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power amp questions for the B&W 805d


I see on the official B&W website they recommend an amplifier power of 50-120 watts for the B&W 805 Diamond. I see a lot of people seem to like Rotel and Classe... but I'm leaning towards either a Luxman 505u integrated -or- McIntosh / Marantz separates.

1) Would a 200, 250 or 350 watt amp be TOO MUCH power for these speakers, and could that much power hurt the 805D?

2) What type of speaker cables sound best with the 805D, copper or silver?

3) If you are using the 805Ds right now... which amplifer and speaker cables are you using?

4) Do you use a power conditioner in front of your amplifier? If so which one?
hillbilly_boulevard
tom6897's avatar
tom6897
1,029 posts
 
Classe is a very good choice with B&W. They are shown and demoed together at CES and other audio shows quite frequently. If you decide to go with the classe try to look at the 200 series or higher for best results. Check the system pages their are quite a few B&W owners in the forums. The search button is your friend. As for cables I would lean toward silver over gold plated copper like the MAC Mystic. It is a blend. Also AZ Hologram II or Harmonic tech.
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I believe Classe' is owed by the same people as B&W.
Classe' IS a good choice anyway, along with Pass.
As for too much power? most folks say no such thing as too much.
If you are buying new amps, then John Curl Parasound JC1, and Bryston 'squared series are also in the ballpark.
For tube amps... ? Audio Research or Conrad Johnson
For cables ? cables are a pit of vipers.. I ain't going there.
For a power conditioner for an amps/amps, Furman REF series, The REF15i or better yet REF20i.. or a torus (Bryston)
(I owned 805s and traded them in at dealer for Magnepan 3.6s)
drken
30 posts
 
I worked for a B&W dealer and have owned many. I would say the highest quality amp you can get your hands on...CAT, Air tight, are excellent choices but they are expensive.

Cables I would go with bi-wired 8TC from kimber. Excelled quality and value.

Ken
samuelg's avatar
samuelg
55 posts
 
I plan on buying a pair of 805 diamonds in the near future and will use an 8 wpc Air Tight 300B amp. The speakers are 90dB efficient.
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