Amp options for B&W CDM 9NT

[Kevin Benford]

Hello, I just purchased a set of BW CDM 9NT Towers and a SVS SB12-plus Sub for a 2 channel system.
A lot of reviews I read about the towers say that they can tend to be overly bright and fatiguing with the wrong amplifier powering them. Said I needed an amp that is neutral or toward the warn side.
I also read that they perform a lot better when biamped.
I had originally thought of using maybe some Emotiva gear to do the job, but I don't know if this would be something I'd want to do considering the "brightness issue".
Anyone have any experience or suggestions with these speakers?
Thx, Kev

 

[j_garcia]

Brightness is a function of the speaker not the amp. While some amps may sound warmer, starting with bright speakers and trying to "tune" them using electronics is the wrong plan. Do you already have them and how do they sound to you?

Biamped sounding better is also a fallacy IMO. They will sound exactly the same as long as you are using the same x-over.

 

[tyhjaarpa]

Bi-amping or different amp won't make a difference, it is the speakers that matters.

 

[Kevin Benford]

Brightness is a function of the speaker not the amp. While some amps may sound warmer, starting with bright speakers and trying to "tune" them using electronics is the wrong plan. Do you already have them and how do they sound to you?

Biamped sounding better is also a fallacy IMO. They will sound exactly the same as long as you are using the same x-over.

No Sir, they will arrive next week. I was just trying to figure which amp and preamp I should be looking to purchase to give me my best chance of having them perform to the best of there ability.
All the reviews are also saying they like power and need high current amperage.
The person I bought them from says he powered them with a BK 2220 and they sounded great.

 

[j_garcia]

B&W do tend to like plenty of power. 150-200 WPC should be more than enough for anything, since you don't have anything yet. Even in a large room and at elevated levels.

I do like Emotiva for the price. Outlaw 2200 monoblocks might be worth a look as well. Used, anything that fits your price range in that power range should be fine.

Add pre of your choosing.

I was always a fan of the NT line and have heard the 1NT and CNT and didn't find them overly bright.

 

[Kevin Benford]

Thank you so my much for your reply. I was really getting upset and feeling quite lost. I feel much better now, I appreciate it.

B&W do tend to like plenty of power. 150-200 WPC should be more than enough for anything, since you don't have anything yet. Even in a large room and at elevated levels.

I do like Emotiva for the price. Outlaw 2200 monoblocks might be worth a look as well. Used, anything that fits your price range in that power range should be fine.

Add pre of your choosing.

I was always a fan of the NT line and have heard the 1NT and CNT and didn't find them overly bright.

Jarvis