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Denon 3806 + B&W 803D....amp suggestions???

Hey All,

I've got an uncle with a dilemma. He's currently got his 3806 already running his house system (speakers on the back porch, speakers in the kitchen, etc) in addition to his mains 803D's. His primary area where he seeks to invest is the main listening room where he desires high quality 2 channel stereo performance, though he knows his in-wall b&w's will respond favorably to more amplification. If possible, he desires to keep the 3806 and just use it for it's processing capabilities expanding his amplification or just keep life simple by buying yet a more powerful receiver. He just got the 803D's and he understands that the 3806 is not adequate...he just needs suggestions.

Listening preferences: stringed instruments, jazz, female vocalists, some orchestra

Main listening room:
25x20 however room has 20 foot ceiling that opens to second floor

Main speakers: B&W 803D.

Amplification: Denon 3806 plus ?

7 channel amplification (or a 5 channel plus a 2 channel) or replacing the Denon 3806 with a more powerful receiver? Which route and what are some recommendations for components?

Thanks,
Justin
jutjut
loomisjohnson
1,943 posts
 
jutjut:
coincidentally, i've long been unhappy with the denon 3300 powering my naim arriva floorstanders in my br system. i just augmented the denon with a 150w/ch parasound amp (utilizing the pre outs on the denon) and the difference is night and day--bass and overall definition is much enhanced. now, even augmenting your uncle's denon with a power amp still won't sound as good for 2 channel as replacing the denon with a good seperate preamp, but there is an obvious utility on continuing to use the denon (ht, multiroom, video switching, etc.), so i'd certainly try adding the power amp first.
jutjut OP
9 posts
 
What amplification would someone suggest for the B&W blending with the Denon 3806...prioritizing 2 channel sound?
elevick
2,636 posts
 
The denon should have enough power for the 803's. The less you strain the receiver, the better the remaining channels will function.

If you have whole house audio, buy a denon multi zone receiver to handle that duty. It works better anyway.
loomisjohnson
1,943 posts
 
i respectfully disagree with elevick--most avr power ratings (nad and hk excepted) are grossly overstated smoke and mirrors--quality of powewr aside, the inboard amps in your denon just don't have the oomph. as stated, i've had good results mating my denon with a parasound amp. i'm also impressed with emotiva, which has vg specs and is a fantastic value.
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