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$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
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.
dayglow
708 posts
 
Consider a Proceed HPA-2. The Proceed might be a little older then some of the amps mentioned but none are better then the Proceed.
4hannons's avatar
4hannons
166 posts
 
Parasound is probably your best option. Have owned NAD, B&K, Creek and auditioned Emotiva (although not against Parasound).
dhl93449
438 posts
 
Make sure whatever amp you pick will drive the three ohms (actually 3.5 on the older 804s).

Most of those amps are rated for 4 ohm minimum loads. Best to find one that can drive a two ohm load.

I use the Parasound JC1 on my 803Ds, but I know that is out of your budget range. Not sure how low of an impedance the Brystons can drive...
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