Nuforce step up from Sunfire for B&W 803N?

Jeffkad, the NuForce amps are available with an essentially no-cost home audition via the NuForce Demo program (you pay for shipping). Why not try them for yourself?

The bass impact issue is one that might be affected by the power output specs of the NuForce Ref9V2SE, but you should hear the combo to decide for yourself.

The Spectron amp doubles power output into 4 ohms, although it does not double again into 2 ohms, but nevertheless it will likely produce better tonal balance on your speakers than will the NuForce, IMO.

If you're looking predominantly at chip amps, you might consider the H20 Audio monoblocks (which are also available with a home trial). These amps also double power output as impedance is halved.

Tvad, thanks so much for your responses. Not sure what you meant by "The bass impact issue is one that might be affected by the power output specs of the NuForce Ref9V2SE". Did you mean affected positively (more impact) or negatively (less impact). I inferred the latter, but want to be sure. As for in-home, I'm really looking at used purchase. A combo of used nufore and a tube pre like Dodd, Modwright, etc, brings me in at 4.5k or less, which I can live with. Actually, would never buy amp new in this mkt, as depreciation is so favorable to used buyer. Now, if I go with the Spectron, that kills my budget for a good preamp. Of course, maybe I should get preamp first as that may have bigger overall impact, but I'm still sorting all this out. Right now, trying to clarify what the nuforce might bring to the table vs the sunfire, and/or if their are other options. (Wish I had room, money and house current to get a Plinius Odean or Simaudio Titan!!!).

03-02-09: Jeffkad
Not sure what you meant by "The bass impact issue is one that might be affected by the power output specs of the NuForce Ref9V2SE". Did you mean affected positively (more impact) or negatively (less impact).

I meant negatively due to the fact that the NuForce will produce less volume in the bass frequencies relative to the mids and highs, therefore potentially resulting in a presentation that lacks bass weight and punch as compared with some other amps that we've discussed.

I understand wanting to buy used. I've done it myself for five years.

However, before you dismiss the idea of using the NuForce home demo program, take the time to contact a NuForce dealer. You might be surprised at the possibilities. I know I was.

...or buy a used pair of Ref9V2SE and try them. Keep them if you like them, or resell them if you don't.

There's no universally correct answer for which component will be best for every system and every listener. There are better choices based on electrical specs, but even these can be tossed out the window based on a listener's personal preference.

At some point, you have to dive in and do the listening in your system with components that interest you.

Tvad, you are absolutely right about the diving in part. I've been researching preamps for some time and have been waffling between Dodd, Modwright 9 or 36.5 and now the new Isabella from Red Wine (although no HT passthru, as well as VTL and BAT. Man, it's hard to make that decision, and it may just come down to what's available at a good price on the gon. No used 36.5's or Dodd's or Isabella's right now, so I'm kinda holding tight. As for the Nuforce, yeah, I did try to reach out to one seller but he never replied. However, starting to think the Spectron may be the way to go, but it's a lot of cash. For goodness sake, all I want is some bass slam, tight but visceral bass, crystal clear highs, shimmer and sparkle, and all those great "tube-like" qualities I've been hearing so much about like presence, you-are-thereness, air, musicality, like you are in the middle of the stage. And all for around 4-5k. Why can't this be easier, LOL?!?!?