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Intergrated Amp suggestions for B&W 805d4

Hi Everyone,

I am new to this forum and to any music forum for that matter.  I have been reading a lot of threads here that I have been informative and helpful.

I am looking to match an intergrated amp with the new 805s, and would very much appreciate any suggestions or recommendations.

I have listened with the Naim Atom and Nova and personally, whilst  I liked the detail, I found it too forward and fatiguing.  With the Hegel 390, I found the bass rounder but top end more forward. With the Musical Fidelity M5si, I much preferred this sound as it was rounder and softer yet detailed but less detailed than the Naim.  (Apologies if I use the wrong audiophile terminology, I am unfamiliar with these terms but I am only using what I feel best fits with my discription of sound)

A few people have recommended the MA252 and MA 352 from McIntosh as they advised that this will soften the diamond tweeter and also bring warmth and extension to the bass.  Others have recommended tube amps like Prima Luna.

i have never owned or had any experience with tube amps.

Any suggestions, info or advice  for a good amp to match my speakers?

Thank you in advance.

 

ezikl
daledeee1's avatar
daledeee1
562 posts
 

Let me put on my shield first.  I always thought the MAC stuff sounded kind of muffled.  Could be other things, but that is what I consistently hear.  That's just me

If I recall, I have seen Classe paired with B&W.  I have Pass but not sure how it would sound with B&W.  They would be slightly less warmer than the Luxman.  Recommendations are tougher since you live in a far away land. 

An amp with some Class A would be good. I don't think Class D would give you what you want.  Might work if you had a tube preamp or we are back to the hybrid brands.  Good luck!

mofojo
2,288 posts
 

One thing to consider about Musical Fidelity is that for whatever reason they do not hold their value well if buying new. Not sure why, maybe change models too often? I bought a a1008 for $1400 and this was a 6k integrated in 2009ish. It sounds very very good. If this represents the MF sound overall I would describe it as smooth and powerfully with a nice meaty mid range. 
 

 

paulgardner
183 posts
 

@ezikl I have the 805 d3’s and am powering them with a Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II. Great combo. I know some might not agree with the idea of “tuning” the sound with interconnects and speaker cables but that’s what I do and it’s a great way to take the edge off the diamond tweeters. Good luck!

brunomarcs's avatar
brunomarcs
281 posts
 

I have 802 series 3 with Troels Gravenson crossover upgrade powered by Brystons, someone mentioned more toe-in,  Ive done this and it's been fantastic. B&W doesn't get much love on this forum it seems. It's mandatory I use subs. 

luxmancl38
580 posts
 

I'll add another vote for Luxman. It'll tame the B&W top end but still bring out the detail.Also if your into Vinyl they have excellent built in phonos.

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