Amp For B&W's / Class D?

[rnatalli]

If you're looking at class D, try finding the NHT Power 5 which was an IcePower amp 200 x 5. I've seen them on Agon now and again for under $1k. The D-Sonic stuff looks nice, but I can't help think it's overpriced. Rotel has some new class D stuff coming out, not sure on what they cost.

 

[itschris]

If you want to go used, get an Adcom GFA-555 or GFA-555II from eBay. For about $275-$350(depending on cosmetic condition), you can get one of these great amps. They output is listed as 200 x 2 at 8 Ohms and 350x 2 at 4 Ohms. However, in 3rd party testing, these amps usually put out about 20% more power than specified. I used a 555 into 2.7 Ohm impedance load for years with no issues. It's great if it has sufficient power for your needs.

-Chris

I tell you what... I have the 555II. It's not used in my current system, but I had in my 2 channel setup a several years back. The amp is a beast. It's solid. I've had it hooked to quite a few different speaker over the years and I never found it wanting. Mine is still totally cherry.

 

[Seth=L]

$8000 in speakers. $350 amp recommendation.

Laugh all you want, the Behringer EP2500 is better than any of the crap that Emotiva puts out. Scoffing at a price is ignorant. Fine if you don't like the way it looks, fine if you don't feel like replacing the fan for a quiet fan. All those factors are irrelevant in terms of actual performance and quality.

For the record, the Pioneer SC-07 is THX Ultra cerfied (which means it's rated to handle a little above 3 ohm loads). I don't know about any huge impedance dips that would occur with those speakers for more than a few moments that would merit the use of an extra dedicated amplifier. Those speakers aren't incapable of being handled by the Pioneer SC-07, as it's a very capable AVR. I see no reason for the OP to purchase an amplifier unless they are noticing obvious amplifier stress.

 

[Seth=L]

Curious what has you salty...?

I would go for the optimal bang for buck, and that can be found with a good profesional amplifier such as the EP2500, or one of the Yamahas that WmAx suggests.