8-10k budget suggestions please


Hey guys, 

been out of the game about 10 years, got a new wife, new house, and plugged in my old B&W 804's.  Connected them to a Denon receiver expecting to want to do surround sound.......But forget it!  I really want to maximize my 804's for 2 channel listening.

My room is 15ft long by 13 by 9.  not very big but I need amplification and streaming capabilites.  Will add TT later as I do have vinyl.  Room tx is on it's way so let's just assume it's already done.

 

Thanks for all your help!

128x128asmithkash

@b737max  Agree! I think OP should seriously consider SS amps that double output into 8/4/2 ohms.

My Vincent hybrid SP-331 is 150W/ch/8 ohms and 300W/ch/4 ohms and it's almost not enough current. I'm considering bi-amping looking forward.

yeah im hoping the Krell is plenty.  They have always been known for their power I believe

I hope I am wrong for the sake of your excitement, but a Krell amp is one of the last amps I would have paired with B&W. I know most of them to be very forward and analytical, and you needed something to tame the same characteristics of your speakers. Try not to let the, "new smell"  of the amp cloud your ability to listen critically once the pairing is made...

 

Krell will have no problem driving those speakers. Will sound great! Good source like a Denafrips DAC would be next. I like B&W speakers, but they are very unforgiving of your source. I’m a huge believer in empirical numbers and data… They are very important and a good guide, but somethings numbers just can’t measure. The most powerful audio processor ever made is between your ears. No oscilloscope, multi meter or analytical software can come close to measuring what’s going on there. I love the audio science review guys, but the best topping DAC just can’t compare with my terminator. tried one and sent it back. If you ever get the upgrade bug or tire of your current system, consider an SET as mentioned above before you start blowing big bucks. Enjoy!

… Also, don’t be afraid of a little bit of digital EQ through Roon or such.
Quick and dirty. Download an audio analyzer app on your phone. Set your speakers up. (Do a little research on speaker placement and tow in). Stream some pink noise through the system. From seating position look for any obvious frequency peaks/dips on your app. Adjust toe in and placing to smooth. Then, smooth remaining peaks with digital EQ. Don’t try for completely flat, no more than -2 to-3dB digital EQ. Don’t try to flatten every little tiny peak you see. Leave them alone. Just the big ones. Less is more. I would leave dips alone with EQ. Instead, fine-tune the placement. Don’t get too uptight about it though. Adjust and fine-tune focus and staging by ear. Moving your seat back-and-forth just a few inches can have a dramatic effect. You could also experiment with one speaker at a time measuring a meter away. And then at seating position. Just need to get in the ball park then let your brain adjust a few weeks and it will do the rest! Don’t stress over this crap too much. Have fun with it!