Breaking in 802D's

[ariess]

My dealer lent me his 802D's so I could test them with my gear. I am using a new Audio Research tube integrated, the VSi75, which runs 2 KT120's per channel. ARC says its 75 watts and very similar in amplifier capability as their REF75. I don't listen very loudly (80dB) and its a modest sized room. The speakers are rated at a sensitivity of 90db and the minimum impedance is 3.5 ohm, easier than the minimum 3.1 ohm for my previous 804D's.

I know every legitimate audiophile discussion must include the phrase, "these speakers love gobs of power" but my experience is that 75 watts of good tube power from Audio Research will work well, and beat the pants off a 200 watt solid state amp from a well known, mid tier audio company when I tried it.

[Rod#S]

Room size and how well treated the room is will ultimately dictate how powerful of an amp will be adequate enough. I'm in a relatively small space with a somewhat dampened room due to mats, heavy curtains, etc. and 330 watts into 8 ohms is more then enough to play at uncomfortable levels with my 800's as was exactly the case with my 802's. Could I use more power, I suppose and will actually be adding some monos soon but not because I'm in need of them but because that's the route I have been wanting to go for a while. I just always liked the idea of having monos, especially for the mains.

[ariess]

Does anyone else power their 800 series with tubes?

[MC2301-Lover]

Got MC2301 into my 802Ds with a C500P and MCD1100. Enjoying heaven right now.

[RebelMan]

Originally Posted by ariess

My dealer lent me his 802D's so I could test them with my gear. I am using a new Audio Research tube integrated, the VSi75, which runs 2 KT120's per channel. ARC says its 75 watts and very similar in amplifier capability as their REF75. I don't listen very loudly (80dB) and its a modest sized room. The speakers are rated at a sensitivity of 90db and the minimum impedance is 3.5 ohm, easier than the minimum 3.1 ohm for my previous 804D's.

I know every legitimate audiophile discussion must include the phrase, "these speakers love gobs of power" but my experience is that 75 watts of good tube power from Audio Research will work well, and beat the pants off a 200 watt solid state amp from a well known, mid tier audio company when I tried it.

First, congrats' on the 802D2s. It's a misguided myth that the 802s need gobs of power to sound good. They don't! However, they can use plenty of current. Power and current are NOT the same thing. Power drives SPLs, current drives loads.

As long as you are not an SPL junky and exhibitionist, have good hearing and have modest room damping, a 75 watt amp will be just fine. The "legitimate audiophile" that insists high power is a must does not know what they are talking about and are most likely the types subjecting their 802s to loudness experimentation and not really listening OR they are deaf. I too listen at RESPONSIBLE levels around 74-76dB with peaks that reach around 85dB. But I also have good hearing. I protect my ears and have them checked regularly. I seriously doubt the "legitimate audiophile" does when they make outlandish power claims.

That said, it is okay to have more power (and current) than you need but with "great power comes great responsibility", to parrot a phrase. You can take it easy on your ears AND your 802D2s AND enjoy those 75 watt tubes all at the same time! The 802Ds sounded marvelous when I did.

[gardener]

Originally Posted by ariess

Does anyone else power their 800 series with tubes?

I have 800ds with ARC ref 250s
Great match

[sp8]

Originally Posted by ariess

Thanks, I am really excited to get them. I spent 5 years moving up, 705,704,703,804D and now the ones I always wanted, 802D! I never would have had the confidence to lay out so much $$$ without the steady progression.

First congratulations on the new 802D. I noticed you went from the 804D to the 802D skipping the 803D. I am still trying to decide between the 804D and the 803D. If there is that much difference, I might be just as well off starting with the 804D if I want a later upgrade.

[Wasatch]

The 803D is a HUGE difference from the 804D.

[RebelMan]

Originally Posted by sp8

I noticed you went from the 804D to the 802D skipping the 803D. I am still trying to decide between the 804D and the 803D. If there is that much difference, I might be just as well off starting with the 804D if I want a later upgrade.

We should exercise some care in terms. There is no 804D only an 804D2 but there are 803D and 803D2. I presume you mean 804D2 vs 803D2. Without derailing this thread I will quickly say that the sound quality differences between them are negligible. In terms of strengths, the 804D2 is better balanced from top to bottom and the 803D2 puts out noticeably fuller bass. In terms of weaknesses, the 803s (both gens) require more care in positioning and the 804D2 can benefit a little from boundary reinforcement. Start with the 804D2. Moves from the 804D2 to the 802D2 are wisely executed for music lovers. Not so much with the 803D2 but then they make better companions with the HTM2D2 for cinema buffs.

[ariess]

Rebel man, I'd like to send you a PM. Are you accepting them?