MC207 Powerful Enough For 802's?

[thxthx]

I'd really appreciate your help and assistance. I am looking more seriously at a pair of B&W 802D2's. However, will I be happy enough with the power of my McIntosh MC207 (7x 200w)? I am not in a position to upgrade my amp (yet) so will I be able to enjoy the 802's with what I have or will I be constantly monitoring the meters? My system is primarily for home theatre.

If anyone has any experience with this combo or similar I'd love to hear from you. Eventually the goal is to drive them with a pair of MC601's but there is more saving to be done before that upgrade. Looking forward to all your expert advise...

[SMC23]

I had my 802d2's powered by mc205 for a couple years and it was adequate for the time being while I saved up for more powerful amps. I didn't know how good they could get as I felt the mc205 was satisfying. The 802's love power and it wasn't until I put them on mc601s that they blossomed and opened up.

[HTSteve]

Originally Posted by SMC23

I had my 802d2's powered by mc205 for a couple years and it was adequate for the time being while I saved up for more powerful amps. I didn't know how good they could get as I felt the mc205 was satisfying. The 802's love power and it wasn't until I put them on mc601s that they blossomed and opened up.

Same with me. The 205 powered my 802d's quite nicely. But the more power/current you give them, the better they will perform.

[KaliKid2013]

When I first got my 802D2s, I was unsure of what brand / wattage I was going to power them with.

So while I was doing my research, I was bi-amping them with a Rotel RMB-1585 which is 200w x 5.

They sounded fine. I have heard 802s with 200 watt Rotel gear on several occasions and the results were always very good.

[diononiz]

I powered my 804D2s with the Mcintosh 8207 for several months and the sound was good.

Being honest though, when I added the MC302 the difference was apparent. Much bigger sound stage, detail and bass.

I hear the 802D2s do like lots of power and I am sure the 200 watts of the 207 would be fine but I think when you upgrade there will be a noticeable difference.

Probably not what you wanted to hear but I wanted to share my feedback with you.

[Spinpsycho]

Originally Posted by diononiz

I powered my 804D2s with the Mcintosh 8207 for several months and the sound was good.

Being honest though, when I added the MC302 the difference was apparent. Much bigger sound stage, detail and bass.

I hear the 802D2s do like lots of power and I am sure the 200 watts of the 207 would be fine but I think when you upgrade there will be a noticeable difference.

Probably not what you wanted to hear but I wanted to share my feedback with you.

I noticed the same thing when I demo the B&W 802 V2 power by the MC452 and the two MC601 Monoblock...it sounded more dynamic when it was power by the two monoblock 601's.

[thxthx]

Thanks for all the feedback... Since they were probably the last ones in the country I took the plunge and purchased a pair of 802's. Also got a matching HTM2.

I think I'll get by but I won't fully appreciate these speakers until I upgrade my amp. Just getting the speakers is a dream come true

[dixon007]

If you can reconfigure your HT set-up to bi-amp the 802s, you might be pleased.

[SMC23]

Originally Posted by thxthx

Thanks for all the feedback... Since they were probably the last ones in the country I took the plunge and purchased a pair of 802's. Also got a matching HTM2.

I think I'll get by but I won't fully appreciate these speakers until I upgrade my amp. Just getting the speakers is a dream come true

Congrats on the new 802D2/HTM2D2, they are world class speakers!

[thxthx]

Originally Posted by dixon007

If you can reconfigure your HT set-up to bi-amp the 802s, you might be pleased.

Possibly? Could pick up a cheap amp to run the rears. How much of a difference would it make?