B&W 803D - Best amplifiers to drive them

What is your budget for an Amp?

The size of your room will influence the amp. I have the 803d and use a Classe CA2200. Previously used a Krell KAV2250, but the Classe is a bit warmer. Pre is Krell KSL. Also used a VTL 5.5 which was very good. Room size is 16' x 23'. Generally speaking, you'll need some good quality/good current power as noted in previous post. Hope this helps some.

I own a pair of 803 Diamonds and drive them with X 4 NCORE NC400 mono blocks. They certainly love power and woke up very noticeably in their current configuration compared to my previous amp (Pass X250).

I auditioned the 802Diamond at the same time and actually all but made up my mind that I was going to get the 802's before arrival of the demo but after the audition I didn't feel there was a $5K difference between the two speakers.

So instead, I spent that $5K building X 4 mono blocks to fully power the 803 Diamonds to their max potential. Even before doing this, using the Pass X250 amp on the 803's they still were plenty close enough in SQ to the 802 to not loose any sleep over.

I have no regrets in my decision.

While I agree that McIntosh, Musical Fidelity and Pass Labs are good choices, like
Saackesc, I recommend Accuphase amps for B&W speakers from the 800 series.
Accuphase is IMO a significant step up from the brands mentioned above, but it
is also more expensive.

Regarding the 803D vs. 802D issue, 802D is without a doubt the superior
speaker. If you have the space for the 802D and can afford it go for it. Buying
the cheaper model is never cheaper in the long run.

Power mine with classe ca-5300 and very pleased.