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

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.

Well, there's another option I hadn't considered. Found a wealth of excellent info on tubes vs SS in the forum archives so I won't burden you with too many questions. One quick one though, what tube amp set-up is suitable for the N804's. (my budget is $2500 to $4500 and I'm looking on the used market too.

Thanks again.

John

I should have stated in my above post that I have not actually heard tubes with the 804s, I am just putting two & two together, so to speak. I am stepping out on a taboo ledge here, basing these recs on what some people I respect have noted. I figure this is better than no response at all in this thread. If I were you, I would research/look in to used Joule Electra mk. II or III pre, conrad-johnson amps and preamps, Rogue amps and preamps, Audible Illusions M3A preamp, Counterpoint preamps (no longer in business, but can be sent for repairs), and Blue Circle. Searches for these on audioasylum.com will yield more specifics and other suggestions. Maybe there is a local dealer for you running around too. Check out this site someone else on audiogon has recommended: http://www.high-endaudio.com/index_ac.html It is very interesting and may help you.

I have read a review at AR and have talked with Cary Audio . The best bet is the V 12. Cary has even come out with a balanced preamp to use the V12s balanced outputs. I'm currently using my Classe' CAP151 as a preamp for my Bel Canto EVo 200.2. I know I want the new Cary preamp, but ain't sure I want a tube amp. The BC is soo nice and smooth with detail and the ability to resolve strings like you ain't never heard.My N804s are biwired with Analysis Plus Oval 9.

I have the 804's and they need solid state. I first had the 804's paired with 2 different conrad-johnson set ups. The CAV-50 no detail, then the prem.11 better but just not there. I now have the 804's paired to a Mark Levinson #383 and they came alive. Great detail. The 804's voice so well they bring the best out of good solid state. I have the c-j set up running Spendor 2/3's and that set up sings. I love music and I like both solid state and tube's. E-Mail me if you want to know more. Peace and Good Listening.