I went to a B&W dealer to hear the 803D. They had them hooked up to a 75 watt Mac tube integrated. I didn't know the speaker, but it was obviously struggling to produce low bass and a coherent sound. This threw off the soundstage and made a quality three way design sound like a poorly designed three way speaker.
Next, I heard them with the Ayre MX-R amps, and the reality in the room completely changed. The speakers came to life and I was able experience the music instead of just hearing a random account of sounds.
The employee at the dealer preferred the tube amp. I liked the SS on this speaker. I say get out and listen to different combinations and make a good decision based on your own conclusions.
In response to your question I've heard great results with tubes with wilson, verity, magico, vs. better SS with b&w, rockport,avalon, dynaudio.
My favorites (All out) to listen to are Verity, Rockport and Magico. All are sligtly different and very special. I personally will climb the Verity ladder some day.
Happy trails.
Next, I heard them with the Ayre MX-R amps, and the reality in the room completely changed. The speakers came to life and I was able experience the music instead of just hearing a random account of sounds.
The employee at the dealer preferred the tube amp. I liked the SS on this speaker. I say get out and listen to different combinations and make a good decision based on your own conclusions.
In response to your question I've heard great results with tubes with wilson, verity, magico, vs. better SS with b&w, rockport,avalon, dynaudio.
My favorites (All out) to listen to are Verity, Rockport and Magico. All are sligtly different and very special. I personally will climb the Verity ladder some day.
Happy trails.