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What do you think is the best power-amp between B&W speakers and Chord DAVE

Hi all,
I am new registered, even though I read a lot and learned a lot from this forum. 

I just got a Dave a few weeks ago. Indeed, it is great. I am trying to explore more out of it, considering upgrading my current power amp (NAD c275bee)  I love the Nad c275bee sound (it betters my YAMAHA a-s1200). I would appreciate something more transparent than the NAD. Something makes the sound MORE REAL..... 

To drive my 88dB b&w bookshelves, I think 150w could be more than enough.....so I arrived at these candidates: 

Bryston 3b3,
Chord Etude,
Passlab x150.8 or 150.5.
Parasound a23+. 

From what I read online, it is really difficult to come to an easy decision.

Someone says 4b3(3b3's big brother) is dark while someone says it is bright. PassLAB seems to be a favor from many people, but no clear ideas about how and why (some 3D sound stage?). While some people love Etude and say it is the new generation, but there are so few comments online. Parasound A23+ is also not a hot topic...... 

May I kindly ask for some suggestions and experiences? 


tension255
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,500 posts
 
I would avoid Chord and Bryston.  They definitely are to the brighter side of neutral.  Neither is viciously bright but the Chord Dave is forward as are the B&W speakers.  

On your list, Pass is much better than the Parasound and will deliver a better soundstage. Parasound is very good for the money but Pass is elite.  To get same quality from Parasound, you need to look at the JC line.  

I am not sure what your budget is but Bricasti or AVM would be best options IMO.  I would look at the AVM Ovation SA 6.3 or the Bricasti M15 or M25.  

I am a dealer for Chord, Bricasti and AVM.  I have no affiliation with any of the other brands mentioned.  
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 
Electron Kinetics Eagle 7 - designed by John Iverson. 
joey54
434 posts
 
I haven’t heard the Chord but for an amplifier that works well the older, not Class D, Primare amps were a great fit with B&W speakers. If you want to stay current you won’t go wrong with Pass. 
tension255 OP
13 posts
 
Thanks all for helping out. I just double-checked the dimension of Pass labs amps. They are way too big for my rack, I almost pushed the order button of Pass x150.8. I am checking the other amps recommended in the posts, but I am really leaning towards a Chord Etude..... 
tension255 OP
13 posts
 
Sorry, Pass is way too big.... I have to choose something else, at least <40 cm depth..... 
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