As crossovers age...

[TLS Guy]

The Nautilus 801 would definitely suck the life out of all receivers and many separate amps too

I should have included images of the two graphs, first the Nautilus:

for comparison, the Matrix 801 series 2:

Now you will start to understand my concern about passive three ways. I honestly believe the time of passive three ways has passed, certainly at the high end and probably at every end.

 

[GranteedEV]

would an Emotiva XPA-2 be able to drive those speakers?

 

[TLS Guy]

would an Emotiva XPA-2 be able to drive those speakers?

I think it would be marginal at best. I personally doubt they would.

 

[JerryLove]

The Yamaha P5000S has resulted in a vast improvement. Of course, If someone wants to bring by some rediculious overkill amp to compare: that would be fun too.

I'm half tempted to see if I can track down a second P5000S and set them as bridged monoamps.

It is a little harsher than ideal, but no longer painful; and the bass has filled out although it's a little loose at the bottom (perhaps I'm just spoiled by the WmAx speakers). Though I've not optimized position yet.

 

[TLS Guy]

The Yamaha P5000S has resulted in a vast improvement. Of course, If someone wants to bring by some rediculious overkill amp to compare: that would be fun too.

I'm half tempted to see if I can track down a second P5000S and set them as bridged monoamps.

It is a little harsher than ideal, but no longer painful; and the bass has filled out although it's a little loose at the bottom (perhaps I'm just spoiled by the WmAx speakers). Though I've not optimized position yet.

Don't you will blow the amps if you bridge them. The impedance of those speakers drops far too low.

15" reflex loaded drivers are always a bit loose on the bottom end. That is why B & W no longer have a large driver speaker, using two 10" drivers instead. Two 10" drivers have the same cone area as one 15". Two good tens will always best a 15".

It the sound is a bit harsh it likely means your amplification is still a little sub optimal. Make sure your speakers are not too close together. Those speakers should be 10 to 12 feet apart.

Now sit back and enjoy those speakers. This thread should become a sticky to the limitation of receivers.