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803N power Requirements?

As Stereophile reader Tellig tells us that the Nautilus line is voiced "so sweet" that tube s aren't necessary.I say if that's your sound than "BS Sam".But while the 805 and 804 might work with 45-60 watts of tubes what about 803's?Hear that while they have 91db efficiency they have a nasty impedance dip down to 3ohms.Thinking maybe the Rogue Mono120's or a Cary 80watt Int.Thoughts?
chazzbo
tjs1956
5 posts
 
I have used a Krell KAV-500i (250 wpc integrated) with excellent results. I have also used its smaller brother, the KAV-300i (150 wpc) with good results too. These speakers DO NOT require tubes due to their relative sweetness. My feeling ( and that's all it is) is that a good tube amp such as a CJ Premier 11a or an ARC VT-100 should do a great job on these speakers.
drrdiamond
671 posts
 
B&W voice their speakers with Krell.
Buy as much power as you can afford.
bigpoppakrell
30 posts
 
If you had really read the N803 review in Stereophile, you would have noted that Sam had great results with the Musical Fidelity A300 amp.
My own experience with the A300 driving a pair of N804's suggests that the match is a good one, and that the A300 is much better than it's budget heritage suggests.
HOWEVER, I have run the N804 with Krell and various other amps as well. IF you can afford the better amps, DO IT! you will be rewarded. IF you have to skimp on the amp for now, I would suggest something in the realm of the A300 as the minimum benchmark.
I have heard the Nautilus series sound pretty poor in at least 2 circumstances, so, be warned, a poor amp/source/cable match will result in a screechy up front balance that will leave you wondering why you ever bought them.
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