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Need advice: Integrated amp for BW 804s

I've thrown in the towel and am giving up on home theater due to serious space and neighbor considerations. I own a pair of BW Nautilus 804s and I'm looking for a good integrated to drive these. I listen to baroque music and opera 99.9%. I am considering the Krell KAV-300iL or KAV-500I. Can anyone either weigh in on which of these Krells are a better match or suggest another integrated. I figure if I have to go back to 2-channel, it had better be a GREAT 2 channel. Thank you
pookie10
hueske
124 posts
 
The Plinius 8150 would also be an excellent choice. I have heard B&W with Krell, Mark Levinson, Rotel, McIntosh, and Plinius integrateds, and the Plinius was decidedly the winner on all counts. Hope this helps!
texan
48 posts
 
I have heard that the Plinius is a good match with B&W speakers; would recommend that you also audition the Jeff Rowland Concentra II. I am currently using this combination for precisely the same reason you give; no longer trying the Home Theater since I seldom watch movies. The Concentra really opened up my 804N's. Just a thought, Charlie
aball
2,016 posts
 
I had a Krell KSA100 with my B&W N804s but found that McIntosh amplification complimented them much better - tamed the highs and opened the soundstage. Therefore, I would recommend McIntosh hands down. Look at the MA6500. There are many posts in the archives about how wonderful this integrated is and I think a few people even have B&W speakers with it. Plinius is a similar sound so I can see how it would work well too. You should also consider Classe CAP151. It too has a rich sound with excellent emotion for opera. Good luck!
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