Old Accuphase preamp and A36

[Dave_72]

Originally Posted by Mattia

Then, when the budget allows,
- new speakers, even if I really like the sound of the 801 Matrix s3, I would like to try in my room the 802 Diamond (the 800 is too large).

Well, some say the 801 Matrixes are the better speaker. And better than the Nautilus and Diamonds as well. I personally think they're very good, but better than the latest 802s? I can't say as I haven't heard both speakers side by side, and I've only heard the 802s briefly. What I really like are the 801Ds. Sadly out of production and they don't show up on the used market that often.

[Dave_72]

Originally Posted by nvp

Mattia, if one listens to music with large dynamic variations, e.g. large orchestras and/or big bands, and has large speakers with normal sensitivity, then class A/B Accuphase amps are a better option than the class A ones (IMO opinion of course).

I listen to a lot of classic rock. And my speakers are 94db efficient. Would say, the A-70 be ok? Mr. Suzuki, VP of Accuphase told me it would.

[imprezap2]

My E-600 is driving the magico V3's (difficult load) without any problem, and I can say that I have heard sytems with way more power sounding less dynamic.

It also depends heavily on the room, mine is 6x4 mtr, medium size but with concrete walls, floor and ceiling.

A-70 will do fine for all kinds off music

[Mattia]

@ meltemi

Next time I'm on the other side of the Alps, I'll sure check that store!


@ Dave

Yes for my personal taste, the 801 Matrix are more enjoyable than the Nautilus, less stressful. But I never had the chance to preperly ear the Diamonds.
I must say that in my completely dedicated and black audio/video room, the somewhat UGLY look of the Matrix doesn't show too much, so...


@ imprezap2

My room is 4.8 x 3.8 meters, so on the small size, and also with an all concrete constuction. Even if is it completerly acoustic treated, so it absorbs a little more than normal, to reach my typical 75 dB listening level I don't need that many watts.

[meltemi]

Originally Posted by Dave_72

Well, some say the 801 Matrixes are the better speaker. And better than the Nautilus and Diamonds as well. I personally think they're very good, but better than the latest 802s? I can't say as I haven't heard both speakers side by side, and I've only heard the 802s briefly. What I really like are the 801Ds. Sadly out of production and they don't show up on the used market that often.

The discussion of B&W speaker's sonic capabilities always (I have 40+ years of B&W listening experience) showed a wide variety of even contradictory opinions. Do not underestimate B&W's speakers. The higher the quality of your electronics and cabling, the more you get out of the speakers. Never forget they are monitors after all.

I was running my previous Matrix 801 S3 with an Accuphase top-of-the-line system of the early 90's, and I now run my 800 Diamonds with a current Accuphase top-of-the-line system.
IMHO this is the only way to unleash the full potential of these speakers (and to comment on their sonic properties).

[Mattia]

Just a small update to this thread.
I must say that after actually ear some amps, I changed my mind quite drastically regarding my "I only need max 30W at my listening levels (with 801 S3)" statement.

I found a shop that had, in my price range, a new P-4200, a mint used A-45 and a mint used P-700.
And, incredibly, also a pair of 801 Matrix (not exactly S3 like mine but S2 with the bass alignment filter installed). Perfect situation for me to understand the interaction between these amps and these speakers.

I listened to them with material I'd use (also movies) and I must say, in this scenario I globally liked the P-700 the most with the 801 Matrix. Even at low-mid listening levels like I'll use it, the sound appeared to me more dynamic, fast, controlled in the bass, I really don't know how express the feeling, but for my taste (that surely isn't as refined as yours, I must add!) it sounded very good. Plus it is the cheapest one, and that leaves some budget for a preamp sooner in the future

So in the next days I'll organize myself and bring it at home (I was not with the right car for the job, the P-700 is really quite big and heavy).

[Dave_72]

Originally Posted by Mattia

Just a small update to this thread.
I must say that after actually ear some amps, I changed my mind quite drastically regarding my "I only need max 30W at my listening levels (with 801 S3)" statement.

I found a shop that had, in my price range, a new P-4200, a mint used A-45 and a mint used P-700.
And, incredibly, also a pair of 801 Matrix (not exactly S3 like mine but S2 with the bass alignment filter installed). Perfect situation for me to understand the interaction between these amps and these speakers.

I listened to them with material I'd use (also movies) and I must say, in this scenario I globally liked the P-700 the most with the 801 Matrix. Even at low-mid listening levels like I'll use it, the sound appeared to me more dynamic, fast, controlled in the bass, I really don't know how express the feeling, but for my taste (that surely isn't as refined as yours, I must add!) it sounded very good. Plus it is the cheapest one, and that leaves some budget for a preamp sooner in the future

So in the next days I'll organize myself and bring it at home (I was not with the right car for the job, the P-700 is really quite big and heavy).

Nice. That's cool you found the ideal set up.

[Dave_72]

Originally Posted by meltemi

The discussion of B&W speaker's sonic capabilities always (I have 40+ years of B&W listening experience) showed a wide variety of even contradictory opinions. Do not underestimate B&W's speakers. The higher the quality of your electronics and cabling, the more you get out of the speakers. Never forget they are monitors after all.

I was running my previous Matrix 801 S3 with an Accuphase top-of-the-line system of the early 90's, and I now run my 800 Diamonds with a current Accuphase top-of-the-line system.
IMHO this is the only way to unleash the full potential of these speakers (and to comment on their sonic properties).

Agreed.

[Dave_72]

Originally Posted by imprezap2

My E-600 is driving the magico V3's (difficult load) without any problem, and I can say that I have heard sytems with way more power sounding less dynamic.

It also depends heavily on the room, mine is 6x4 mtr, medium size but with concrete walls, floor and ceiling.

A-70 will do fine for all kinds off music

My room is about the same size as yours. Speakers are well away from the side walls, but a little close to the back wall. If I move the speakers out more from the back wall, they would be too close to the listening position.

Thanks for reassuring me.

[Mattia]

@ Dave

Nice. That's cool you found the ideal set up.

I spoke too soon... the amp works really well with the B&W 801 M S3... but now I've seen that the price of the shop I've found is almost double than "normal" used prices... well, I'll wait till the right occasion, or spare some more and buy from him a new one (new prices are correct)

One question:

I've noticed a "strange" behaviour regarding power output of the P-700:

350W / 8 Ohm
500W / 4 Ohm
350W / 2 Ohm

If I see (among many others) the output of for example the P-7100:

125W / 8 Ohm
250W / 4 Ohm
500W / 2 Ohm


Why is the output of the P-700 so high into 8 Ohm and it "sits" there and so similar with the three impedances? I know maybe is limited to go higher, but why that high 8 Ohm figure? It is a project optimised for high impedance speakers?