2. amps-preamps
  3. 195731-172146

Tube + SS bi-amping B&W 803 D3s?

In the constant quest for incremental gains and chasing the high from first hearing these speakers at the dealer, I have been considering bi-amping my B&W 803 D3s with a tube amp for HF and using my current Parasound A21+ for LF. Anyone have experience with this type of setup or recommendations for tube amps that may be particularly worth looking at?

FWIW, I tend towards warmer sound. The speakers are crystal clear but the Parasound tends towards brighter sound with them. The addition of the C2500 and the SVS subs has definitely helped, but I get the sense there is still some performance left to find.

 

Current setup:

NAD C658 Streaming DAC

Pro-Ject Carbon Debut TT with Sumiko Wellfleet cartridge

McIntosh C2500 Pre-amp

B&W 803 D3 Floorstanding Speakers

SVS SB-3000 subs x2

andrewmland

Showing 1 response by joeycastillo

joeycastillo
133 posts
 

OP

 

you must try!!!

I own the 707stand mount version and I know the B&W house sound. The B&W sound is like a "V" shape sound equalization. so be careful on the choice of Tube amp for the Midrange/Tweeters. Your Parasound can drive the woofers as Parasound has a lot of current drive that can handle the B&W' but if you want a Tube amp, then look into a 300B or PP Rogue Audio power amps. another amp to consider are Prima luna. the 300B will give you the sweetness that most tube lovers are looking for. 

BUT beware, your PRE-AMO must be able to handle such a configuration. the ability to control independently the gain on each power amp is top priority.

 

good luck

 

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