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Best Tube Based Options For B&W 803S Speakers

Thinking about taking the plunge into the tube arena to soften up the highs in my 803S speakers. I currently have an Anthem AVM30 using Genelec speakers in a 5.1 theatre system as well as an Anthem A2 pushing the 803S for 2 channel. I will be upgrading to a 7.1 processor at some point possibly the Marantz 8801 and considering an upgrade to the Oppo 105 as well.

My immediate concern is what would make the most sense and be cost effective in terms of trying out some tube equipment for a 2 channel rig. Perhaps keep the A2 and try a tube preamp, or sell it and try an integrated tube amp. Maybe try some type of tube based CD player using the analog bypass in the theatre processor. My budget is around $2,500 used and I am looking for something easy to maintain.

Comments are much appreciated thanks.

bullitt731
zd542
5,339 posts
 
I had the 802's and had the same problem with the highs. The best way to fix the it is to get different speakers. If you really are set on throwing money at the problem, I got best results with a Rowland 112. I tried many different amps, both tube and SS, and the Rowland softened up the highs better than anything else. But I still say get different speakers.
bullitt731 OP
25 posts
 
Thanks appreciate the comments across the board.

I have no problem updating the amp as well and was looking at the Halo A21 if that would be a better tube preamp match, or other suitable suggestions.

Really no interest in replacing the speakers as they are in mint condition. The base and imaging in my application are excellent. I just want to tone down the highs a touch. Also intrigued about experiencing the tube sound.

zd542
5,339 posts
 
Tubes will work on your speakers. You just need to make sure you get one with enough power. Here's a few amps that may work well for you.

Quicksilver V4's
ARC VT100
Conrad Johnson Premier 12's
VAC PA 100
Sonic Frontiers Power 3
Rogue Stereo 100
Cary V12
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
The input impedance of the Halo A21 is spec'd at 33K unbalanced and 66K balanced, which would be a suitable match for most tube preamps. I'd still be hesitant to pair it with the BAT preamp, however, assuming the output impedance of the VK-3i is similar to that of the VK-3ix. Although with recordings which don't have significant content in or near the bottom octave you may not notice any issues.

Regarding use of a tube power amp with your speakers, I couldn't find an impedance vs. frequency curve for the 803S. However, impedance curves for several other B&W models, including some that seem to have a degree of commonality with the design of the 803S, all show a rise to very high impedance values (well above 20 ohms) in the upper midrange/lower treble area, around 2 to 4 kHz or so.

The interaction of that kind of impedance variation with the relatively high output impedance of a tube amp will result in greater emphasis of those particular frequencies, relative to other frequencies, in comparison with the frequency response that would occur with a solid state amp. That would seem to be the opposite of what you are trying to accomplish, namely softening the highs.

As others have indicated above, when it comes to power amplification B&W's tend not to be tube-friendly.

Regards,
-- Al
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
Zd, tubes will work but not for the specified budget.
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