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Best amp for B&W805D3?

I am settling in with these relatively new speakers and find my amp (Primaluna Dialogue HP with tubes ranging from EL-34’s to KT150s) is not matching up very well.  The tubes just sound a bit muddled and sluggish with some harshness or brightness in the upper-mid range.

I normally prefer the warmer sound of the tubes especially with Klipsch Heresy speakers. The EL-34s are very disappointing with the B&W’s.  With the B&W’s, the KT-150’s are somewhat better resolving than the other tubes (at least on the Primaluna amp).  I am wondering if it is the additional power that is helping?  I am also wondering if I need to switch to SS?

I am curious what amps are you finding works best worth the 805 D3s?  I am open to changing out the amp but not sure where to start.   I would appreciate hearing anyone’s experience with this matter...
pscar
kenjit
1,771 posts
 
its nothing to do with the amps. its the tweeters. you will need to remove the crossover and retune them. They have too much highs. 
geof3
1,129 posts
 
A friend is running a Musical Fidelity M6si Integrated to great effect with the B&W’s. Her system sounds very nice. Don’t touch the tweeters...
soix
9,547 posts
 
I am wondering if it is the additional power that is helping? I am also wondering if I need to switch to SS?
Yes!!! Tubes don’t generally work optimally with B&Ws unless you pay up big $$$ for lots of tube power. IMO you’re much better off going with a tube pre and a Class A (or similar sounding type) amp. Something like the Unison Research Unico Due integrated would probably give you most everything you’re looking for, just to throw one possibility out there. Hope this helps, and best of luck finding something that works well for you.
gregm
3,405 posts
 
Some time ago I tried a number of amps on a pair of 805-II (i.e. a previous model).Driven well you should have clarity rather than harshness.
I can confirm what is said above: a class A SS (or a good AB) will drive them well -- a MF nuvista integrated, a Pass 60, and ATC integrated, etc. All  reasonably priced and great performers

If you insist on tubes, the only amp I tried with (remarkable) success was a CAT -- which is ruinously expensive, but gave the best sound!
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,786 posts
 
It is not possible for a speaker to have "too much highs". What is possible is to reduce all frequencies BELOW the uppers which gives the illusion of exaggerated highs.
My 804D3s are having a continuous love affair with a BAT VK-255SE amp. Give this insanely reasonable (used) amp a try (with a good tube pre). 
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