Get yourself a Krell integrated, like the KAV300i or 500i. Krell and B&W are a proven good combination. Putting a high quality power amp after a receiver as a preamp - it might get you volume and oooph, but your resolution will suffer dramatically. |
Judging from your current setup, High-end speakers and turntable but a compromised reciever, it seems that you have some great ambitions. Since you do not state how much you are willing to spend, I'll assume that you are like me and plan to spend about $2000-$3500 on a new pre/pro and power amp. The obvious sugestion would be to jump to Krell power amps and "Ultra high-end Brand X" pre-amp (there are just too many quality preamps on the market to pick out a clear winner.) But for he money, I think you'd get the best value from a combo of the B&K AVP1030 pre-amp processor (or its newer equivalent; this is the particular model I own, but as you know usually the only thing to change is the model numbers) and the ATI AT1505 power amp (again this is the model I own, get its newer incarnation.) I found this to be a great bargain; after a little negotiation, I took everything home for abou $3,400. I am also assuming that because your using a Sony ES reciever right now you also have some sort of Dolby surround. Again this setup is perfect for it. However, if your budget allows for it get the same pre/pro, and a set of Krell power amps instead of the ATI. |
Judging from your current setup, High-end speakers and digital media but a compromised reciever, it seems that you have some great ambitions. Since you do not state how much you are willing to spend, I'll assume that you are like me and plan to spend about $2000-$3500 on a new pre/pro and power amp. The obvious sugestion would be to jump to Krell power amps and "Ultra high-end Brand X" pre-amp (there are just too many quality preamps on the market to pick out a clear winner.) But for he money, I think you'd get the best value from a combo of the B&K AVP1030 pre-amp processor (or its newer equivalent; this is the particular model I own, but as you know usually the only thing to change is the model numbers) and the ATI AT1505 power amp (again this is the model I own, get its newer incarnation.) I found this to be a great bargain; after a little negotiation, I took everything home for abou $3,400. I am also assuming that because your using a Sony ES reciever right now you also have some sort of Dolby surround. Again this setup is perfect for it. However, if your budget allows for it get the same pre/pro, and a set of Krell power amps instead of the ATI. |
I think Krell KAV series would be nice. The 250p & 250a sound great & u can use your Sony unit as the surround processor in the 250p's theather throughout mode. Of course if Home Theater is a major factor, I would get a 5/6 channel amp & a surround preamp. |
Sorry for attaching one more question. I have B&W matrix 803 and also plan to upgrade my amplifier. Would you please advise which amp(s) matches up well with B&W803? Thanks in advance, Jay. |
I agree with the other posts that the Krell integrated might be ideal, however... If you're like me that's just a little bit out of my price range- I recently purchased an Exposure super XV integrated ($1450.00 list) which I think is a great sounding integrated. Granted it lacks the punch of the Krell, but in it's price range I have no complaints. |
You may want to check the auction section for the Brown Electronics 2002 amp, this is a KILLER deal on a class A amp that sounds great; it has the lower extension control of Krell, the upper mids and highs of a good push/pull tube and is regarded by some writers in TAS as the amp of choice. I've seen it on Theils 7's, Martin Logins and other high in systems. It does well on all but the most layed back, darker sounding speakers. It would match nicely with the PS audio pre amp and B&W's you have. You may want to check around for a dealer who has it, or call Design Audio in Salt Lake City and speak to James. They don't carry it, but the shop has alot of reviewers come in and bring this amp to audition speakers. Good Luck. |
I have read some excellent suggestions here for you already I would also suggest a used Acurus A250 if you are truly go-ing to use the SonyES as your line drive.The potential of your speakers and front end will undoubtably show the Sony to be-a limit at any rate.If you do run across the Acurus in your shopping you may like the sound as well! Good Luck! |
I highly recommend the Arcam line of British integrated amps. I recently bought the Arcam 10 integrated (the top of the line) after having tube equipment for the last 7-8 years. I find the amp to be surprisingly devoid of transistor harshness that I find in Krells with a tube like midrange and highs. The best part is that these amps. are expandable with circuit add-ons that can make these into a full home theater later on. After going thru several hundred dollars on replacement tubes, I find transistor reliability to be a nice change. Arcam has several models over a wide price range. I would also take a look at Creek, Rotels, and other British models in the $300-1000 range. Try to stay away from most Japanese models. thanks, Rich M. |
Check out all reviews about the Bryston 3b-st 120 w per channel .$1565. Check owner reviews at www.audio review.com Allways audition first. |
Check out all reviews about the Bryston 3b-st 120 w per channel .$1565. Check owner reviews at www.audio review.com Allways audition first. |
Check out all reviews about the Bryston 3b-st 120 w per channel .$1565. Check owner reviews at www.audio review.com Allways audition first. |
Check out all reviews about the Bryston 3b-st 120 w per channel .$1565. Check owner reviews at www.audio review.com Allways audition first. |
The B&W's were introduced in 1993 and had a 90dB/watt efficiency. The entire Sony ES receiver line is capable of 100 watt RMS into 8 ohms and 200 watt peaks into the 4 ohm minimum impedence of the 802/III. That works out to 103 dB average (113 dB peak) before the amp clips! First find out if you are even playing at those levels by purchasing a Radio Shack Sould Level Meter and see how loud you really play your system a 1 meter. If you regularly play at above 100dB average levels (110dB peak), then you will need another 6dB of headroom, which means a 400 watt per channel amplifier! If not, here are two suggestions to improve your system greatly for the same investment: 1).- Buy a subwoofer, this will take the stress off the woofers of the B&W's and free your Sony amplifier of having to provide high current, and 2).- By now you have a LOT of CD's - buy a 200 CD carrousel. |
My suggestion is to make sure to only purchase an amplifier you have listened to in your home with your system. You never know if you will like it until you get it home. I tend to buy used electronics, but you will have to have a local high end dealer who deals in used equipment to listen to it at home. |
Listen to the B&K AVR 202,there will be no more questions.Happy listening and good luck. |
