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What do you think is the best power-amp between B&W speakers and Chord DAVE

Hi all,
I am new registered, even though I read a lot and learned a lot from this forum. 

I just got a Dave a few weeks ago. Indeed, it is great. I am trying to explore more out of it, considering upgrading my current power amp (NAD c275bee)  I love the Nad c275bee sound (it betters my YAMAHA a-s1200). I would appreciate something more transparent than the NAD. Something makes the sound MORE REAL..... 

To drive my 88dB b&w bookshelves, I think 150w could be more than enough.....so I arrived at these candidates: 

Bryston 3b3,
Chord Etude,
Passlab x150.8 or 150.5.
Parasound a23+. 

From what I read online, it is really difficult to come to an easy decision.

Someone says 4b3(3b3's big brother) is dark while someone says it is bright. PassLAB seems to be a favor from many people, but no clear ideas about how and why (some 3D sound stage?). While some people love Etude and say it is the new generation, but there are so few comments online. Parasound A23+ is also not a hot topic...... 

May I kindly ask for some suggestions and experiences? 


tension255
joey54
431 posts
 
I haven’t heard the Chord but for an amplifier that works well the older, not Class D, Primare amps were a great fit with B&W speakers. If you want to stay current you won’t go wrong with Pass. 
tension255 OP
13 posts
 
Thanks all for helping out. I just double-checked the dimension of Pass labs amps. They are way too big for my rack, I almost pushed the order button of Pass x150.8. I am checking the other amps recommended in the posts, but I am really leaning towards a Chord Etude..... 
tension255 OP
13 posts
 
Sorry, Pass is way too big.... I have to choose something else, at least <40 cm depth..... 
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,610 posts
 
we all are faced with ergonomic issues and at times, choices need to be made on criteria other than sound quality

good luck
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,469 posts
 
Given the depth parameter, that is helpful.  

Check out the Hegel H20.  It is 37cm deep.  Plenty of power and Hegel is known for a warm yet detailed and smooth sound.  Ideal for B&W and no more expensive than the etude at this time.  

Tonally, an NAD C298 would be better than the Chord etude.  It is 390mm deep and recently received a Stereophile class A rating and for good reason.  It is not the best amp I have ever heard, but it is the best $2K amp I have ever heard.  
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