Levinson 332 amp with the B&W Signature 800?


Hi.
Are the B&W Signature 800's powered succesfully by Levinson 38+332 or 380+335? Otherwise do they need 333,336,33H,33? I want to know. I am going to hear these combinations at the audio shop. Your replies would be much appreciated.
grant27377ba

Showing 2 responses by walkingman

I have owned all of the above equipment you've mentioned and yes, the 332 OR the 335 will easily power the B&W 800's to fairly loud levels without too much trouble. A better question would be which would sound better. The 800's, being as good as they are, will sound significantly better with the newer 380pre and 335 combo. The 800's are one of those speakers that will show up any weakness in the source or any of the equipment or cables in front of them! So, get the newest Levinson you can afford and the best cables (I prefer Transparent Audio cables) to go with them.
I don't find the 800's inherently bright, but they COULD be if used with the wrong combination of components. I have not heard the Accuphase piece, but I know that the Linn amps have a leaner "brighter" or "livelier" timbre or balance than, say the Levinson stack would have by a fair bit. I would not use these amps with the 800's. A Levinson, on the other hand, will have a beefier, less "bright " sound overall, and therefore is a much better match. I know B&W use Krell, Levinson and Rotel for most of their evaluations when designing their stuff. Tube stuff can work OK but can also lead to a "softer" high end and a somewhat softer or flabby bass, depending on what amp is used. You'd want to try it first. I hope this helps!