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Intergrated Amp suggestions for B&W 805d4

Hi Everyone,

I am new to this forum and to any music forum for that matter.  I have been reading a lot of threads here that I have been informative and helpful.

I am looking to match an intergrated amp with the new 805s, and would very much appreciate any suggestions or recommendations.

I have listened with the Naim Atom and Nova and personally, whilst  I liked the detail, I found it too forward and fatiguing.  With the Hegel 390, I found the bass rounder but top end more forward. With the Musical Fidelity M5si, I much preferred this sound as it was rounder and softer yet detailed but less detailed than the Naim.  (Apologies if I use the wrong audiophile terminology, I am unfamiliar with these terms but I am only using what I feel best fits with my discription of sound)

A few people have recommended the MA252 and MA 352 from McIntosh as they advised that this will soften the diamond tweeter and also bring warmth and extension to the bass.  Others have recommended tube amps like Prima Luna.

i have never owned or had any experience with tube amps.

Any suggestions, info or advice  for a good amp to match my speakers?

Thank you in advance.

 

ezikl
soix
8,836 posts
 

Given what you’re looking for, if I’m you I’d look at a hybrid integrated like Unison Research or Pathos. If you don’t listen to boom boom music at loud levels I’d highly recommend looking at the Octave V70 or a used V110 as I think their sound qualities also match well with your tastes/goals. There happens to be a near-new V110SE for $6150 available on EBay now that’d be well worth a look...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/234412897564

I think any of these brands would be a great fit. Personally, I’d start with Unison Research because I find B&Ws crave some power that the UR integrateds can deliver, and you only have to deal with input tubes that tend to last longer and cost less than output tube so less hassle/expense overall. Read the reviews and see which fits your needs best. Anyway, hope this helps, and best of luck.

petar3
61 posts
 

my 805 D3s were happy with a Rotel. Very happy with a Hegel 590.  

dbt's avatar
dbt
71 posts
 

I recommend the Luxman L-509X.  I own one and I haven’t read any bad reviews, but you know your ears are the final court of arbitration.

gratefuleric
112 posts
 

Peachtree Nova is a great matck

immatthewj
1,381 posts
 

What wattage is considered high, how do find this out as it’s not spelled out in the specs most of the time?  Cheers

Since all watts are not created equal, I was hoping to read some opinions related to this subject.

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