2. amps-preamps
  3. 162847-154609

B&W 804d3 amplifier pairing....(Rotel RB1590?)

I am trying to figure out what amp to pair with my B&W 804d3. I have listened to a few Arcam, Mcintosh, and Rotel amplifiers and preferred the sound of the Rotel with these speakers. I never listened to the rb1590 but enjoyed the smaller Rotels. Overall I like a fairly neutral frequency response, maybe slightly bright and airy. I also generally prefer sound to be as precise/fast/analytical/accurate as possible.

I am also considering the Bryston amps, maybe the Bryston 4b3, but am unsure if the price increase would be justified. Also, not sure if it would sound better given that B&W pairs the Rotel amps with their speakers and the Rotel combinations I have heard sounded really good imo. Also for me, a 2x increase in price would have to have a substantial performance increase. By substantial I mean any normal person would have to easily identify it.

What do you think, RB1590 best choice for me? Should I pursue Bryston or other options?
familiar1985
techno__dude
511 posts
 
My choices would be Bryston 4B3, Luxman M-900u or Simaudio.
soix
9,810 posts
 
Bryston, Bryston, Bryston! There are a couple 4B3s available here now for about $4100 — grab one.
kren0006
1,859 posts
 
Honestly, if your preferred sonic characteristics are include bright, as you mentioned, you are on the right track with B&W and Rotel. Plus you already think it sounds good. 

Bryston doesn’t really have a common house sound throughout its line. Some sound warmer and some brighter. I forget which are which so you’d have to listen to know. But quality is a step up from Rotel. 

The other name I’d suggest to improve quality from Rotel with your stated tastes would be Musical Fidelity. Something like the 6si or maybe 5si
telescope_trade
555 posts
 
You might want to look at the new Rotel Michi line of integrated amps. I just bought the X-5 and could not be happier.
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
The upper end Rotel amps are very good. I was rather impressed when I heard them. The voicing is very slightly on the warm side (it has just a bit of a warm texture), but it still has excellent resolution.

The Bryston 3B amps are on the complete opposite side. They are clean and neutral sounding. However, they can sound a bit thin and without texture on some systems/speakers. I would generally recommend these latest Bryston amps if you have a very warm/slow preamp.

I own the B&W D3 speakers and tested some Bryston 7b3 monoblocks. I was able to get them sounding good with a fuse upgrade, but they just could not keep up with the other amps I had (Parasound JC1 and Emotiva XPR-1). The Bryston’s just sounded weak and thin in comparison. They did not have as much midrange/midbass body and it seemed the upper mids/highs were too clean and lacking grit/texture/resolution.

Other people may have different opinions/experiences.
More to discover