2. amps-preamps
  3. 1169741032

Amp/ Pre-amp options for B&W 602 S3s + Bi-wire?

Noobie here to the forum, and to the world of "high-end" audio (although technically, you guys probably wouldn't classify B&W DM602 S3s as "high-end").

At any rate, I am purchasing a pair of the B&W DM602 S3 speakers for my office and I need some expert advice on possible pre-amp/amp combinations (in a reasonable price range, as well as advice on whether or not to bi-wire, and finally, on what would be reasonably priced cables to connect it all to get all these speakers are capable of producing.

I realize, after doing some significant research, that I can spend more on cables than I did on components, but that's not going to happen in this scenario.

So here's what I'd like some help with...if YOU were going to put together a mid-range(priced) amp/pre-amp system, or even an integrated amp or bi-wire set up...what would you choose? What cables would you suggest? Does Bi-amping speakers in this price range make a significant difference? Do you have to use two amps to bi-amp, or can you use a mutli-channel amp?(yes, I told you I was new to this arena...it's okay to laugh!)

I do have an Anthem TLP1 Preamp and a Parasound Halo A23 that I picked up about a year ago when I began this process (before I bought the speakers)...but none of this gear has been hooked up...I would deeply appreciate any suggestions you pros might have...thanks!
clay49
wallpizza
1 posts
 
Up.

Another newbie here. I just bought a pair of B&W 602 S3's and I too am wondering what the best pre-amp/amp combinations for them are(for under $1200)???

Thanks in advance.
clbone
41 posts
 
I have the 603's which sound very good now with an Arcam A65+ integrated. I've also had excellent synergy with a Cambridge Audio 640 integrated. Either of these may be all you'd need, but I'd give the gear you already have a try! As for wires and interconnects, I'd go with Signal Cables silver IC's (currently on sale for about $99) and a pair of their bi-wire speaker cables for around the same. Bi-amping might produce some noticeable results but I doubt the benefit is worth the expense.
estrong
57 posts
 
You could consider a Music Hall Mambo integraged amp. It's a nice sounding amp. Should go well with your B&W speakers. I own a pair of 602S2. I've had them for years and still love them. I bi-wired them once and didn't hear any real difference. I'd spend the extra money on some new music.

good luck.

Eben.
carl109
134 posts
 
If you haven't bought the amp yet, perhaps stray towards a more clinical sounding amp. I have a pair of 602 S3's powered by a NAD c320 amp, and find the sound just on the ok side of being too warm.
The same amp through my old Infinity monitors was quite bright, so I think the speakers themselves are quite warm-sounding and might benefit from a brighter sounding amp.
Happy listening!
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