Welcome back...My first recommendation is sell the amp,put the funds together and get yourself a good Tube Integrated Amplifier!For your speakers I would say something from Primaluna,Rogue Audio,VTL(IT85) or Cary(SLI80)...
Unless you have a big system & need lots of inputs you save space & eliminate an I/C & power cord... |
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I don’t think a tube integrated is a good match for 802D3’s, and especially for someone who purchased said speakers for their crisp highs.
The C2600 is $7K. The review from Enjoythemusic.com noted that the C2600 was limited at both frequency extremes. So, probably not the right tool for what you want to do. However, if the dealer will let you try before you buy, why not!
Do you really need a dac included? That’s part of the price of the C2600.
Do you only want new, or open to purchasing used? How about other features such as a remote, phono stage, true balanced outputs?
What are your listening levels and music preferences? With a lot more information, I and others may be able to assist.
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The C2600 will likely warm things up a little. Does the dealer offer a return policy? Is this the same dealer where you purchased the B&W’s? and the Rotel? One of the higher powered McIntosh integrated amps would be a great idea, however I cannot recommend an all tube integrated amp. The measurements and comments in Stereophile’s review of the 803 D3 suggest it is a demanding load and not suited for a tube power amp.
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All good questions. Yes, I'm open to used. And yes, good suggestion to "demo" the C2600--I'll ask. You ask about dac, yet sorry, not exactly sure what that is (I was serious about being limited in knowledge--much has changed in 35 years). No need for phono stage. Don't know what "true balanced outputs" are...... Listening levels are low to medium and I listen to 70s classic rock, jazz, some contemporary musicians with strong vocals like Adele, Bareilles, Norah Jones, Krall--a wide variety of interest, but nothing heavy and loud. |
In your situation, it seems that a good approach may be, the simpler, the better, since it is going to take a while to get back "up to speed" on everything. Using a tube amp definitely doesn’t fall into the simpler category, as there are more speaker compatibility concerns to be addressed, and also because the tubes themselves at some point will need attention.
For you, I like the idea of an easy to use solid state integrated amp. McIntosh makes some really nice ones, and the new Anthem STR integrated looks nice as well. Both should have what it takes to drive the 803s decently. With regard to your interest in "warming up" your sound, you should know that the McIntosh MA 8900 integrated amp includes extensive tone controls, so that you can tailor the sound to your liking.
I’m surprised that a dealer suggested a tube amp for those speakers. Also, I strongly recommend getting out to as many dealers as you can to see what’s out there now days, and, at this level of equipment, I’d suggest working with a dealer for future purchases. It’s real easy to purchase equipment that does not complement very well the equipment you already have, such as the 803s.
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Please note that the C2600 is not an "amp", it's a tube "preamp". Also, several respondents are referring to 802 D3 and I have 802 D3 speakers. It may not make a difference, but I wanted to point out exactly what I have since there's some confusion. Thanks for everyone's help thus far. |
"Also, several respondents are referring to 802 D3 and I have 802 D3 speakers."
Sorry, my post was a typo. The Stereophile review was for the 802 D3.
What are you using for the source component?
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Ah, well, then the 2600 might be a great pre-amp option. You should be able to find a lot of nice power amps to drive the 803s.
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A dac is a digital to analog converter. If records are your only or primary source you likely don’t need to pay for that feature. However, if you are using an old CD player and it has a digital output you may find a modern dac offers an improvement.
Your Rotel RB 1590 is 350 Watts per channel which is more than enough power for a large speaker like your 802 D3’s.
The RB 1590 is not specified as a dual differential amp so the XLR inputs are likely just a convenience. So a preamp with RCA inputs and outputs will work. However, there is one problem. The input impedance via RCA is a very low 12k ohms while the XLR is 100K. Most tube preamps will be compromised seeing 12K ohms. So that means a preamp with XLR output connections would likely offer the best performance. Preamps so configured are more expensive plus you will need a quality set of XLR cables to connect to your RB 1590.
Does this help or add to the confusion? |
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Don't understand the question of "what is my source component". Can you be more specific? Sorry for my lack of knowledge.
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Don't understand the discussion of "XLR output connections", but yes, it does help because I can research what you mean and ask my local dealers. |
“Source” is analog like a record player, or digital like a CD player.
RCA connectors are what you are familiar with like what is on your old preamp, just one hole in the middle with a barrel for the cable to grip on the outside.
XLR’s have three pin holes and appear completely different than an RCA connection. The connecting cables are completely different in appearance.
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Thanks for feedback. Looks like I have some more homework to do. |
