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HELP : Best pre and power amps for B&W804 and HTM2

To All Audio Experts,

CURRENT SPECS: I own B&W 804 front speakers and a HTM2 center speaker. I had them powered by Denon AVC-A11SR which is now completely broken beyond repair. I was not all too satisfied with the power provided by the integrated amp to my 804 speakers. I also have a run-of-the-mill progressive DVD player which also doubled for a CD player.

CURRENT USE: I mostly use my system for movies/music in the following allocation: 50%/50%.

NEED: I have between US$5,000 to US$7500 to spend on either (i) an integrated amp that is powerful enough to truly enjoy my 804 speakers or (ii) pre/power amp combination. The total cost should also take into consideration of the relevant cables needed (I think I should upgrade the cables as well).

I might spend another US$1000 on a very good DVD/CD combo player to upgrade such component from the existing equipment.

What is the best match for my current speakers (I want to be able to continue to use my HTM2 speakers in a 3 channel format)?

I don't think I will likely upgrade my speakers in the future (unless they break) nor will I spend more money to upgrade the amplifier once they are purchased (unless again they break).

Although, down the road in a few years, I may consider purchasing rear speakers/sub woofer but am not firm on this.

Lastly, I was recommended to go with Rotel RSP 1570 and RMB 1575 for pre/power amp combo but I understand this is a class D amp (which may be inferior, etc).

QUESTION: What is the best route to complement my current speakers under the proposed budget? I am NOT an audiophile but I also want to have the best components that I can be proud of and enjoy for many years to come without ever considering an upgrade.

THANK YOU MUCH IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR THOUGHTFUL/INSIGHTFUL COMMENTS.
slim1
slim1 OP
6 posts
 
Dear Zephyr,

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my thread and I apologize to you and others about the confusion (since I didn't know better).

Yes I would like to purchase a system that can utilize all three of my speakers (804 and HTM2 with no rear speakers).

In terms of a multi-channel surround pre-processor, does McIntosh MX-134 qualify (I saw a couple of them on Ebay and Audiogon for a very good price). If so, then would you recommend it given it doesn't have HDMI for HD video?

Thank you.
zephyr24069's avatar
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zephyr24069
1,241 posts
 
No worries! The MX134 and MX135 are fine-sounding surround pre-processors however if memory serves from when I auditioned them, you may find that they don't provide all the surround post-processing formats (Thx Ultra and Ultra2) that you may want for future upgradeability. I would suggest you also listen to the Classe SSP-300 as well as the MX134, MX135 and new MX136 (have not heard this one).
slim1 OP
6 posts
 
If the surround pre-processor doesn't support such formats, then does it mean that the sounds don't come out at all (or does it mean that it will come out in the next best format such as Dolby, etc)?

Also, if the processor doesn't have HDMI, then does it mean that the pictures don't come out when playing HDMI format?

Should I go with one of the Denon surround pre-processor and McIntosh MC 205? Looks like Denon packs a whole lot into their processors and I can pick-up one up along with MC205 (used) to get a good combo. I will definitely have a listen to Classe as suggested. Thank you.
zephyr24069's avatar
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zephyr24069
1,241 posts
 
There are two sides to understand; pre-processing/decoding, i.e. taking the Dolby Digital (various) or DTS encodings off the DVD (or the new HD formats for BluRay) and transforming them to multi-channel analog and "post-processing" where various steps towards timbre matching, etc....are taken by the algorithms in the processor. THX Ultra, and THX Ultra2 are examples of things that are post-processed. I'm no expert,...I'm giving you the layman's interpretation of all the various materials I've read and the equipment I've used over the years. In a nutshell, if you don't have the post-processing options, you can still decode and play Dolby Digital, DTS and other newer standards (according to what your processor will support) in their native formats and be very happy. I happen to have liked THX Ultra2 post-processing for my 7.1 system but that was largely a personal preference.

All of this is a lot more readily explained via phone/email so drop me an email and we can hook up so I can explain all the background behind this and answer any questions that you might have additionally.

I do not have experience with the Denon or McIntosh pieces you list immediately above; perhaps others can help you there. They do have good reputations...

If the processor does not have HDMI inputs, that does imply that video will not come out (and you cannot input HDMI audio either). For those processors with HDMI support these days, you should also pay attention to the version of HDMI that is supported so that you get the most out of your HDMI audio and video both now and in the future. Again, this is another topic where I'd be glad to explain in detail what I'm talking about...
lewinskih01
909 posts
 
Slim,

I also have 804S, but only do stereo, so I can't comment on processors or multi-channel amps, but can give some input.

I use a McIntosh MC275. It's 2x 75 Watts, tubed amp. I LOVE it.

Amp brands that are generally regarded as good matches with B&W 800-series are Classe, McIntosh, Rowland (have not heard), Levinson (have not heard). Bewtween Classe and solid state McIntosh with 804S is a matter of taste. Both are good, in my view. Mc tubes are also a matter of taste.

I tried MC252 (250 W per channel, solid state) and MC275 and preferred the latter. Some prefer the 252.

Now, I did have a Rotel RB1080 (200 per channel), and while good for the money, they are on a different, lower, league than McIntosh or Classe. I actually switched over because the trebble was overbearing for my taste. The aluminum tweeters in the 804S are to be dealt with, with their pros and cons.
Please note the RB1080 is 200W while the 275 is 75W, yet to my ears the 275 had nicer bass coupled with the 804 and in my room. Someone over at AAsylum explained this was because the 804S is an overdamped design and the 275 has low damping factor, so they even up. Can't tell if this is so, but it sounds good to my ears.

I hope this helps!
Horacio
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