Opinions: Martin Logan Renaissance 15a vs. Bowers & Wilkins 800D3

@farne230 

The Rotel Michi M8 monoblocks would be glorious and easily compete with the McIntosh. The B&W's need current to tame those big woofers. When I had a pair of 802d3s, my dealer recommended the Michi series over the Luxman M900u; he sells both brands! The Michi series is that good; however, the new Luxman M10x is in another league, albeit far above your suggested budget though.  

I well remember Classe paired up with big B&W 800s and also remember thinking the Classe sound was rather musical, not so detailed and bright as many, hence why it could work with the semi-bright B&Ws and that diamond tweeter. A lean amp will keep you out of the room so caution is advised.

Have fun with those new-to-you speakers. They are great speakers without a doubt and with the right components they'll be enjoyable for a long time!

I am very close to  ordering the MC611 monoblocks and C2700 tube preamp and a Audioquest Niagara 5000 power conditioner. Cables, interconnect, stands, and music streamer are next (dealer suggested the HIFIRose RS250 (although I read on this forum there were some issues). 

a great amp is the unico 150 s beefy hybrid tube pramp coupled to a very potent solidatate amp section

Dave and troy

audio intellect nj

unison dealer

@farne230 if you’re going the CD player route I would suggest a player with a USB input. Audio Research, Luxman and Marantz come to mind. You can then get a dedicated streamer without a built in DAC and run its usb out into the usb in of the cd player to utilize its internal DAC. Unless of course you want to add a separate DAC and transport. Lots of options to explore.