I need help deciding on my next move for a 2 channel amp. I will be powering my B&W 802D speakers thru a Cary SLP03 tube preamp. I am currently using a Cary cinema 7B amp as I prefer it sound to the Krell 400Xi that I have been using. The Krell is too hard and etching on highs. The Cary offers a better balance and warmer sound without giving up any detail. I have also been considering the Cary Cinema 2 which is twice the ouput of the Cinema 7B @ 200W. I have been considering the Specton, Parasound A21 and perhaps a Pass amp. My budget is 4K, new or used.
Sources are Rega Planar 2 turntable, Oppo 83 SE, Rotel 1520 CD and Krell KID.
Nuforce Ref 9SEV3's play very nice with the Cary Preamps. An lot of bang for the buck. A bit more than your budget new but I think worth the stretch. Nuforce also has a policy for an in home trial.
I don;t want to say a bad word regarding NuForce or any other amplifier in the world but you must be aware that your B&W802 need huge amount of power to utilize them FULLY.
I have had very similar story with my Watt/Puppy 8 and only when I bought Spectron I realized that my speakers are REALLY capable of.
I am extraordinary happy with my Spectron (and Wilsons) and cannot recommend it high enough !!!
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