Amplifier for B&W

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Originally Posted by dkorbal

I realize you ended up with MC611 but I was wondering if you had anything to add about your assessment. I’m in the market for amps to drive my 803D3 and narrowed my choices to Mcintosh or Bryston specifically, MC452, MC462, MC601, 4B3, and 7B3. Budget will play a part in the final choice. I've demo'd Mac gear with the speakers and I’m familiar with how the two sound together but not Bryston. IMO The Mac which sounds great helps tone down the 803D3's brightness but at the cost of some clarity. My question is with Bryston do I gain back the clarity while retaining warmness or slight less warmth?

Hi Doug,
To my ears, the 4B3 sounded a tad less warm then the MC452, but honestly, I would be happy with the Bryston.

I own the Bryston 9BST for close to 20 years, and it’s a great amp, and Bryston’s 20-year warranty is second to none. I had to change the amp cards on the 5-channel 9BST a couple times over the last 20 years, and each time, Bryston service is top notch.

I say if you could audition the MC462 vs. 4B3 and see which you like (it took me few hours but my dealer was great). I believe the 462 has a new design which increases headroom quite a bit versus the 452 (66%), so if budget allows and if you opt for the Mac, I would suggest going with the new model 462 (vs. 452). The 462 is 450W so ample to drive your 803D3 (a fantastic loudspeaders!), so I think you would not need to go to 7B3 or MC601/MC611, and save money for other equipment.

Keep us posted of your decision.