Amp Options for B&W 803 D3 Speakers?

[Ralf11]

Find the impedance curve for the B&W 803 D3 - that will tell you how sensitive it is to the choice of an amp.

 

A good clear amp need not be ultra-expensive.  I prefer to use a good solid-state amp with a nice euphonic tubed pre-amp.  This greatly reduces the power draw, wasting of energy and cost, while giving plenty of "tubey goodness" in the sound.

 

For $400 a NuForce amp is a good choice.  later, if you think there is something significantly better you can buy that and move the NuForce to your bedroom system.

 

For pre-amps I use a Audio Research line stage (replaced a Sonic Frontiers).  I buy half priced used ones after a dealer refurbs them, dials them in, and puts a warranty on them.  I could pay more, I just enjoy being an audio cheapskate.  And... they are easy to sell w/out much or any loss if you want to "upgrade" later.

 

Avoid buying depreciating assets...

 

Instead, put $$ into the room acoustics and in the highest SQ releases of music you really like.

 

Or power chords... whatevah