2. amps-preamps
  3. 158517-142512

100W, 200W, or 300W?

I'm pretty new to this and could use some help. Working down my list of upgrades: did speakers, room treatment on order... I think next up is to replace my amp.

I'm currently using a Harman Kardon PA2000 stereo amp that I had sitting in storage. 100 WPC @ 8 Ohm. It's "OK", but it probably the weak point in my system right now.

For speakers, I picked up B&W 805D3 tabletops with stands.

88 dbSPL sensitivity, 8 ohm. They recommend 50-120W @ Ohm for the amp power on their site.

I pulled up an amplifier calculator and plugged in some numbers:

88 sBSPL, 8 ft distance, 85 dB volume w 15 dB headroom and this came out to 3W RMS w 94W peak

I have my heart set on blue watt meters so I see the following options:

1) MA5300 @ 100 WPC, no autoformers, integrated
2) MA7200 @ 200 WPC, has autoformers, integrated
3) MC302 @ 300 WPC, has autorormers, seperates


For the MA5300, I'm concerned that there isn't enough headroom. If I even get close to the 94W peak, it means that I'm pushing the amp to the max, so I'd probably be operating in an area of reduced sonic performance since it's being stressed. Is this a correct assumption?

The MA7200 looks like it'll leave plenty of headroom and it also has (for better or worse) autoformers which seems to be what puts the "mac sound" in macs.

The MC302 is just sexy as heck... but is there any realistic gain with my current set up that I would get by buying one of these? Or is it so much overkill that I am just throwing money away at this point?
eisenb11

Showing 3 responses by ei001h

ei001h
290 posts
 
If you go with Mac skip the 5300 and go for 7200. It should be more than sufficient for your speakers. Ma7200 is a complete package, an excellent DAC and pre amp all in one unit. You'll also save on cables with an integrated. Don't make your life complicated with separates. 

However, I'd advise you to forget the Mac entirely and go for Luxman L-509X. Much better amp in all respects than Mac.You'll have to add a DAC, or get a nice streamer with a DAC ( aurender or lumin). 

 I say this and I own a two Mac amps, preamp, and av processor. I think your speakers deserve a better amp. I was also initially entranced by the blue meters and mid century modern look and bought all Mac equipment. They're not bad at all, very lush, powerful and warm sounding. But once I heard what other amps could do with my speakers, I could no longer live with Macs. I agree with auxinput, Mac is very laid back and mild.

You know what would sound even better? A tube amp. Once you hear a quality tube amp, you'll never forget that sound. I believe that's where the real audiophilia begins. What type of music do you listen to? 
ei001h
290 posts
 
If you wanna hear B&W with Luxman, go to instagram and follow Audiovenue, lots of amps paired to your speakers, listen with headphones. It should give you some idea. 

Luxman is definitely not bright. Very smooth sophisticated amplification. 
ei001h
290 posts
 
You need to decide what type of sound you're after. You chose a highly resolving speaker and I assume you want an accurate representation without being overly romantic (highs rolled off). Luxman will give you that. Mac will also sound beautiful and will make anything sound pleasing to your ear. B&W with a diamond tweeter will need to be restrained and either Mac and Luxman will do. However, Mac will do it to a much higher degree. 

Also, I recommend you stay away from lesser known, smaller and obscure amp manufacturers. It is true, the more obscure highly specialized amps could give you something special, but at the same time they're harder to maintain and may become unfixable if the dealer loses support or if manufacturer goes out of business. That is one reason Mac retains its value throughout time. They are extremely reliable, and easily serviced. Luxman has a similar reputation. 

Where are you located? What brands do the dealers carry near you? By the way, you can always negotiate the price on a new amp. I usually get at least 15% off. You can do much much better on used equipment. 
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