Which separates for 7.1 B&W Matrix, turntable, TV?


The initial responses from my other post said to go with separates, and just make them easy to operate for family members. To recap the environment - a sunny open 19x14 room with all B&W speakers - Matrix 803 fronts (2), Matrix 805 rear surrounds and center (3) and DS6(wall mount) surrounds. I wired 2 pairs of good grade silver wire to each of the (4) surrounds, to bi-wire them if I so choose, and I have the massive B&W ASW 850 sub. My speakers are done!

Now I want to upgrade my electronics - an Onkyo TX-NR 900 and matching SACD/DVD player to higher quality gear in the 200wpc and higher range. The HT unit will be used by family when I'm not there, so simple operation is a must.

My bud Sasha (Worldys)- a veteran of this forum and audio / HT suggested I look at Krell Showcase, Classe and Rotel, and the good folks on this list suggested Bryston for separates or Arcam AVR 350 for integrated. But Krell's showcase is only 135W and I'm hearing that separates are much better and that the B&Ws LOVE mucho power. I know I'm going to spend $5K or more, but $10K and more is really pushing it (although "accessories" like power management and cables may take me close to $8k or $9k).

I'm still playing with a final budget, but, after looking around, I don't believe I can afford McIntosh, and it doesn't seem to be a good sonic match for B&W anyway. How do I drive these classic speakers well without selling my firstborn to pay for it, or being disappointed with the quality?

Oh, (not included in the above budget) I'm also looking for a good quality turntable so I can pull my LPs out of storage, and a 50+ inch TV that will work well in a big sunny room with ceramic tile floor. Suggestions?
celt16

Showing 1 response by poloman

I have the B&W Matrix 802s3 was running them with B&K EX442 sounded great but upped to a Classe DR25 much more transparent. An older amp but great anyway, 250/ch. B&W owns Classe now so a good match. I use an audioresearch tube pre, LS-7, Tara labs biwire. for 2 channel For 5.1 try the B&K 5x200 w /ch amp