The right amplifier for the right speaker?

[Sharp009]

Hi everyone

I have spend allot of time now reading reviews and reading through the forums. Thanks for the wealth of information available here.

The bottom line is that it is time for me to start upgrading my complete home theater system:
Ultimately I want to upgrade my speakers to B&W 803D or even 802 (if I can afford them) and needless to say; including the matching center and surround speakers.

The problem I am facing is what amplifier will complement such an acclaimed speaker system? All the reviews on B&W speakers warn that one need an exceptional amplifier.

Is the Denon 4806 good enough in relation to sound quality and power available? Or do I have to get the 5805?

The sales consultant at the store where they sell B&W speakers told me that Denon is a consumer brand and the amplifier will not complement the speakers. He recommended the Lexicon RV-8.
I have done an extensive study on the Lexicon and yes, perhaps the amplification part of the amplifier may be better but it does not come close to Denon is the features department.

But will I really hear a difference between the Lexicon and Denon???

Guys. Please. I need some guidance here! What should I do?
Thanks

 

[mazersteven]

Hi everyone

I have spend allot of time now reading reviews and reading through the forums. Thanks for the wealth of information available here.

The bottom line is that it is time for me to start upgrading my complete home theater system:
Ultimately I want to upgrade my speakers to B&W 803D or even 802 (if I can afford them) and needless to say; including the matching center and surround speakers.

The problem I am facing is what amplifier will complement such an acclaimed speaker system? All the reviews on B&W speakers warn that one need an exceptional amplifier.

Is the Denon 4806 good enough in relation to sound quality and power available? Or do I have to get the 5805?

The sales consultant at the store where they sell B&W speakers told me that Denon is a consumer brand and the amplifier will not complement the speakers. He recommended the Lexicon RV-8.
I have done an extensive study on the Lexicon and yes, perhaps the amplification part of the amplifier may be better but it does not come close to Denon is the features department.

But will I really hear a difference between the Lexicon and Denon???

Guys. Please. I need some guidance here! What should I do?
Thanks

Im my opinion. If I was going to spend $8000 for a pair of 803D's, I would go with seperates instead of a receiver. Rotel matches well with B&W's. Rotel RSP-1098 preamp, and Rotel RMB-1095 amp. Or a few Rotel RB-1080's.

I own a Denon 4806. It's a awesome receiver.

 

[Sharp009]

Thanks for the reply. So receivers are then just not good enough?
Do I have to split? To split could end up costing twice as much. I will most certainly read up on Rotel. I actually did not know that they have made a significant impact in the home theater side of things…

I suppose another option is: buy a Denon receiver and a separate stereo amplifier?

As you can see; I am really confused.

 

[jcPanny]

Upgrade path

Yes, using a good mid-fi receiver as a pre-pro is a good option. You should consider buying a Denon 3806 or 4306 to use with your current speaker setup. When you upgrade to the B&W 800's you can buy a seperate 2 channel or multi channel amp to power them.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Hi everyone

I have spend allot of time now reading reviews and reading through the forums. Thanks for the wealth of information available here.

The bottom line is that it is time for me to start upgrading my complete home theater system:
Ultimately I want to upgrade my speakers to B&W 803D or even 802 (if I can afford them) and needless to say; including the matching center and surround speakers.

The problem I am facing is what amplifier will complement such an acclaimed speaker system? All the reviews on B&W speakers warn that one need an exceptional amplifier.

Is the Denon 4806 good enough in relation to sound quality and power available? Or do I have to get the 5805?

The sales consultant at the store where they sell B&W speakers told me that Denon is a consumer brand and the amplifier will not complement the speakers. He recommended the Lexicon RV-8.
I have done an extensive study on the Lexicon and yes, perhaps the amplification part of the amplifier may be better but it does not come close to Denon is the features department.

But will I really hear a difference between the Lexicon and Denon???

Guys. Please. I need some guidance here! What should I do?
Thanks

Have you considered other speakers? Just a thought.
Maybe you want to listen to different speakers? Some reviews I have seen indicated some frequency response issues.

What is that B&W speaker impedance? Sensitivity? Your space size and listening distance? Important questions as there are lots of myths in audio.

 

[rollinrocker]

I second mazers suggestion. Rotel and b&w would be nice match. I use a 1095 and it is a very good amp. I think both rotel and b&w use each other in their demos.

 

[mike c]

why not use Rotel's receivers for now? and in the future when you do get those speakers, get yourself either the RB1090 or the new RB1092 (if for 2ch listening) if you have 800series all round, check out the RMB1077

edit: the rotel receivers are almost the same price as separates ... go separates

 

[Sharp009]

Thanks guys.
I understand now that there isn’t a perfect “one box” solution when it comes to receivers. I will rather follow your advice and buy a separate processor and multi channel power amplifier.

Before I make my final decision on the B&W speakers, I will most certainly listen to Revel, Kef and even perhaps Paradigm. Although I do not think Paradigm falls into this category?

But, for now; I must make sure that the amplifier solution I buy will support me moving forward…

Thanks again

 

[AVPaul]

I had Rotel, but like Parasound better

I had Rotel 5ch amp and sound processors, but like Parasound A51 much better. I upgraded to Paradigm studio100 and they sound great. Much cheaper than the B&W I think?

 

[bigpapa]

If you're going to spend $8 to $10 grand on speakers, I'd probably stay away from a 1 box solution.

Maybe you could find a Lexicon or Bryston Pre-Pro, then go to Bryston power amps.

I have nothing against Rotel or Denon at all. I've recently hooked up some 802's and Signature 7's with Bryston power amps and the SP1.7.

I had a good time 'testing' it after hours

 

[Sharp009]

@ bigpapa - Is Lexicon really that better than Denon?