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How do I power my 800D(3)s

Hi folks

I am new to this, but trying to learn fast!

I have long been a fan of Bowers and Wilkins and I am lucky enough to buy a brand new pair of 800D(3)'s.  I have recently built a new house, so now have enough space for this very special purchase, which I plan to make in the next month or so.

I want to run a two channel system in our living room so it's a pretty simple layout.  Can anybody give me some advice, so that I get the best out of the speakers.  Will a Pre-Amp, and an Amp be enough with a Streamer?  Do I need two amps?  

Can you also advise on the best brands to look at.  I see that B&W tends to show the speakers off in thier demo's with Classe?  Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

Matt
128x128matt_gf
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
1,621 posts
 
What a great position to be in, the new B&W are a formidable speaker.

The real question is why are you posting this question? Didn't the speakers come from a dealer? Are you seeking advice because you are not sure which brand or combination of components? Or are you seeking different choices from what the dealer was recommending.

It comes down to taste, and price. There are many good combinations which will work well, a famous pairing is the Electrocompaniet Nemo amplifiers or the smaller AW 400 which are very musical and were voiced with the 800's.

The issue with the B&W is the Diamond tweeter is very ruthless at revealing flaws, you are best with a slightly warmer amplifier, choice of dac and cables is also crucial.

I work part time for Audio Doctor in NJ, the owner Dave has 27 years experience in system matching, give him a call 877 428 2873
erik_squires
5,268 posts
 
Congrats.  First, invest in room acoustics. GIK Acoustics has great advice and products.

Next, tubes man. These are definitely speakers I'd pair with Tubes a-la AR, CJ or if SS, Ayre.
mcgal
189 posts
 
Matt, I have never owned 800D3s but have owned 803Ds. For me the B&W's sounded best with lots of power behind them. The more power I gave them the better they sounded and I don't listen at loud levels. For example, I had them paired with one McIntosh MC352 and then vertically bi-amped with 2 MC352s and then with MC601 mono blocks. For me a tube amp just doesn't have enough power to really let the 800's sound the best they can. I also believe in room treatments, vibration control and better cabling. Just my 2 cents.
bassmass1
13 posts
 
Krell with Transparent Cable would be something to look into.
lewinskih01
793 posts
 
B&W 800 series are often paired with McIntosh, Classe, Rowland, Levinson. Generally people like lots of power behind them.

Having said that, I own 804S (different league from yours) driven by McIntosh tubes. I prefer it to a larger McIntosh solid state amp. And I've heard a system with 802D driven by large $30k tube monblocks that sounded outstanding - plus you save on heating the house 😁

B&W can be auditioned rather easily. At that level of money, spend some visiting stores and understanding what you like. And enjoy the journey!

Cheers
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