Some help please - Setup

[garigipati]

My brother-in-law (Bill) has B&W 801s as main speakers and B&W HTM1 as the centre channel speaker. Currently he is powering the 801s with Adcom 5802 power amp. Is this adequate or can anyone suggest anything better?

Next, what configuration of amp/processor(s) are recommended to drive the 801s, the HTM1 and the rear channel speakers?

The main use of the above system is for home theater

 

[Midcow2]

You have plenty of power!

My brother-in-law (Bill) has B&W 801s as main speakers and B&W HTM1 as the centre channel speaker. Currently he is powering the 801s with Adcom 5802 power amp. Is this adequate or can anyone suggest anything better?

Next, what configuration of amp/processor(s) are recommended to drive the 801s, the HTM1 and the rear channel speakers?

The main use of the above system is for home theater

Nice system, you have plenty of power.

In 2001 the Adcom GFA 5802 was Adcom's most powerful amp at 300 watts per channel; mainly for 2-cahnnel stereo systems.

The B & W 801s has a 87db sensitivity ( a little below average, but who cares with 300 watts driving) at a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.

You don't really need to change the power amp unless it is having aging problems; it is probably around 7 years old.

 

[PeterWhite]

If an amplifier doesn't have enough power for your speakers in the room you're in at the volume level you listen at, the sound will be distorted. The phenomenon is called "clipping" because the tops of the waves are clipped off when viewed on an oscilloscope. The sound is pretty bad, and quite obvious. If you're not hearing any distortion, then pretty much by definition the amplifier is fine for your purposes.

An amplifier's power rating is determined by how much power it can deliver without clipping. How much power you need is determined by the volume you listen at, the efficiency of the speakers, and the room you're in.

 

[itschris]

I have an Adcom 555II, 200x2. I've had it for years. The Adcom amps were always quite ballsey IMHO. I had loaned it to a friend when I got my Sunfire amp and he was driving a huge pair of electrostatics with it. I don't ever recall it running out of room in the times that I listened to that setup. Like MidCow and Peter have said, I doubt at 300 you're giving up anything.

 

[jcPanny]

Upgrade

Convice the brother in law to upgrade the speakers and amp so you can get his old gear
Seriously, sounds like he has a great system.

 

[Midcow2]

Okay red chicklet response.

Nice system, you have plenty of power.

In 2001 the Adcom GFA 5802 was Adcom's most powerful amp at 300 watts per channel; mainly for 2-cahnnel stereo systems.

The B & W 801s has a 87db sensitivity ( a little below average, but who cares with 300 watts driving) at a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.

You don't really need to change the power amp unless it is having aging problems; it is probably around 7 years old.

You have plenty of power to drive the B & W 801s. ! If you want to give me a red chicklet for that advice so be it, but your are comepeltely wrong!.