Powering 802 Diamonds

[cyisone01]

What does everyone use to power your B&W 802 or 800 Diamonds and what do you like best about the sound!

[2fastdriving]

I have an MC452 power amp, and when paired with a C2300 Pre, I think the sound is great. It's tight, quick, deep, and doesn't have any hint of harshness or brightness. I have heard 802's sound bright with other setups but not this one. I think McIntosh pairs very well with B&W. Better than Classe or ARC (class D) in my opinion. I auditioned all three and McIntosh just did everything right.

[thxthx]

I am saving up for a pair of 802's and was planning to power them with a pair of McIntosh 601's, so I'd also be very interested in people's comments.

[SoundEarphones]

We are using the Classe CA-M600 in our showroom for the 800 Diamond and for the 802 Diamond, we are using the Classe CA-2300.

[bariko]

Hello

I am using Brystone 4bsst for my 802 Diamond
However, I am not sure if it's powerful enough...

[cyisone01]

Is anyone having issues with the size of the sound stage? I have heard comments these speakers can be too 1 dimensional. I am currently power with a rotfl class d amp but want to upgrade as soon as possible. Interestingly mcintosh and classe are my top two.

[BVLDARI]

I use Marantz MA-700 Mono amps. I don’t think I am lacking anything but then again I have not done good a/b comparison. Been thinking about bringing an MC452 home to give a go.

[Beans]

Originally Posted by thxthx

I am saving up for a pair of 802's and was planning to power them with a pair of McIntosh 601's, so I'd also be very interested in people's comments.

I have heard that what you describe is an excellent setup. MC1.2KW's would be even better, but at least with 601s you'll have the latest design. MC1.2KW's are still being made but they date back about 10 years or more.

[2fastdriving]

MC452 and 601 are both the latest designs, and if budget is an issue, I really suggest going for an MC452 (maybe used?). I don't have experience with the 601, but from what I hear from other people on this site, the 452 is a smaller version of the 601 sound. Yet it is easily powerful enough to handle the 802 Diamond.

As far as soundstaging on the 802 goes, I have heard better, but it's surely good for a $15k range speaker. I am buying Wilson Sashas to replace my 802 because I like its soundstaging so much, but that's not a knock on the 802. It does extremely well at its price point.

[cyisone01]

Well at this point I am using a class d rotfl so anything is going to be an improvement. But I am excited to see what they are capable of. I have only had them for a few weeks and to be honest they sound pretty damn good. I do feel they are tough to dial in. I spent last weekend moving them around and the room impact is huge.

I also would like to know what difference you think I will hear. At this time I am leaning towards the 452.