If you go with subs, you will need an active crossover or DSP to roll the lows off your 702’s. Then the Mac will have more than enough power!
I still have an ancient audio research crossover for such needs.
All the best.
JD
Underpowered?
Hi guys. Newbie here asking for advice.
I recently purchased a pair of B&W 702 Signature (8Ω, 30-300W, 90 dB) to replace my old faithful 683s (8Ω, 20-200W, 90 dB). I am running them with a McIntosh MA252 (100W into 8Ω, 160W into 4Ω). I purchased them thinking they would complete my end-game system. However, my excitement turned into disappointment when I realized the lows were somewhat lacking. For all their faults, the 683s had a great dynamic low kick (no sub) that I was looking to take one step further. Unsurprisingly, the highs and mids on the 702s were indeed more detailed and separation was clearer, but I couldn't get over the uninspiring lows. I found myself listening at higher volumes chasing for that bass oomph. Neither playing with the EQ at the source nor the amp was satisfactory. So, I did the research that perhaps I should've done before purchasing the 702s and found out they are quite power hungry despite the specs being similar to the 683s. I emailed B&W and McIntosh and they agreed the amp is probably underpowered for the 702s. B&W described the sound of an underpowered speaker as one lacking low response and details, which is spot on. McIntosh suggested the MA352 (200W into 8Ω, 320W into 4Ω).
Of note, I love the MA252 and really wish there was a way to make this work. I don't need a DAC/streamer/etc so I'm happy to put all my money on better sound vs tech features. But I also think the speakers sound amazing even when somewhat underpowered and I'm considering upgrading to a MA352, Michi X3, Hegel 390. Another option could be to get a sub? But I feel that would defeat the purpose of having a 3way standing speaker and then I might as well get a pair of bookshelf speakers (805 D4s, LS50 metas?).
So what do you guys think? Is it normal for a speaker that's rated 30-300W to be underpowered with a 100W amp?? What would you do:
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Sell the 702s and look for a better match for my MA252?
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Upgrade the MA252 (MA352? Michi X3? NAD 33?)?
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Get a subwoofer?
I would really appreciate your thoughts/advice!
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- 90 posts total
#1 - do you like the speakers? #2 - Those Purifi Eigentakt do not look as good as a Mac. But they likely have the cojones. As @ctsooner mentioned there is the Vandy sub, which is sort of an active alternative to the DSP based approach. And that folds back into #2 as some load is relieved off of the speakers and amp.
I know nothing about the B&W, but are you smitten with them? They do appear top be a bit weak on the lower registers:
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can't believe it's not enough power unless you're in a monster size room. Systems have oomph if they're dynamically linear and that can be limited by a speaker with a lousy impedance load and/or an amp that can't handle the load. My gut feeling is it's the speakers. A common recommendation for non-dynamic speakers is to add power and play loud. This doesn't really provide linear dynamic level changes but loudness compensates some for a lack of life in reproduction. |
- 90 posts total