B & W Matrix 801 S3 and tube amplifier


I cannot find an impedance graph for B & W 801 S3.. The manufacturer states min impedance of 4 ohm and recommends amp of at least 50W. I am wondering if a 60W tube amp such as Conrad Johnson MV 60 or Premier 11A would do the job for mostly low level listening in a small-mid size room. Does anybody have experience with similar combination ? Would ss Conrad Johnson amp be a much better match ?
pvctor

Showing 3 responses by pvctor

thanks for the comments .. 60-70W tube will not do it .. The most expensive tube amp I can afford would be Audio Research VT 100 MK II or III .. But based on the responses even 100W of tube power will not be sufficient(anybody tried this combo?). Since I have Conrad Johnson PV 12 pre-amp I would consider MF 2500A. I also like Simaudio and would consider W5.. Does anybody have experience with MF 2500A or W5 with 801 S3 ? Any other good suggestion under $2500.00 to be inserted between CJ PV 12 and B&W 801 S3 ?
Thanks everybody for the comments. I will focus my search on solid state amp(s). So far I have Simaudio Moon w5 on my radar and I am curious about CJ MF 2500A.. Parasound seams like a good suggestion (will have to do some reading on their models) .. Are Parasound amps reliable? Do they retain value over time ? Any other suggestion for a secondhand amp in approximately $1500 - $2500 price range that would go well with CJ PV 12 and B & W 801 S3 ?
Rrog, Should I assume that your comment refers to Parasound? By the way , I appreciate your straight to the point message.
I have read about Parasound A21 ( I do not think I can score JC1's in my price range) and somehow I feel more conformable spending $2500 on a 5 + years old amp than on a new one.
Any alternative to Mark Levinson that you already recommended ? How would my first choice (at least for now) Simaudio Moon W5 compare to Levinson?
Is there anybody who has had 801 S3 and Moon W5 ?
I do not think I gen get CAM 350 that Vegasears recommended for $2500 or less ? What other Classe amp would be a good match with 801s? I have not had a chance to listen to a Classe amp. I am looking for a rich , full sounding (not lean ) and not bright amp. Do Classe amps generally fit that description?
Does anybody have a experience with Classe & 801 S3 ? How would the combo CJ PV 12 , Classe amp and 801 work ?