B & W Matrix 801 S3 and tube amplifier

Totally agree w/ Rrog & Marakenetz. The 801 S3 is one of the finest speaker systems ever made. However, they are inefficient and were designed for professional-level amplification. Auditioned them back in the day with Threshold Stasis electronics, Sota Sapphire with a Magnepan Unitrac arm and Dynavector 23RS Ruby. Wow! Bought the table rig but couldn't swing the speakers at the time. Don't fool around; go for as much current and power as you can get. You won't be disappointed.

I use 801 s3 with tube amps. They really like high wattage, High current amps that cost big money. Getting those speakers to perform well has cost me a lot but it was worth every penny.

thanks for the comments .. 60-70W tube will not do it .. The most expensive tube amp I can afford would be Audio Research VT 100 MK II or III .. But based on the responses even 100W of tube power will not be sufficient(anybody tried this combo?). Since I have Conrad Johnson PV 12 pre-amp I would consider MF 2500A. I also like Simaudio and would consider W5.. Does anybody have experience with MF 2500A or W5 with 801 S3 ? Any other good suggestion under $2500.00 to be inserted between CJ PV 12 and B&W 801 S3 ?

Parasound Halo JC1's if you can find a deal on a used pair.
The A21 if you can't.

At your price range you need class D powerful amp such as Red Dragon or Wyred4sound.