2. home-theater
  3. 1037902794

Need more punch from my B&W802 III HT setup

My B&W 802 matrix S/III are lacking the punch that I had with my Mirage OM-6 setup. I assume the lower end is lacking in wattage as my OM-6 towers had a built in 150W amp. I am running the following gear:

Pair B&W 802 Matrix III main
B&W HTM-1 Center Channel
Klipsch IW250 Ceiling speakers (forced to go with in wall setup in rear)
Mirage BPS-400 sub
Klipsch SW12 sub

Adcom GTP-830 7.1 processor
Adcom GFA-7400 100wX5
Sony NS900V DVD/SACD

I assume that I need at least 200W high current amp for the 802’s to come alive in the bottom end so I am considering the following amps. Keep in mind that I am married and have to cope with the (WAF).

Adcom GFA 5503 200wX3 for the front
Adcom GFA 555II @ 200wX2 for the rear

Or

Possible looking into a Sunfire Cinema Grand 200X5 amp. If this will provide the punch that I am looking for this may be the best suited for the space in my current cabinet. The Sunfires 45lb’s is what worries me. I thought heft was a good thing in an amp?

My budget is limited to about $1,200-1,500 because I am trying to sell the wife on a Runco Projector.

Any help would be appreciated,

Michael
mrlabguy

Showing 1 response by slipknot1

slipknot1
1,423 posts
 
Michael-
I'm not sure if you look at the Sunfire option, that the CG will give you the "slam" you want. I can recommend highly the Sunfire Signature Cinema Grand at 405x5.

I went from 200 watts to the CG signature in my HT setup and have been very happy with it. Granted, I have a difficult load to drive: Magnepan MGIIIa (front) Magnepan MMG (rear), but I have all the punch I need. I also use the Theater grand MK II pre/pro, and a Sunfire Super Jr. Sub in the HT setup.

I DO use the Front L/R of the amp driven by tube preamp to the MGIIIa's for music only, and have found this amp to be big, powerful, and subtle as well.

If you can swing a little extra $$$$ you might be able to pick up a CG Sig. pretty close to your budget, or, perhaps a new "B" stock unit with full warranty.

Others may disagree with me on this but I think the CG Sig is a lot of quality amp for the money. Versatile for music and HT. IMHO
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