Check out the B&W forum (if you haven't already) http://www.htguide.com/forum/forumdisplay.php4?f=22
I own 804s with Rotel amplification and have come to the same conclusion you have. Many people like the B&W and McIntosh or Classe sound. They are pricier, though. My dealer said, and others have confirmed, the amp is more important than the preamp with B&W. I am budget constrained as well, so I'm planning to upgrade amp first. In my case a tube McIntosh. You should pay a listen...I was surprised!
My two cents.
I own 804s with Rotel amplification and have come to the same conclusion you have. Many people like the B&W and McIntosh or Classe sound. They are pricier, though. My dealer said, and others have confirmed, the amp is more important than the preamp with B&W. I am budget constrained as well, so I'm planning to upgrade amp first. In my case a tube McIntosh. You should pay a listen...I was surprised!
My two cents.