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Amp for Nautilus 805 - Krell KAV or Classe cap 101

I want to change the amplifier for my Nautilus 805.
I am currently using musical fidelity a3.2.
When playing symphonies, mf seems to lack in power.
I have placed the speakers in the living room, so I would say that it is a medium sized room.

I am thinking of changing to krell kav300i, or classe cap 101.
I think krell would have enough power to drive 805, but a little bit worried that it might sound harsh.
Cap 101 might not have enough power to drive 805.

Thanks for your comments!
duheepark
blackie
221 posts
 
The Krell 300i sounds bright and hard with the N805 while the newer 300il sounds bland and grey, neither of which are suitable. The Classe CAP-151 should be a good match but I was once told by a Classe sales rep to not bother with the 101 becasue of it's low current power delivery. It is also worth looking at the Sim Audio i-3 and i-5 which work very well with B&W speakers.
arthursmuck
451 posts
 
for what it's worth I'm auditiopning a Krell TAS 200x5 with N802's for 2 channel, and N804's and HTM1 added for HT. I've found none of the harsh brightness others reference (using little ol' cobaltcable ultimate speaker cable...solid copper)and when I spoke to Krell and B&W they each foavorably referenced the other as showcase partners for the Nautilus and KAV lines...
duheepark OP
2 posts
 
Thanks for all your comments.
I guess Krell KAV might not be a good option.
I will have to go with a CAP, but I am not sure I can afford a 151.
Thanks again!
readargos
23 posts
 
If you're happy with the Musical Fidelity sound, consider bi-amping as a cost-effective option that will maintain the system's sound. I had a pair of A3cr power amps controlled by the A3cr pre driving B&W 602. Though the 602 is clearly not in the same league as the 805, which I considered, the extra dynamic headroom from two amps made a wonderful difference. The the system had shattering dynamics. My experience suggests that B&W can eat a lot of clean power. I also found the MF - B&W pairing worked very well.

Though I have moved to other speakers, I now have the Krell KAV 300iL powering the stereo. The 602 are still sitting around, and I hooked them up to the Krell for kicks. I did not find the partnering objectionable, but I don't find Krell to sound bright, either.

It could be the case that you cannot drop a Krell amp into the system and judge immediately. The Krell's famous iron grip, high current, push-pull, fully balanced design further breaks in the moving elements of a speaker. After this second speaker break in completes, the pairing may sound better.

I have no experience with Classe products.
keithr
1,306 posts
 
B&W does not design on Classe amps. They design them on Chord stuff.

I believe before that, it was Krell.

McIntosh also is typically used with B&Ws.
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