802/803D3 owners - what amplification/upstreams?

[joey_v]

Originally Posted by advanced101

I'm curious about the Magnolia Upgrade Program too. Is this advertised anywhere, or did the salesman just offer it to you?

Yeah I didn't think this was advertised as an upgrade program...

[djohnson013]

I don't know about an upgrade program, my original sales person wanted to know what I was going to do with my old 804's that I bought from him. When he told me that they would take them back at full value, I really didn't have to think about it.

[advanced101]

I called my Magnolia Salesman asking about an upgrade program and he said they would buy them back at their cost, which was about half the MSRP IRC. That's a no go for me.

[2dparrish]

My guess is it depends on the particular speaker. I was able to get 50% of the MSRP on my 803s when purchasing 802d3, but I originally purchased the 803s from another vendor (that wasn't interested in trading). I later was able to get 50% of 805's (d2) in trade for 805 d3 (I could have gotten more other ways but with more hassle on my part), but they weren't interested in trading in my htm2 d2 for an htm1 d3, which I later sold online. But none of these speakers that I traded n were originally bought from Magnolia, so YMMV. I will definitely say that Magnolia have been very willing to help me find ways to upgrade with them.

[gerardhn]

I had auralic aries cp800 ca2300 to 2d2 and 2d3. Now i switched to:
Araulic aries Accuphase dc37. E 470 802d3.

Prefer the accuphase sound, control, above classe. No comparision. Pls audition yourself.

[stjlinus]

Wondering if anyone has used ARC amps (GS150, REF250SE, REF150SE) with the 802 D3s or 803D3s? I heard the GS150 with a pair of Sonus FAbers at AXPONA and they sounded pretty nice. But I have a pair of older B&W 802s and am planning to trade up to the 802D3s or 800D3s. I probably would use an ARC ref 6 preamp.

[Exsg]

Hi All,

I recently heard the 802D3 and Sigma Mono with SSP sing together.

It really sounded incredible. Lots of bass detail, airy highs, dynamic and timing was excellent. Played Norah Jones Come Away and Pink Floyd Brick in the Wall.

At 350 wpc, it didn't seem any lack of power at all.

I did a check and found it is rated Class A on Stereophile.

Anyone heard these and what are your thoughts? Would McIntosh be a better choice?

Many thanks.

[BrianT]

Devialet 440PRO driving 803D3

Brian

[GreginNH1]

When I had B&W 803 D3 speakers, I drove them with an Accuphase E-470 Integrated amp with no problem at all.

[Exsg]

Thanks for sharing.

I heard the mcintosh 200w integrated drive the 803d3 yesterday and it sounded effortless and well matched. Didn't hear it play rock or very loud though.

Then, I tried my Primare I30 100w with it and it sounded terrible. Lacked clarity, power, bass, soundstage etc. Thought it would have sounded better.

Also heard full mcintosh consisting of 275, preamp and SACD with the 805D3s in a small room. It was very detailed and open.

I think I will go ahead with the m601s with C2500 driving the CM9s...until I can afford the 803d3s. Probably get more music enjoyment then Primares with it. Someone quickly stop me if I am going down the wrong path!!! Am buying it without testing them together.

Would a digital preamp like c47 be a better preamp?

Btw also heard the Vincent monos driving the 803d3s..quite average only. Sigma monos better but on second listen, think they are a bit dry and thin.