Amplifier for B&W

[Levitator]

I’m using macs with my B&W’s and love them!

[btn2803]

Hi,
The 802D3 nominal impedance is 8 Ohms but I think it can go to as low as 3 Ohms. My dealer hooked the 802 to the MC611 on the 8 Ohms terminal. Is this optimal or should the 802 be connected to the 4 or 2 Ohms connector on the Mc611? Would the sound be any different if the 802 is connected via 8 Ohms or 4 or 2 Ohms?

Thanks.
Thanh

[krustycat]

I have the 601’s and 802’s D3 connected to the 8 ohms terminals, to my ears after experimenting with all the terminals, it sounded the most accurate.

[btn2803]

Originally Posted by krustycat

I have the 601’s and 802’s D3 connected to the 8 ohms terminals, to my ears after experimenting with all the terminals, it sounded the most accurate.

Thanks! Much appreciated.

[mkondratov]

800D3 work very well bi-ampled by two Classe CA-D200.

[hdvidguy]

Heard 800D3 with Bryston 14b SST2 at my local dealer. Very smooth, awesome bass drive and very open, 3D sound. Killed my N802 and 14b SST and I have a much better front end then the dealer had.

[Blackstone]

Ayre Acoustics VX-5, AX-5 or VX-R.

[btn2803]

I recently went back to audition the 802D3 with the Mac452 and Bryston 4B3. I would prefer to listen to the MC611 vs. 7B3 but my dealer did not have the 7B3 on hand.

After a couple of hours of listening, swapping between the MC452 and 4B3, IMHO, the Mac sounded to my ears more natural particularly with the voices. However, the 4B3 was very close to the Mac to my ears.

I like the bullet-proof 20-year warranty of the Bryston (vs. 3 years for the Mac). I currently have the Bryston 9B ST which I have used for the last 16+ years. It needed to be repaired only twice (replacing the cards), and in both occasion, I was glad it's under warranty. Price wise, the Bryston is also less expensive (~$1500 less for the 7B3 vs. MC611).

I am really torn...For those of you who have either the MC601/611 or 7B3 driving your 802/803 B&Ws, could you provide your thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

[andredt]

Originally Posted by Samac

Welcome btanchors

Thanks for the reply and suggestion. I auditioned at length the Parasound P5/A21 combination. With the B&W 702 S2 and Parasound you have a fantastic system, enjoy.

I ended up going with a NuPrime IDA-16; a 200 watt dac/integrated. It was a lot easier on the budget. I am very happy with it. Sometime in the future I would like to revisit the P5/A21 combo.

Cheers,

Scott

Good day Scott
Was hoping you could help me have my eye on a nuprime ida 16 and have the same speakers as you 683s2. I would love to hear your feedback.
Thank you
Andre

[Samac]

Hello Andre and welcome.

The 683 S2 is fantastic, I really enjoy mine. The NuPrime IDA-16 is a great match for them. I have been using it for the past 16 months. It has plenty of power and an excellent DAC.

The IDA-16 is neutral, balanced and dynamic. There is an ease to it that makes listening to music a pleasure.

There is an excellent review on Soundstage. If you get a chance read it. It sums up the IDA-16 perfectly.

I hope you get a chance to check it out.

Cheers,

Scott