agree, hegels are superb, in an absolute sense, and also for the value they represent
(no affiliation, just a happy and impressed customer/owner many times over)
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:
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Sell the 702s and look for a better match for my MA252?
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Upgrade the MA252 (MA352? Michi X3? NAD 33?)?
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Get a subwoofer?
I would really appreciate your thoughts/advice!
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- 90 posts total
I do not think an amp change will give you the bass you seem to desire. An amp can provide changes but not dramatic. I doubt the room will be enough either. I hope you have tried a sub or two instead, far better bang for the buck if you want to keep those speakers. (And turning them up loud to get bass at the expense of a piercing treble doesn't count as success; like you do understand). As folks have pointed out it's in their design and measurements, so don't worry, add a sub or two (or four/dba) and enjoy! |
Old thread, I know. But of interest to me as I've just paid for a pair of 702 s2 as an upgrade to my 683's. I also love their sound and at £1900 for a pair of new (open box) s2's it felt too good an opportunity to miss.
I've bought them blind (I know, first time I haven't auditioned a piece of hifi kit) and it's part of a longer term upgrade. I've got 125w at 8 ohms / 200w at 4 ohms on my Roksan Integrated amp.
We'll see how it plays out, but I'm thinking of a power amp in future anyhow. |
@mattuk How did your amp do with the 702s2? I'm still enjoying my setup. FWIW I ended up getting the S5SHO and it was worth it. |
- 90 posts total