Best amp for B&W CN8?
c_corie
Posts: 138
Ordered these in Wenge and will probably be getting them within 2 weeks. My sources is going to be a PC with playing wav files through a Hegel HD2 dac(haven't opened it yet) and cables will probably be some cheapies until I get more money saved. What amp should I get, I listen to everything for German Jazz (Triosence) to 311, to Michael Jackson, and some Rap (Macklemore.)
Try to keep the price under $1000 but will consider under $2000. Would prefer new, and I like tube also(I play guitar and enjoy "the tube sound").
Try to keep the price under $1000 but will consider under $2000. Would prefer new, and I like tube also(I play guitar and enjoy "the tube sound").
Post edited by c_corie on
Comments
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Did you mean the CM8?
If so, that's a nice speaker. 8 ohms, 88db sensitivity, so it should not be too hard to drive with an amp.
Do you have a preamp now that you want to mate to a power amp - or are you looking for an integrated amp or a receiver?
H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music. -
Yea, sorry I was super tired when I typed that lol. (Working/School and the middle of my first real apartment move in.) My friend has CM9s and runs a Cayin? Tube amp and it sounds very nice and mellow. I want something easy to listen to-don't need tons of power unless that will help low/medium volume clarity.
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Also I need an integrated, don't think I want to throw money at separate components. I'm either trying to spend a small amount or spend on the higher end of my budget, because I don't want to be upgrading in a year or two.
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There is a thread over at AudioKarma.org that touches on alot of new integrated amps in your price range:
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=489371
I run B&W bookshelves and found that they benefit with an amp that has lots of power reserve/headroom - even at mid level volumes.
Don't overlook good used values - look for a good deal on a Musical Fidelity A5/A5.5 which you should be able to get in your price range. I run the A5 and paired with the B&Ws - it makes for a very nice combination!
H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music. -
Ordered these in Wenge and will probably be getting them within 2 weeks. My sources is going to be a PC with playing wav files through a Hegel HD2 dac(haven't opened it yet) and cables will probably be some cheapies until I get more money saved. What amp should I get, I listen to everything for German Jazz (Triosence) to 311, to Michael Jackson, and some Rap (Macklemore.)
Try to keep the price under $1000 but will consider under $2000. Would prefer new, and I like tube also(I play guitar and enjoy "the tube sound").[/QUOTE
Hello, in your price range there are quite a few options however check out Emotiva.com they ship online and offer a 30 day return policy if you are unhappy with your choice.
$1-2k they have a lot to choose from, and many good reviews..
Hope this helps..
" to others Please don't crap in this thread"
Only positive posts.
]ATC SCM40's,VTL TL 2.5 Preamp,PSB Stratus Goldi's,McCormack DNA 500,McCormack MAP-1 Preamp,Pro-Ject Xtension 10 TT,Ortofon Cadenza Red/Nordost RedDawn LS Speaker cables, Bryston BDP-2, Bryston BDA-2,PS Audio AC-3 power cables -
Hello, in your price range there are quite a few options however check out Emotiva.com they ship online and offer a 30 day return policy if you are unhappy with your choice.
$1-2k they have a lot to choose from, and many good reviews..
Hope this helps..
" to others Please don't crap in this thread"
Only positive posts.
This is not a helpful post as Emotiva does not make a true integrated amp as he is looking for. -
Historically Krell, Bryston, and Classe have been good pairing with B&W speakers; but I also enjoy BAT amplification with those speakers. I believe all those manufacturers offer integrated, but they are not cheap, with the Krell probably the most reasonable. You do want as high power as you can afford with B&W speakers even though they look like a reasonable load. You should also consider class-D integrated amps as they will provide more power for the same dollar, if you like the sound signature.
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Any amps known to be BAD matches? What about marantz, Yamaha? Anything with a tube pre/solid state power that isn't preach tree?
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I wouldn't go with anything bright as B&W can be bright to begin with.
A good hybrid integrated amp is hard to find, and a lot easier to do with a tube preamp and SS power amp. -
I wouldn't go with anything bright as B&W can be bright to begin with.
A good hybrid integrated amp is hard to find, and a lot easier to do with a tube preamp and SS power amp.
+1 and to Zingo's other comment that B&Ws will normally respond better with an int/power amp with plenty of power.
You can find SS integrateds that have been described as 'tube like' or smooth - Musical Fidelity is one.
And the only hybrid integrated (tube pre/ss power) I can think of that has good power ratings is a Vincent. I have not heard one in person, though. They have gotten good reviews.
I still say look for a good deal on a used MF Int.
H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music. -
So what about a sub 1500 Jolida/Primaluna? Would they help mellow out the CM8 (like the tube amp does for my friends CM9s)? I want something that keeps thier clarity but doesn't sound too thin.
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check on Rotel's stuff. They are buddies with B&W.
preamp http://www.rotel.com/NA/products/ProductDetails.htm?Id=487
amp http://www.rotel.com/NA/products/ProductDetails.htm?Id=488
B&K sounds nice too.
http://www.bkcomp.com/
I have also powered some B&W 800 series with Bryston amps.
Krell sounds great too.
Im driving my CM9s with a Rotel RB-1070B&W CM9Classé Sigma
