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Which amp, preamp would match B&W 803S?


This is probably a loaded question.

I have just acquired a pair of B&W 803S speakers. Am looking for SS amp and maybe a hybrid preamp to run the speakers. Would like amp and preamp to maintain at least my investment so when I change equipment I would not have to lose money.

My budget for the two maxes out at $2000 - a bit of a stretch. Would that be possible? Thanks for any input you might have.
morgandogge
bar81
791 posts
 
Amp at that price that would be excellent (I ran it with my former N804) is a used Ayre V-3; a beefy SS power amp with more power than its rating. As to a hybrid preamp, someone else will hopefully weigh in.
dob
577 posts
 
Hello,
I own B&W802 and I can't recommend enough Spectron Musician III - see my post:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1180897750&read&keyw&zzspectron

All The Best

Rafael
know_talent
34 posts
 
I've been running 803S'sssss for many years and started out with the Big Rotel 1090 (380wpc & 80A peak) with same 1070 preamp.

MSRP on the 1090 was $1999 back in 02-03(?) and I don't think they produce it anymore so you'd have to watch the classifieds. If you do, proceed with caution if your running off a 20A service using a 12 gauge or fatter powercord...the toroidal transformer in that thing is the size of a small pumpkin and you're likely to smoke something
something in the amp like this guy I knew did.

Don't let the magick smoke out!

Marsh Amps where also favorably rated and if I recall had good synergy with the 803S(?)

IMO you can't put enough current flow to the 803. Everytime I upgrade amplification the speaker changes in accordance with degree of ampflication improvement.
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