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Suggestions for integrated amps for B&W CM10

I recently bought the Bowers and Wilkins CM10 speakers, currently paired with Peachtree Audio Nova 125. Although, the clarity and details are phenomenal, I can't help but notice two shortcomings:

1. At times, things get a bit too bright for my taste -- also, I would prefer a bit more warmth
2. It doesn't seem that the Nova has enough authority to drive the bass drivers that well. I just feel that I can get more from these speakers on the lower end without adding a separate sub.

Now, I do realize that the speakers are fairly new with less than 30 hours on them, so maybe things will get better after the break in period. And I also realize that the placement and the room characteristics are not ideal.

But having said that, I would be interested in suggestions for what other integrated amps (or even separates if affordable) go well with the CM10s and provide a bit more warmth and better base. Budget is under$2500, new or used.
arafiq

Showing 6 responses by paraneer

paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
B&W's are known to be a fairly bright speaker to begin with plus your matching it to a Class D amp that usually has the same rap.

I would suggest you give the Parasound Halo Integrated a serious look. Its Class A/AB and at 160 wpc into 8 & 240 wpc into 4, it should deliver all the warmth and power your CM10's need. Right at your budget of $2500 too brand new!
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
I am not surprised Magnolia would push Rotel as they are a Rotel dealer and the B&W Group has an equity stake in Rotel too. It doesn't mean that there is necessarily synergy with the two.

IMO, I consider Parasound a cut above Rotel. especially the Halo gear that has been designed by amp legend John Curl and is Class A/AB. Just check Parsounds website for a list of dealers in your area. If you are considering separates also, I would look at the NAD C275Bee power amp & matching C165Bee preamp. NAD is more on the level of Rotel and the NAD combo comes in at $2300. More attractive price than Rotel for comparable or maybe better performance. Good luck!
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
I can appreciate wanting to buy a big ticket item at no interest. These plans can be attractive when used wisely.

But if the dealer doesn't handle the product you really want, then what good is the free financing? If you settle for something less, just to take advantage of this deal, you'll always be wondering "what if"? Worse, you'll probably end up selling the Rotel and upgrading to something else down the road and this will cost you even more money.
The other option is to just live with the Peachtree for sometime and buy the Parasound when funds are available to justify another cash purchase. But that means waiting for at least one year.
I would wait and get what you really want rather than compromise,. It will cost you less in the long run. The CM10's will be ready when you are. Good luck!
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
By the way, there's an ad on craigslist for parasound:
dallas.craigslist

What do you guys think of this combo? Do you think the asking price is fair?
Price is fair if the units are in good condition, both operationally and cosmetically. But the P7 is an analog surround sound preamp with facilities for 7 channels. And no DAC.

The seller is willing to split the pair and is asking $475 for the amp. Not bad, and it is still a current model and will drive your CM10's effortlessly. You can match it with Parasounds new P5 2 Channel preamp for only $1095 brand new. It is cheaper than the used P7 and has what you want. Now your at $1570 for the pair.

http://www.parasound.com/p5.php
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
Well I certainly agree that you can never have too much power. The A21 will provide it in spades. But by the time you add the cost of a new P5 and a used A21, I'll bet your back to what a new Halo Integrated costs.

I would think the A23 is more than adequate for your CM10's that are 8 Ohm nominal with a sensitivity of 90Db. The seller was driving Diamond 805D's with it and those are 8 Ohm and 88 Db sensitive. The A23 puts out 125 wpc into 8 and 225 wpc into 4 with 45 amps of peak current. I can't imagine that kind of power not getting the job done.

But I guess you won't know for sure unless you try it - the price is right and you could probably resell it for the same amount. If you get the bass response your looking for, then you can keep it and smile about the money you saved.

Maybe the seller will let you audition it with the 805D's? Hope it works out for you.
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
Thanks for the update.

Your post illustrates why most components should be auditioned if at all possible. It all comes down to what sounds best to you! After you audition the Parasound, wouldn't it be a hoot to find out you still prefer the Peachtree and had the right amp all along.

I commend you for going through all this effort to find out what sounds best to you. This is the way it use to be done before the internet.
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