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Underpowered?

Hi guys.  Newbie here asking for advice. 

I recently purchased a pair of B&W 702 Signature (8Ω, 30-300W, 90 dB) to replace my old faithful 683s (8Ω, 20-200W, 90 dB).  I am running them with a McIntosh MA252 (100W into 8Ω, 160W into 4Ω).  I purchased them thinking they would complete my end-game system.  However, my excitement turned into disappointment when I realized the lows were somewhat lacking.  For all their faults, the 683s had a great dynamic low kick (no sub) that I was looking to take one step further.  Unsurprisingly, the highs and mids on the 702s were indeed more detailed and separation was clearer, but I couldn't get over the uninspiring lows.  I found myself listening at higher volumes chasing for that bass oomph.  Neither playing with the EQ at the source nor the amp was satisfactory.  So, I did the research that perhaps I should've done before purchasing the 702s and found out they are quite power hungry despite the specs being similar to the 683s.  I emailed B&W and McIntosh and they agreed the amp is probably underpowered for the 702s.  B&W described the sound of an underpowered speaker as one lacking low response and details, which is spot on. McIntosh suggested the MA352 (200W into 8Ω, 320W into 4Ω).

Of note, I love the MA252 and really wish there was a way to make this work.  I don't need a DAC/streamer/etc so I'm happy to put all my money on better sound vs tech features.  But I also think the speakers sound amazing even when somewhat underpowered and I'm considering upgrading to a MA352, Michi X3, Hegel 390.  Another option could be to get a sub? But I feel that would defeat the purpose of having a 3way standing speaker and then I might as well get a pair of bookshelf speakers (805 D4s, LS50 metas?).

So what do you guys think? Is it normal for a speaker that's rated 30-300W to be underpowered with a 100W amp?? What would you do:

  1. Sell the 702s and look for a better match for my MA252?

  2. Upgrade the MA252 (MA352? Michi X3? NAD 33?)?

  3. Get a subwoofer?

I would really appreciate your thoughts/advice!

dridel

Showing 4 responses by james633

james633
897 posts
 

I would guess buying a new amp will not work, you are chasing a ghost. The speakers have no low bass, look at the stereophile measurements below. I owned the 703S awhile back and ran it off a vintage (1976) 40 watt Marantz and it was fine. I would add subs with a highpass or buy a more well rounded speaker.

I run much larger speakers than the 702s2 and still run duel subs. Subs done right are always better than no subs. Even wilson audio makes giant subs with external crossovers for their giant speakers. There is a reason, it is alway better with subs.

james633
897 posts
 

I would not trust Andrew Robinson’s opinion. He seems to lack highend experience or be a paid shill, I am undecided. No hard feelings toward the guy but you will get better advice here.

james633
897 posts
 

Glad you got it sorted but I would have never guess it was power. I have only used the Big Macs though and my MC462 seems to plow through anything hooked up to it. Maybe the lower powered Mac can’t handle the impedance curve. 

james633
897 posts
 

Probably has more to do with the impedance than anything. 
 

I use a power conditioner. The only thing it helps is my JL subs… because they are junk and super noisy with what appears to be zero AC filtering. Everything else it did not help or made it worse. Just have to play with it. 

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