Amplifier for B&W

[damacman]

Originally Posted by meltemi

IMHO the problem with the McIntoshs is their use of output transformers. Depending on the taps used, the output power remains "constant" for the given load impedance. However a speaker's load impedance is almost never constant at all.
So if one uses the 8Ω output taps, how much current can the amp then deliver at say 3Ω (a B&W's minimum impedance) ? McIntosh does not specify.
In addition, using output transformers leads to a relatively low damping factor; hence the amp can not truly control the speakers.

There are amps which can deliver the current required by the speakers regardless of the actual load impedance.
Example: Accuphase A-250 nominal Class A 100W@8Ω / 200W@4Ω / 400W@2Ω / 800W@1Ω
And their damping factor is >1000 @8Ω (i.e. their output impedance < 8mΩ !)

The current specs provided by McIntosh are derived with a load equivalent to 20% of the tap's rating.. IE - a 1.6 Ohm load driven from the 8 Ohm tap.

[Dyrelund]

Im currently driving my B&W 800D2 with a pair of MC601ˋs. Would I be able to run these speakers with the tube amp. MC2301 considering going from 600watt to 300 watt?

[Masterlu]

Dyrelund... Welcome AA!

[jmw31]

Originally Posted by Dyrelund

Im currently driving my B&W 800D2 with a pair of MC601ˋs. Would I be able to run these speakers with the tube amp. MC2301 considering going from 600watt to 300 watt?

I would also be interested to hear from 800D3 / MC2301 owners.

[Jonathan M]

Originally Posted by Moonfan

Hi Jonathan !
Nice to read that there some guys addicted to Moon!
What are you sonic impressions of your Moon Pre-/Power Amp?
Did you compare to the older Moon Neo350P pre-amp and 330A power amp or the integrated 340i? I guess that the possibilities and versatile features of the 390 are more than most people need. However the 390 is the only model which features also a USB port for sticks and drives, never understood why they are not implementing this to other models....
I am struggling between 340i or 350P+330A combo, the evolution Pre-/power amps are outstanding, but also in price....
Thanks for any input!
Cheers
Felix

Hi Felix,
I tried 330A with either 350P or 340i, can't exactly remember which one. I found it didn't match very well with my 804D3. I found the highs a bit shrill. The mids and lows sounded great.

I'm not sure why the 390 is the only model with both USB-A and USB-B. Even their latest 680D only has USB-B. I'm sure you can use a USB-B to USB-B cable to adapt. Can always ask Bernard from tech support. He's really good and responds very quickly. I had issues with my 5TB external hard drive not reading. I think it requires more power that the USB-A port wouldn't provide. Thumb drives, external drives with a separate power supply, and SSD drives do work on the USB-A port.

It does get expensive when getting separates but I've found they always sounded better. Once you listen to separates it's hard to go back to integrated. Good luck!

[GrubTheHedgehog]

Ayre VX-R!

[Mikey1013]

Originally Posted by merkinman

I'm looking for an amplifier and wanted to get your opinions on what would be a good match. I know warmer and smoother usually has better synergy with the B&W sound. Classe, Rotel, and Mcintosh are known to be a good match. Anything else out there that you would recommend? Parasound? The new Brystons? W4S? Thanks in advance for your input.

I use two Arcam FMJ A19’s. They get the job done.

[hatateru]

I use Accustic Arts Power 1 Mk4 to drive the 804D3. At first I was afraid the int amp may not have enough power to drive the 804D3 and need to hook up a pre amp plus power amp to do the job. I was wrong and it did a good job in terms of an int amp.

Any AA user here can share their feedback on using AA?

[Jasondunbar]

Devialet are amazing. Has anyone tried 220 Pro or even 440 Pro?

[Masterlu]

hatateru... Welcome to AA!