2. amps-preamps
  3. 1309323982

Best solid state amp for B&W 801 Matrix Series 2

I'm currently looking at the Bryston 14BSST2, but I'm not 100 percent sure. I already have a 4BSST.Would that be ok? But anyway, what would you guys and gals choose for the power hungry 801s? My spending limit is $7000.

Your responses are much appreciated. Thanks!
dave_72
dave_72 OP
1,399 posts
 
Ok, thanks guys. I haven't heard Threshold in a long time. I've never heard Parasound and Classe. I don't care for Levinson. I used to own the No. 23 amp, and I hated it.
rrog
1,958 posts
 
Dave_72, About the only thing a Levinson 23 and a No. 20 have in common is the name. However, the 23 is not a bad amp either. If you hated the 23 you most likely had a bad match. At any rate, it sounds like you already had your mind made up on Bryston, so why ask?
dave_72 OP
1,399 posts
 
I did actually. It was matched to Apogee Stage speakers. Noth the speakers and the amp shut down and the tweeters blew.

True, but I wanted to know if the Bryston 14BSST2 has enough muscle to drive the 801s. It's not a cheap amp (to me anyway,) even used...
magfan
1,583 posts
 
If this is the right 801, it is not an 'easy' load, rather an amp eater.

No tubes would probably work well, at least electrically.

Good sensitivity helps some, but look at the phase data:

http://www.stereophile.com/content/bw-nautilus-801-loudspeaker-measurements
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,388 posts
 
My favorite s/s amp is Ayre
More to discover