2. amps-preamps
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Amp for B&W Sig 805

I'm looking for ideas on a solid state amp for my B&W Sig 805 speakers. I've had Classe Cap101 (100/ch integrated) and now a Krell 400xi (200w/ch integrated). I liked the Krell better than the Classe because of the additional power and better low-end control. I'm considering an amp (100 or 200 w/ch ??). I don't consider myself a tube amp guy but potentially I'd be looking for tube Pre. I currently use a Cary 303/200 as a CD player with copper wire everywhere.

Thanks, Al
adasilva
carlo989737
1 posts
 
What don't you like about the Krell? I recently heard this Amp. driving a pair of 802Diamonds and it sounded great. You might be better investing in a pair of full-range Speakers. To better the 400xi is not going to be cheap...this Amp's sonics are well beyond its modest price.
adasilva OP
57 posts
 
The Krell 400xi was and is one of the best values in solid state integrated amps with 200w/ch. The 400xi has better bass definition than my current amp.

After much auditioning I decided on the Conrad Johnson 2500a (250w/ch) with a Manley tube preamp. The CJ amp & Manley preamp just sound so much better.

OK, so the Telefunken NOS tubes I put in the preamp helped. I feel that I have a little better resolution and detail with just enough tube smoothness.
yingying987
1 posts
 
u cant look pass Mark Levinson for your B&W.

just dont get the int 383
christobyl
15 posts
 
The Krell you have has great tight bass.. however the highs from it sound like crushed glass being packed into your ears with metal dome tweets. I have heard this combo. The 805 sig is an OUTSTANDING speaker. . with metal dome super-tweets which will reveal all.
I would get a conrad johnson MF2500A for the amp..use your krell integrated as a pre. Best of both worlds. I have also heard this combo..it sounded great/musical to me, compared to the analytical/dry Krell sound.
A tube amp will sound mushy and weak in bass compared to your krell integrated.
I have heard all these combos in the hi-end store I worked in, so I am not just spouting.
Enjoy your outstanding system!
adasilva OP
57 posts
 
Christobyl, perhaps you missed some of the thread but I did sell the 400XI and get the Conrad Johnson 2500a. I'm just sorry that I waited so long.

I did try some tube amps with the B&W Sigs and I did not think they worked well. I did not like the VTL and McIntosh amps with this speaker. I did not get to try some of the higher priced tube amps (>$5K)

I'm currently using a Manley tube preamp with Telefunken NOS tubes replacing the stock NOS tubes. Brendan at TubeWorld.com was a great help. It's a shame that more Agoners haven't tried the Manley preamp given it's price point and performance. Perhaps it's because Manley seems to focus on the Pro Audio market.

I feel that this preamp and amp combination yields more detail and resolution than the 400XI while having the soother, less harsh, high frequencies. I'm actually listening to music more with this new setup.
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