I’d take a look at the newer and highly-regarded GaN amps from AGD and Atma-Sphere. A lot of people are putting these in the “end-game” amp category. Not only are they getting top marks for sonics, they’re upgradeable as technology improves going forward, which is pretty nice. Neither quotes power below 4 Ohms so that’d be something to look into given your speakers I’d think. Just another option, and best of luck.
Pls help me decide Pass Labs X250.8 or Luxman M900u
I want to upgrade my 2 channel audio. I have a 7.2.4 Home Theater system I am in the process of upgrading. Recently I upgraded my old B&W N805 / HTM2 to the 803D4 / HT81D4 and relegated my N805’s to Surround duty (and they excel in this roll!)
I have been driving (due to age of system) with a Pass Labs X5, which I will keep for surrounds and center on HT , but I want to upgrade my 2 Channel Audio. I currently am trying to decide between the PassLabs X250.8 and the Luxman M900u. As these B&W’s can dip down below 2ohms I want to make sure I buy an amp which will bring out the best in my system and handle these dips. I will also be buying a Tube Preamp with HT Bypass -(looking for a used VAC Signature Mk5 SE or the new Backert Rhumba Extreme 1.4)
Anyone with experience with either of these amps and B&W 800’s would be great to hear from.
Thx!
Showing 5 responses by soix
@tjassoc Very interesting stuff and perspective and hope you post more often. I’m in North Jersey and going through a similar situation so I sympathize greatly. Best of luck with everything. If/when we both get our systems back up and running maybe we can trade some good listening sessions. |
These two have different sonic signatures, so at this point it’d be good to ask what sound characteristics you’re looking for as that will make all the difference. Given what you’ve said about wanting to keep the upper detail of your D3s I’d skew to the Backert and also mention the Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL or MZ3 preamp (depending on your connection needs). I’ll also reiterate my prior recommendation for checking out the reviews of both the Atma-Sphere and AGD GaN amps that are getting rave reviews as being a wonderful combination of tube goodness with solid state control and are upgradeable. Best of luck. |
The three brands I’ve heard of (I think) that allow you to run the HT bypass with the pre turned off are Backert, Rogue, and maybe VAC. Considering what you’re looking for in detail and price I think you’re on the right track with the Backert. I will mention that the LTA I recommended above is designed for very long tube life, and the tubes are cheap to replace so may still be worth exploring, but I also think you’ll be thrilled with the Backert as well. Member Terry London compared them in a review I think in Stereo Times a while back and slightly preferred the LTA by a small margin but not sure that outweighs the ability to turn the Rhumba off for HT, which is really nice. |