts. When you start to use cheaper parts the sound and quality is different.

I just spoke a person today who uses AudioResearch, he said; that the new pre amps uses cheaper parts and he didn’t like the sound and quality either.

In my world you need better materials instead of cheaper and inferior parts. You need to give people more quality, we already have too much quantity in audio.

Matt,

i seldom participate on the forums, but you asked about Linn.  I have a pair of 802D2s (and a matching center HTM) that I originally paired with a Mac MC303.  They sounded great -- I thought. Then I acquired a Linn Sondek (my digital side is all Meridian), and my friend told me I wasn't hearing the full potential from the 802Ds. He convinced me to trial the Linn Klimax Solos.  Game over.  I ordered 3 of them within a week. They ain't cheap -- you can find older ones with the old power supply, but get the Dynamik'ed ones. So fast, so sharp, so transparent.  It was like a bought a new set of speakers. 

So to sum up, I've run 802Ds on Mac and on Linn, and if you can afford them, get the Linns (Klimax Solos).   You won't regret it.