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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
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
6,531 posts
 
My favorite s/s amp is Ayre
soundlock
101 posts
 
Dave: You really should check out the Sanders Sound Systems Magtech amp. I am driving a pair of Duntech Sovereign Speakers and it sounds magnificient. Check out their website. They have a 30 day free trial and a lifetime warranty. Just had a fantastice review in the Feb 2011 Absolute Sound. This amp will drive anything on the planet. 500 watts at 8 ohms and 900 watts at 4 ohms and it runs cool and doesn't weigh a ton. Try it, I think you might be shocked when you hear it on your B&W speakers
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