2. amps-preamps
  3. 1346768653

$1,500 Amp budget - Best options?

I have narrowed my speaker search down to a set of B&W 803S or 803D.

Question. What are the best options to power these speakers with amp budget of around $1500? I'll be using my Marantz 5006 as the pre. Yes, I know there are some more expensive options that may offer a bit more quality, but this is what it is and I'm sticking to it. After I get my options, I'll try to audition as much as possible.

So far I'm considering a new Emotiva XPA-2 or used Bryston 4B-ST. What else do you'all think I should be looking at?

Thanks!
rave426
springbok10
708 posts
 
Second the C-J MF 2500
jl35
2,244 posts
 
Yes John, those MS4's somehow got from my living room, to that fiend's basement! (though maybe I remember carrying them down the stairs...)
rower30
205 posts
 
I second the ODYSSEY option. My KISMET mono amps have been great for the price, and the C4 signatures like them. The STRATOS line is a real good value, and should fall in your price range. I too looked for good amps at a reasonable price, and took the ODYSSEY route.
singleendedsingle
664 posts
 
The Emotiva XPA-2 has the power to drive them.
rave426 OP
2 posts
 
Thanks again folks. I'm getting excited about my upcoming purchase. Based on this page I'm leaning towards the Emotiva, Parasound, NAD, or Odyssey.
More to discover