B&W 803D - Best amplifiers to drive them

A substantial difference from 803d to 802d. If you can afford it buy the 802. I've owned and enjoyed the 803d for many years. I used a mcintosh 252 amp and c45 preamplifier. When I got the upgrade itch, went to the 802 diamond, and a 402 amp (same pre). I couldn't be happier. The sound and soundstage was a huge improvement. I use the 4 ohm tap on the amp bi wired with great results. I wish you luck on your search!

Never heard the 803s but the 802ds are outstanding w the right amp!

Thank you all. And Mark thanks for the specific responses to all questions. Appreciate all your help and advice.

Kelpie, I owned the 803d for about 2 years and loved them. They do like lots of power though. I originally had a McIntosh MC352 connected to them and it sounded great. I bought a second MC352 and biamped them and they sounded even better. I finally purchased MC601 mono blocks and they sounded like a brand new speaker. The bass that I didn't know was there came right out.

I liked the 803d's so much that I deceided to move up to the 802D2's, I think they are worth the upgrade, though both are very nice speakers.

When I went to the dealer to purchase the 802D2's the dealer had a pair of PMC EB1i's there to demo against. There was no contest to the sound I heard coming out of the EB1i's. I liked the PMC's so much I purchased them on the spot. I have since purchase another pair of speakers but love them all. They all sounded great. It was only when I A & B'd them next to each other that I really had a preference.

I upgraded from a used pair of 704's that I really liked to a used pair of 803d's a year ago and then quickly began to ask the same question. I was using the Rotel 1070 seperates set that were a perfect fit for the 704's, but found myself wanting more. After looking around and becoming confused with all of the options, I settled on a used Accuphase E-450 integrated and could not be happier. The sound is smooth, detailed at any volume, never induces fatigue compared with previous equipment and I can't imagine the speakers sounding much better. They simply come to life. Have matched it with the Oppo BDP 105, Apple TV for streaming and TV, and an Accuphase t-1100 fm tuner and am going to retire with more music options then I'll ever need. I'm off the gerbil wheel for good, or so my wife tells me.