802N or 802D? that might matter here.
Despite the 92db eff rating on the BW N type speaker, they do enjoy more power more so. Your amp, I believe ought to run them
Ive heard of folks using a 60wpc CJ tube amp on them actually
. But to what extent the SQ was, I cant say
but noise will come out of them, thats for sure.
I owned the 9NTs with the hopes of moving into the 802Ns next. That never happened..I heard the 9NTs on several amps and a couple of receivers
Rotel, B&K Arcam, Sony, & Krell. The more power the amp output, the better the speakers enjoyed it. Ive got to say here as well, most speakers respond better to more applied power
. Or more accurately, to the availability of greater cleaner power reserves.
All that said, perhaps though, How much power you can afford is likely the issue here, and not what is best for the 802s. Id suspect 300 400wpc should be sufficient enough power for them in an average sized room. Until you get into the 800 series or the Nautilus series, Id say not to worry over bi or tri amping BW speakers. Just add goodly ample capable power to em like some amp with guts that never comes close to running out of steam, and have fun..
Whats best for em? Id say something from the 500 600wpc arena
. BAT, Classe, McIntosh, maybe even Levinsons big boys
. But thats just me and what they sounded like with huge amps pushing them
. And of course
IMHO. I used a KAV 250 on my 9NTs.
you might also consider another speaker line altogether that won't require an amp upgrade too. BW aren't the last word in speakers, nor are nay others .... there are plenty of 'em out there which do just as well or better AND with your current amp!
