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Best amp for B&W Nautilus 804? Looking for advice.

Howdy,

I own a pair of B&W Nautilus 804's and I'm looking for a new (used) amp/preamp to drive them. I'm currently using a Classe CAP-151 which is adequate but I'm looking for more. Looking for a broader, deeper soundstage and a live, real sound (at least as much as my budget will allow).

Right now I'm looking on the used market for one of these three set-ups: 1)Classe 47.5 Pre / CA-301 Power; 2)Krell KRC3 Pre / FPB200 Power; 3) Krell KAV 500i. Any other options in this price range?

Don't have a krell dealer in the area so I can't audition. Hoping anyone familiar with that equipment will offer their opinion.

Thanks all, John
miner
dbui1
28 posts
 
Go with option 1 but prefer with a pair mono Classe CAM-201 (new design & cheaper)
I have similar set up: B&W Nautilus 803 with Classe CA-300 sound is magical, warm and very dynamic (Harmonic Tech. Pro silway II and Acoustic Zen Satori cables)
Good Luck
miner OP
2 posts
 
Thanks for the advice. To be honest with you I didn't even know the CAM-200 was out there. Pulled up their web site and found it marked "new". Haven't been able to find any reviews on the net though. Would you really go with a pair of CAM-200's over a CA-300/301? Price is great, $3,600.00 MSRP for a pair but I can get a used 301 in that range. I guess I've read so many great reviews about the 301.

I've gotta confess I'm a novice. What are the advantages of mono blocks? Also what will they do for my N804's that the CAP-151 can't do? What else will I need for that kind of set-up?

Sorry about all the questions. Thanks again.

John
ohlala
1,235 posts
 
I do not like Krell, especially with B&W's tonal qualities, especially if you are looking for a real, live sound. The CA-300 will do very well, but I would urge you to go balls out and look in to tube preamps and amps. Tubes better match your criteria, and I think the nautilus line's fairly fast, dry, large sound begs for tube amplification.
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