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Intergrated Amp suggestions for B&W 805d4

Hi Everyone,

I am new to this forum and to any music forum for that matter.  I have been reading a lot of threads here that I have been informative and helpful.

I am looking to match an intergrated amp with the new 805s, and would very much appreciate any suggestions or recommendations.

I have listened with the Naim Atom and Nova and personally, whilst  I liked the detail, I found it too forward and fatiguing.  With the Hegel 390, I found the bass rounder but top end more forward. With the Musical Fidelity M5si, I much preferred this sound as it was rounder and softer yet detailed but less detailed than the Naim.  (Apologies if I use the wrong audiophile terminology, I am unfamiliar with these terms but I am only using what I feel best fits with my discription of sound)

A few people have recommended the MA252 and MA 352 from McIntosh as they advised that this will soften the diamond tweeter and also bring warmth and extension to the bass.  Others have recommended tube amps like Prima Luna.

i have never owned or had any experience with tube amps.

Any suggestions, info or advice  for a good amp to match my speakers?

Thank you in advance.

 

ezikl
stuartk
2,750 posts
 

I wonder how many threads have accumulated since this forum's inception started by B&W owners trying to make them listenable. . . I was one, way back when.

 

auxinput
2,920 posts
 

I will further recommend Luxmen if you want a smooth high resolution transparent amp that is not harsh sounding.  However, the B&W diamond tweeters are very revealing and can show problems with your cables/terminations.  If you are using Audioquest cables, the silver-plated connectors (i.e. banana plugs, spades, XLR/RCA, etc.) can make the sound bright and thin.  On the other hand, gold-plated connectors will make the sound warmer and slower.  The best transparent connector I have found is Furutech rhodium.

ezikl OP
6 posts
 

HI Everyone

Someone had recommended the Anthem STR.  The features look good. Has anyone had any experience, also soundwise, and does the room correction make a difference?  IF so, how will it affect Vinyl as a source?  Cheers.

ezikl OP
6 posts
 

Also note that a couple of people use sub(s) to add that bass extension.  Can I please ask for their rationale / listening experience with the sub(s), and do they affect the rest of the sound? (I had this issue in the past with the B&W 602s)

I like the look of the Luxman, kinda like my dad's Sansui components during the late 70s/80s.  Amazing components, we weren't allowed in the music room but my friends and I used to sneak in at night to listen to Guns and Roses and Grandmaster Flash......lol

ezikl OP
6 posts
 

My gosh!  Just saw the Coda CSIB power supply……Pity we can’t get Coda in Aus.

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