MA 2275 the right amp for B&W 803D Speakers
miket -- Sat, 07/03/2010 - 17:14
I have a MAC MA2275 Amp paired with B&W 803D Speakers. They sound very good to me, but a lot of information I have read about the 803D speakers is they need more than the 75watts per channel the MA 2275 delivers for best performance?
If they do what would be the best options to add more power.
Thanks for anyone's help and ideas.
Mike
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I used a pair of Rega Exon with my 803D and I'm using a Lyngdorf TDAI now.
The Lyngdorf is 200w (375 at 4 ohm) and Rega 125w (215w at 4 ohm). The Rega did the job. The change was for the benefits of room correction.
Once I tried it with a less powered amp (Audio Analogue integrated) and I noticed right away.
For best performance an 75W amp is not the best option.
The problem whit the 803D is not sensitivity. The problem is that it can present a 3 ohm resistance to the amp at 70Hz.
You should try it with other amp. just to find out if it's something missing (or not). My guess is that you will miss the speed and power of the lower notes.
Is bi-amping an option for you? I have heard the 803D and have owned a couple of pairs of 805s. I drove them with a couple of different 250 watt amps and biamped with two pair of Herron 150 watt monoblocks with good effect. I found with B&W (like a lot of similar speakers) that they like alot of power. You dont use all the power. The amp just loafs along but when it is called for it can deliver without any stress. As you probably realize I dont think you can have too much power!
I read some articles on biamping, I'm not sure I have the capabilities to biamp. Did you have to diable the crossovers in the 803d and add active crossovers? I think this is above my skill level.
Thanks, I think ya'll confirmed the amp is under powered for the speakers. I have nver bi-amped, so I will do some research on it. I may look into some monoblocks to add. I also have read a lot of recomendations for the mc402 as great match for the 803ds.
Mike
Keep the amp and buy more efficient/easier-to-drive speakers and you'll be very happy.
I use passive bi amping with a Herron SP-3. I don't know all the options with biamping. With my setup you need a preamp with four main outputs. Two for left and two for right. Four interconnects for the four power amps and four speaker cables. You just hook up one power amp to the top and one to the bottom binding posts on the back of the speakers. Of course you need four power cables for the power amps. It can get expensive. Probably the cheapest way to go is to get a beefier power amp. I had a Bryston 4BST and a Musical Fidelity A308.
Keep it simple. (Bryston is nice).
If you don't have anything against second-hand, maybe that's a good (and less expensive) choice.
Thanks, I plan on keeping everything simple. I think just adding power through mono-blocks or power amps is the way for me. I've been doing some research, and I've looked at options from the Outlaw 2200s, Bryston 4bs, McIntosh MC252, etc. Do you have any good internet sources you would recomment for second hand equipment?
Thanks
I found a Bryston 4b #1 on Ebay for $699.
It depends on where are you....
audiogon is nice for you to keep on second-hand prices. I haven't any experience with Bryston 4B.
Despite all, I always prefer to test the equipment (in special if I don't know it), even if it cost me a little more. If You read a lot of reviews and all of them (or at list a few) point the your direction, You are certain. Otherwise try to experiment it first.
One final advice. If You are going to buy used, Be pacient. Good deals are always one day away. You must search, read, get info ... and ... be pacient. Try to go as far as you can.
If you go for Bryston I would not get a 4B but rather a 4BST or 4BSST.
Cheers
Please read my first post on this subject!
Perhaps he wants to keep the B&Ws and not get different speakers!
I have a friend that as the Brystons 7B-SST2 with ATC, and it works very well.
Like I said before, despite readind that the 80xD need lots of power, You won't need the most powerfull amps for the 803D, just that 75W seems short.
Don't rush. It's better if you choose carefully. That way You won't regret.
Visit you local dealers. Consult their webpages. If You must, take one or two days of holidays just to listen.
It's very expensive to buy the wrong stuff.
I think the MAC Ma2275 are best with the Quad ESLs, the B&W 803D needs more power, Brystons, Krell, ARC, VTL, not less than 100w min.
Thanks for the input. I'm definitely keeping the 803ds, they were a gift from my wife and I really like them. I'm just going to take my time, as advised, and try out some different options to get them enough power.
Thanks again,
Mike
Stick with tubes!
I like the combination of a hybrid preamp and any good power amp(s). I reckon 150-250 watts.
I think Musical Fidelity make (or used to make) some sort of "booster" power amp that you can add to your existing amp thus preserving its basic character while increasing its output markedly. This may be a good option for you.
I have read about them, they are called "super chargers" and they were made by Musical Fidelity. I have been to the MF site and they no longer show up, so I'm not sure they are still being made.
Check Audiogon and the second hand market and you might pick up a bargin. I found MF to be good value.