Amp for Nautilus 801

Ali,

I would recommend the Krell but not the MDA 300s. I would prefer two FPB 600s on the B&W. It would be magic above & beyond. I know that the B&W shine w. vertical biamping which is a much less expensive alternative then buying 4 monoblocks. Your choice was for Levinson 333, not my favorite sound but if you run 2 of them it would be best. Better would be two FPB 600s in my opinion. I have owned the 801 so I hope this clears things for you. The 801s love power & can play loud. Big difference from the Martin Logan designs. You will enjoy them. Very few speakers can do what they do at thier price. You will need to spend about $40K to get the ability to play loud w. out strain from most other speaker brands.

I also highly recommend Krell Amplifiers. I've heard the N801s powered by the FBP-300cx and FPB-400cx and both Amplifiers easily powered these Speakers to realistic levels in a fairly large auditioning room. You simply may not need to go beyond either one of these Amplifiers and both can be had here on Audiogon less than $6K (US).

Hi Ali

I own a Nautilus 801 myself and use a ML 23.5 amp (2*200W). Although the 801 would gain dynamic with more power (especially the bass) I don't feel uncomfortable in my relatively small room (4m*6m). Heights and mids are highly musical and the bass is not really a problem since I put the speaker on spikes (what I strongly recommend!!).

My B&W dealer recommends the 2*200W Classé Audio 2200 with the 802D and the 800D. Of course you don't get the last whamm with these, but it's all a question of taste.

I have a good feeling for the 2*300W ML 333. Try it!

AK

So I have a good feeling for the 300W ML 333. Try that.

Hi Alphorn,
Thanks for the response,I tried them with single 333 and the result was good.2nd ML 333 will be included in the long term plan.I am also exploring the option to auditioning Bryston 7B ST since I heared good things about 801 with 7BST and they are available.How long you are using N801s& what system do you have.
Any cables suggestions.
Regards
AAK

Hi Ali

As we don't get Bryston in Switzerland I can't say much about it. All I know is what I read about the 14 B in a stereophile test you may know. I guess the Bryston won't match the 333's musicality but produce a more dynamic / brute sound.

I have lived with my 801 for 6 years and I'm still completely happy. The rest of the system is older (ML 38 pre, ML 37 drive, EAD 7000/III D/A, ML gel interconnects and apature speaker cable).

I intend to change my CD unit and buy the brandnew Classé 202 CD-player which plays in the same league as the ML 390S. I can't recommend ML CD devices. Most of them show klicking noises from time to time (so does my 37 also) and besides of that the company (Harman) doesn't offer sufficient service when garantuee is over (no replacement parts on stock). Try also the expensive Accuphase CD-players or -if money is not of importance- Esoteric Teac or DCS.

For preamp I strongly recommend any ML device (26, 28, 38, 380, new 320 or 326). You will hardly find something better.

Concerning cables I don't think there is a "best" cable. There is just the right cable (doesn't need to be expensive). Try out and try not to loose nerves! My dealer is very much on Kimber. I can recommend it also.

Have fun with 801!!
Andy