First post here and on a steep learning curve in the world of audio!
I purchased some 803 Diamonds a few months ago and have really been enjoying them, particularly as the hours build on them. In addition to these I have a set of 805 Diamonds and DB1. The plan is to use the 805's for surrounds and 803's up front along with a CM2 centre. I also have a Linn Sneaky DAC for digital music.
Component wise is where I'm looking for guidance, although I also recognise that the CM2 isn't the ideal match alongside the 803's. I have a NAD375BEE which punches above its weight and did well with the 805's. With the 803's I feel the NAD is unfortunately underdone...
My HT is run through a Denon AVR-X4000 which I'm also using as a pre AMP. Usage between 2 channel and Home Theatre is around 50/50. My thinking at this point (based on prioritising where the $'s go) is to keep the Denon for HT / pre purposes and offload the NAD in favour of a better power AMP. Mac and Classe, purely based on research at this stage, are the front runners but I am also conscious of potentially upgrading speakers down the track. Subject to listening, the MC302 seems like a good match as does the Classe CA2300.
I am relatively new to the audio world and would really value any suggestions, particularly from those that have similar speaker arrangements.
I have B&W 804 diamonds and a HTM 4 center. I recently set up a new home theater/music system as a part of major remodel and after listening to several amps, integrated amps and processors, I would up settling on a Mcintosh /Marantz system. I use a Mcintosh tube based C2500 as a preamp for music (it also has an integrated DAC and a HT pass through mode). For HT I would up with the Marantz 7702 but will switch to the MarkII when it arrives in September. I use a Mcintosh MC8207 as an amp which I really love, so much effortless power. My goal was to set up a very warm detailed non fatiguing system which I feel I accomplished. Mcintosh gear with its "warm signature" really does pair well with the forward nature of the B&W speakers. I am auditioning a MC152 and/or MC302 which I will use for the front two channels also
You are really going to need some punch to drive the 803s well. I would take a close look at Mcintosh if you prefer a warm mellower sound with excellent bass punch. I had a Classe CA2300 before the mac gear and while it sounded a bit more detailed, it can be unforgiving of harsh recordings. Both are pretty widely used with B&W gear but you must listen yourself to find your preference.
Thanks diononiz, some useful info and nice gear you've got! I am a little reluctant to drop significant $'s on a multi-channel AMP at this stage with the various changes coming through like Atmos etc and figured I might be better putting my $'s at this stage toward a really solid power AMP. The downside is I run the surrounds through the Denon for now, which isn't ideal, but it allows me to start building a good system starting with 2 channel and working my way from there over time - hopefully this is the best approach?
I am looking at the MC302 but also considering the MC452 in case I upgrade the speakers down the track which would allow me to hang onto the 452 for good without upgrading again.
I have the 804D and HTM4.
If you are able to buy the MC 8207, that's a nice amp.
Otherwise I am using the Marantz PM 11 S3 with HT bypass, and will add the 7702 MK II and a MM 8077 to drive the other channels or a Rotel RMB 1585 for the centre / surround duties.
You can see the rest of my gear in my signature, cheers.
Thanks for the info - you've got a fab set up there!!
Out of interest, I've read that it is generally more beneficial to run music via a dedicated 2 channel power (and pre) AMP rather than via a single multi-channel amp? You mention the MC 8207 but I thought about investing in a really solid 2 channel power AMP (e.g. MC302 or MC452) and to use the Denon for HT until more $'s become available. Does this make sense as the order of buying the right gear is important to me?
Well if you are looking at those Mac amps in that price range sure!
Given that you will need 11 channels, the 8207 can power the other channels and you can buy other amps for the fronts and centre.
Not sure what you know about the Mac MA7900 as an integrated option but could this be a better way to go rather than the extra $'s for separate power / pre amps? Seems to have good reviews from what I've read when pairing up to the 803D's...
I listened to the classe monblocks and the stereo amp at my dealer's shop with the 803s. I really didn't feel that they were worth the extra money over the parasounds. I didn't hear the McIntosh with the 803s but listen to them with another set of speakers. They have nice depth and bass but they do have a particular signature that didn't like. Your best bet is to audition the three amps.
I would look at ATI 6000 series. Has the kind of power you need to drive B&W.
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