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Opinions requested

So here is my search for opinions. I'm in the  rabbit hole dilemma. In search for a more audiophile sound and would like to try a tube or Class D amplifier (or combination of both) to replace an aging Adcom 555II amp. The system consists of Lexicon MC12B Pre/pro using zone 2 for 2 channel listening, Adcom 555II amp, Musical Fidelity A3CD CD, Sony PS 4300 TT and B&W 803D2 speakers. I'm looking at many options but am leaning towards a Rogue Pharao Integrated amp which has the best of both worlds (supposedly) Tube pre and class D amp to replace the Adcom. Has anyone had any experience with the Rogue Pharao and the B&W 803 combination? Or other suggestions? Your replies both positive and negative will be appreciated.
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georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

Be careful, there are no load graphs done on these that I could find, but it’s said the 803’s have a minimum impedance of 3ohms in the bass, which could look similar to the 802’s graph of impedance and -phase angle

https://www.stereophile.com/images/616BW802fig1.jpg

This sort graph indicates the use of an amp with decent current ability in the bass and even up to 1khz.

To get the very best from these speakers, I’d be looking at amps specs that can "almost" double their
8ohm wattage (eg100w)
to almost double it into 4ohms (eg200w)
and almost double it again into 2ohms (eg 400w).

Cheers George
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh OP
381 posts
 
Thanks georgehifi, In your opinion would the Rogue Pharaoh at 185 into 8ohms and 350 into 4 ohms be acceptable to drive the 803s at moderate listening levels say 85 t0 90 db?
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh OP
381 posts
 
Wished I knew how to make heads or tails out of the graph.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
 In your opinion would the Rogue Pharaoh at 185 into 8ohms and 350 into 4 ohms be acceptable to drive the 803s

I'm not a Class-D lover yet for full range, in the future maybe when semiconductor technology allows it to do the things I'd like to see coming from it.

As for the Rogue it would be nice if they gave the 2ohm figure as well, but they hardly do with Class-D amps specs, as they tend not do the doubling act down that far. It should be ok, maybe not the best in my view.

Seeing you have a pre already, I'd prefer a medium size Krell or maybe even a John Curl Halo A21 or if you can afford Halo JC1 Monoblocks.

Cheers George     
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh OP
381 posts
 
Georgehifi, Funny you should mention Krell. Yes they were previously driven via a KAV-2250 which gave up the ghost therefor the Adcom now. Way too expensive to fix the Krell. Im kind of gunshy with Krell products now. Ok unti was 10 years old but still at 6 grand it should have lasted longer. So I,m on the hunt now but what I,m salivating about is out of my league. Thats what budget living does to a guy.
I truly appreciate your wisdom and input. You do give most reasonable input not just to this post but many others.
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