Powering 802 Diamonds

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by thxthx

Forget other forums! They are so full of jealous people... People who say 802's suck simply can't afford them! I can't afford them, but there is no denying their quality. They may not have the sound characteristics a certain person is seeking but they are one of the world leading speakers. Why are they used at Abbey Rd and Skywalker sound... That's why I simply don't waste my time with people's opinions on other forums!

Stick to the friendly guys here

That's right. I rarely if ever see comments like that on this forum. You will see people express their opinion and designate as such. Like I just did when I told him I liked my MC452 better than the ARC DS450. I liked it better for certain personal reasons, but in NO WAY does ANY Audio Research product "suck". In fact, there are very few expensive brands that I feel "suck". You generally get what you pay for, to varying degrees of course. And most of it falls into personal tastes.

[jameslrock]

Originally Posted by cyisone01

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

I am quite satisfied with my C2300 and MC601 mono amps with the 802 Diamond. I also have the 803 Diamonds paired with the MX150 and MC452. My wife and I previewed different combinations and decided both of these were excellent combinations. Wish you success in finding what is right for you.

Sent from my iPad using A.Aficionado

[HTSteve]

I have an MC402 powering 802D's. The amp is seemingly effortless. Soundstage, dynamics, and detail. The Mac and 802's are very well mated together.


I also came from Rotel amps, including class D (The 1077 model, I believe). The Rotel made the 802's sound quite nice. But the Mac's (I went from MC205 to MC252 to MC402) really allow the 802's to strut their stuff.


Hope this helps.

[cyisone01]

This helps a ton! Nice to see someone going from Rotel to Mac and hearing the differences.

[Grasshopper]

Originally Posted by HTSteve

I have an MC402 powering 802D's. The amp is seemingly effortless. Soundstage, dynamics, and detail. The Mac and 802's are very well mated together.

I also came from Rotel amps, including class D (The 1077 model, I believe). The Rotel made the 802's sound quite nice. But the Mac's (I went from MC205 to MC252 to MC402) really allow the 802's to strut their stuff.

Hope this helps.

+1.

I power my Signature 800's which suck much more power than the 802's with the MC402, which doesn't even break a sweat. I have had it playing LOUD without strain.

[thebeatles67]

I use Mc 601s to power my 802 Diamonds. Never looked back even though the 1.2 would have been nice I don't feel I would have ever used it.

[Eve2009]

Hi,
I used to have MC402+C220 to drive 802Di, no complaint about it, then I upgraded to mc601 mono + C2300 -> very nice sound, I had no regret about this upgrade, my latest upgrade to MBL 9008A & MBL Pre let me know there is another paradise, these MBL combo is superior to mc601/c2300 IMHO, this MBL combo would make you rethink about how good is 802Di & how capable is 802Di can do,
Cheers

[raidho]

Originally Posted by Eve2009

Hi,
I used to have MC402+C220 to drive 802Di, no complaint about it, then I upgraded to mc601 mono + C2300 -> very nice sound, I had no regret about this upgrade, my latest upgrade to MBL 9008A & MBL Pre let me know there is another paradise, these MBL combo is superior to mc601/c2300 IMHO, this MBL combo would make you rethink about how good is 802Di & how capable is 802Di can do,
Cheers

uhmmm sorry what for upgrade if you stay in the same family??


Mcintosh is sure not a IMHO "super gear"....whit all what is present in the market I will search in another brand!!!.

from the 402 the the 601 is always the same "soup" or?????

Passlab, Simaudio Moon, Gryphon,.....try with others ampli!

[cyisone01]

I think there will always be something better but where would you direct me for a 10k budget on amps?

[Grasshopper]

Originally Posted by cyisone01

I think there will always be something better but where would you direct me for a 10k budget on amps?

It's all relative, but I love my Mcintosh. You could have some used 601s and some leftover for music.

it seems there have been a few who upgraded from 402's, 452's or even the 501's into the 601 and have heard improvements.

I find it hard to believe the 601 is necessary for the efficient, B&W 802's...Seems like getting a turbo diesel to tow a popup camper, but what do I know.

Then again, what is "necessary" in this expensive hobby of ours?