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Underpowered?

Hi guys.  Newbie here asking for advice. 

I recently purchased a pair of B&W 702 Signature (8Ω, 30-300W, 90 dB) to replace my old faithful 683s (8Ω, 20-200W, 90 dB).  I am running them with a McIntosh MA252 (100W into 8Ω, 160W into 4Ω).  I purchased them thinking they would complete my end-game system.  However, my excitement turned into disappointment when I realized the lows were somewhat lacking.  For all their faults, the 683s had a great dynamic low kick (no sub) that I was looking to take one step further.  Unsurprisingly, the highs and mids on the 702s were indeed more detailed and separation was clearer, but I couldn't get over the uninspiring lows.  I found myself listening at higher volumes chasing for that bass oomph.  Neither playing with the EQ at the source nor the amp was satisfactory.  So, I did the research that perhaps I should've done before purchasing the 702s and found out they are quite power hungry despite the specs being similar to the 683s.  I emailed B&W and McIntosh and they agreed the amp is probably underpowered for the 702s.  B&W described the sound of an underpowered speaker as one lacking low response and details, which is spot on. McIntosh suggested the MA352 (200W into 8Ω, 320W into 4Ω).

Of note, I love the MA252 and really wish there was a way to make this work.  I don't need a DAC/streamer/etc so I'm happy to put all my money on better sound vs tech features.  But I also think the speakers sound amazing even when somewhat underpowered and I'm considering upgrading to a MA352, Michi X3, Hegel 390.  Another option could be to get a sub? But I feel that would defeat the purpose of having a 3way standing speaker and then I might as well get a pair of bookshelf speakers (805 D4s, LS50 metas?).

So what do you guys think? Is it normal for a speaker that's rated 30-300W to be underpowered with a 100W amp?? What would you do:

  1. Sell the 702s and look for a better match for my MA252?

  2. Upgrade the MA252 (MA352? Michi X3? NAD 33?)?

  3. Get a subwoofer?

I would really appreciate your thoughts/advice!

dridel
train9990's avatar
train9990
7 posts
 

Two good subwoofers will definitely get you the bottom end your looking for and probably the cheapest option at this point. Upgrading the amp will definitely be expensive but if you really like the bottom end well thats what subwoofers do very well if you have quality subs.. GOOD LUCK!

mofojo
2,291 posts
 

Can you try out or borrow a beefy amp to tryout? 

jpconer's avatar
jpconer
5 posts
 

I have a McIntosh MC 2500 I'll be soon parting with if it's power you want!

kellerjr01
10 posts
 

Make sure you run them for at least 200-300h at regular listening volume (65-80 dbC) for full break-in before making any final conclusion... May not be a problem of amp power at all. Also, if you are not bi-wiring them, at least use good bi-wiring cables with similar quality to your speaker cables, not the standarf jumpers provided. Hope this helps.

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,700 posts
 

If you go with  subs, you will need an active crossover or DSP to roll the lows off your 702’s. Then the Mac will have more than enough power!
I still have an ancient audio research crossover for such needs.

All the best.

JD

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