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To much wattage for B & W 805s ??

After hearing the new 805S I'm thinking of purchasing. My problem is that I just bought a Madrigal Proceed HPA-2 (250wpc that doubles to 500wpc).. 0.1% THD) The B&W brochure advises using no more than a 120wpc amp. I rarely, if ever go near 11 o'clock on my volume setting. I have not yet sold my BPA-2 (125wpc) but would of course prefer to use the bigger amp. With all the dynamics in classical music would I have to worry about damaging the speakers. Would it be recommended I use the smaller amp and stay within B&W's guidelines. I would really appreciate your advice. Thank you! (and I apologize if this has been discussed, but I couldn't find it in another thread.)
classical1
jeffjarvis
257 posts
 
My 805s sound nice with 33 watts Class A by Sugden.
I also listened to some powerfull amps from Krell and Mcintosh. Don't think I'm missing anything.

timf
237 posts
 
JeffJarvis-
Hard as it is for me to imagine I believe it. I think B&Ws are more particular about the sort of power they are getting. A lot of power is also relative to its delivery, and I have read that Sugden amps are capable of driving some fairly inefficient speakers. If the Sugden does have any shortcommings how are they evidenced with respect to the B&Ws? Is it okay to ask this? I think it is related to the topic.
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artizen65
273 posts
 
Classical1

I agree with Rushton. The most important thing to remember is that it needs to be clean power. Distortion is more damaging than any of the dynamics in the music will be. I will reiderate that caution with your volume knob should still should be used.

I have found like other B&W owners the more power the better.

Good luck.

Michael
jeffjarvis
257 posts
 
I don't think I can ask anything more from my 33 watt, Sugden Masterclass integrated. Very pleased.
Can't turn the volume knob past 7:00 position without disturbing the neighbors. If you were sitting here and I told you it was 200 watts, you would believe it.
If you ever get to Bangkok, look me up so we can have a serious listen.
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artizen65
273 posts
 
Jeffjarvis,

Ok I will be a little more specific. The B&W Floor standers are power hungry. The Monitors usually do fine with tubes.

Michael
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