2. amps-preamps
  3. 158517-142512

100W, 200W, or 300W?

I'm pretty new to this and could use some help. Working down my list of upgrades: did speakers, room treatment on order... I think next up is to replace my amp.

I'm currently using a Harman Kardon PA2000 stereo amp that I had sitting in storage. 100 WPC @ 8 Ohm. It's "OK", but it probably the weak point in my system right now.

For speakers, I picked up B&W 805D3 tabletops with stands.

88 dbSPL sensitivity, 8 ohm. They recommend 50-120W @ Ohm for the amp power on their site.

I pulled up an amplifier calculator and plugged in some numbers:

88 sBSPL, 8 ft distance, 85 dB volume w 15 dB headroom and this came out to 3W RMS w 94W peak

I have my heart set on blue watt meters so I see the following options:

1) MA5300 @ 100 WPC, no autoformers, integrated
2) MA7200 @ 200 WPC, has autoformers, integrated
3) MC302 @ 300 WPC, has autorormers, seperates


For the MA5300, I'm concerned that there isn't enough headroom. If I even get close to the 94W peak, it means that I'm pushing the amp to the max, so I'd probably be operating in an area of reduced sonic performance since it's being stressed. Is this a correct assumption?

The MA7200 looks like it'll leave plenty of headroom and it also has (for better or worse) autoformers which seems to be what puts the "mac sound" in macs.

The MC302 is just sexy as heck... but is there any realistic gain with my current set up that I would get by buying one of these? Or is it so much overkill that I am just throwing money away at this point?
eisenb11
ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,879 posts
 
hi the amp power no more then 150 watt amp for the b w 805d3 how big is the room what is a good spl level for you  if you like the way the speakers sound take the time to match the amp to the speakers it is the only way so they sound nice to you preamp is more of the sound then the amp the speakers are the sound.50% the room is the sound 50%
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
@auxinput curious, what amps were those? What are you using now with your 805D3s?
The 250 watt monoblocks were Emotiva XPA-1L.
The 500 watt monoblocks were Emotiva XPA-1

Currently, I’m using Emotiva XPR-1 monoblocks (1000 watt) for my front stage (left/center/right/sub). They have all been completely rebuilt / upgraded. Neotech OCC copper for all internal wiring. 24 x 10,000uf Mundorf caps for main power supply. Nichicon FG/KW for all amp boards. Upgraded WIMA film caps and KEMET film-on-foil caps for all amp boards.   Furutech fuses.

Obviously I’m not anywhere using the full 1000 watts. If I crank it with a heavy bass effects movie, I can get the sub amp to about 70% (which is about 1200 watts into 4 ohm subwoofer load). But the other amps never get above 30% or so with the extreme peaks. The XPR amps have LED lighting on the front that shows how much power it’s generating (like the dials on McIntosh amps).
cakyol's avatar
cakyol
940 posts
 
The more power you have the better your ability to drive worse speakers.  It is better to have always more power and not use it, rather than needing more power and not having it.

ei001h
275 posts
 
If you go with Mac skip the 5300 and go for 7200. It should be more than sufficient for your speakers. Ma7200 is a complete package, an excellent DAC and pre amp all in one unit. You'll also save on cables with an integrated. Don't make your life complicated with separates. 

However, I'd advise you to forget the Mac entirely and go for Luxman L-509X. Much better amp in all respects than Mac.You'll have to add a DAC, or get a nice streamer with a DAC ( aurender or lumin). 

 I say this and I own a two Mac amps, preamp, and av processor. I think your speakers deserve a better amp. I was also initially entranced by the blue meters and mid century modern look and bought all Mac equipment. They're not bad at all, very lush, powerful and warm sounding. But once I heard what other amps could do with my speakers, I could no longer live with Macs. I agree with auxinput, Mac is very laid back and mild.

You know what would sound even better? A tube amp. Once you hear a quality tube amp, you'll never forget that sound. I believe that's where the real audiophilia begins. What type of music do you listen to? 
mrklas
441 posts
 
Interesting dilemma as I considered the MC 7200,MC 89000 and MC 302. 
My starting point was a NAD C 375 BEE and ultimately I went with the MC302. 
I believe more power provides more control for the speaker so I wouldn’t fear overkill. 
Your decision is more about value per dollar and for that I’d suggest you consider going with an integrated amp if your current head unit cannot do that. I have McIntosh C 2600 pre amp and MC 302 - it’s awesome and there are numerous combos at the investment level that are excellent as well. 
The 7200 has a DAC that is a step ip from your Sonus and the 100 watt difference from the 302 is not easily heard. 
As an aside, sound delivery from my system is delivered smoothly and listening sessions often are hours I duration because I don’t get any fatigue. 
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