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Best amp for B&W805D3?

I am settling in with these relatively new speakers and find my amp (Primaluna Dialogue HP with tubes ranging from EL-34’s to KT150s) is not matching up very well.  The tubes just sound a bit muddled and sluggish with some harshness or brightness in the upper-mid range.

I normally prefer the warmer sound of the tubes especially with Klipsch Heresy speakers. The EL-34s are very disappointing with the B&W’s.  With the B&W’s, the KT-150’s are somewhat better resolving than the other tubes (at least on the Primaluna amp).  I am wondering if it is the additional power that is helping?  I am also wondering if I need to switch to SS?

I am curious what amps are you finding works best worth the 805 D3s?  I am open to changing out the amp but not sure where to start.   I would appreciate hearing anyone’s experience with this matter...
pscar

Showing 1 response by gregm

gregm
3,396 posts
 
Some time ago I tried a number of amps on a pair of 805-II (i.e. a previous model).Driven well you should have clarity rather than harshness.
I can confirm what is said above: a class A SS (or a good AB) will drive them well -- a MF nuvista integrated, a Pass 60, and ATC integrated, etc. All  reasonably priced and great performers

If you insist on tubes, the only amp I tried with (remarkable) success was a CAT -- which is ruinously expensive, but gave the best sound!
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