2. amps-preamps
  3. 162847-154609

B&W 804d3 amplifier pairing....(Rotel RB1590?)

I am trying to figure out what amp to pair with my B&W 804d3. I have listened to a few Arcam, Mcintosh, and Rotel amplifiers and preferred the sound of the Rotel with these speakers. I never listened to the rb1590 but enjoyed the smaller Rotels. Overall I like a fairly neutral frequency response, maybe slightly bright and airy. I also generally prefer sound to be as precise/fast/analytical/accurate as possible.

I am also considering the Bryston amps, maybe the Bryston 4b3, but am unsure if the price increase would be justified. Also, not sure if it would sound better given that B&W pairs the Rotel amps with their speakers and the Rotel combinations I have heard sounded really good imo. Also for me, a 2x increase in price would have to have a substantial performance increase. By substantial I mean any normal person would have to easily identify it.

What do you think, RB1590 best choice for me? Should I pursue Bryston or other options?
familiar1985
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
The upper end Rotel amps are very good. I was rather impressed when I heard them. The voicing is very slightly on the warm side (it has just a bit of a warm texture), but it still has excellent resolution.

The Bryston 3B amps are on the complete opposite side. They are clean and neutral sounding. However, they can sound a bit thin and without texture on some systems/speakers. I would generally recommend these latest Bryston amps if you have a very warm/slow preamp.

I own the B&W D3 speakers and tested some Bryston 7b3 monoblocks. I was able to get them sounding good with a fuse upgrade, but they just could not keep up with the other amps I had (Parasound JC1 and Emotiva XPR-1). The Bryston’s just sounded weak and thin in comparison. They did not have as much midrange/midbass body and it seemed the upper mids/highs were too clean and lacking grit/texture/resolution.

Other people may have different opinions/experiences.
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
I have never been a fan of Anthem amps because I don't think they have good resolution and, in my opinion, tend to blare in the midrange.  However, their latest "Gen 2" amps are quite good.  If you're looking for something neutral with high resolution, I would check into these new Anthem amps.

The Hegel amps are pretty high resolution, but I suspect they are closer in sonic signature to the Bryston stuff.  I've heard them and they do have the same type of sonic character.  I think the Anthem Gen 2 would be better with the D3's, but it also depends on your preamp and tastes.

ATI amps might also be a good option.
fransp
2 posts
 
Hi,
just sharing, owning the same speaker for a few years. I have tried Pathos logos (hybrid), Accuphase 460 E, Shanling ps 80 monoblocks, Accuphase for power plus NAD pre. All sounding more than fine. But a month ago i purchased Bryston bp 20 and Bryston 4 b both "used". i have the feeling i have landed, fast, detailed, engaging sound. Its my conclusion the 804 d3 needed more power. Also gained improvement through Isotek aquarius and cardas golden cross speaker cable and a few GIK 4220 acoustic panels. It all matches and sounds very synergistically 
familiar1985 OP
2 posts
 
I would like to thank everyone for their input! I ended up going with the Rotel RB1590. I still have not had enough time with it to form a conclusive opinion but I am very pleased so far! 
samac's avatar
samac
499 posts
 
Great choice, familiar1985. I hope you continue to enjoy the RB-1590. I’ve had it for about two months now and it is excellent. I’m using it with B&W 683 S2s.
I would love to hear it with you 804 D3s.I bet that does sound great.

Cheers,

Scott
More to discover