Amp to pair with my B&W MT 30s

[admin_exported]

I'm looking for options for an Amp to pair with my B&W MT30s. Last time I looked (which was a while ago) the Denon 1910 was up there as was the more pricy Denon 2310 and before that I had looked at the Yamaha DSP-AX863SE and the Onkyo 805. Any thoughts would be appreciated, as I'll only get one shot at making a purchase and I'd like to invest the time investigate / audition the right Amps?

 

[Deleted member 2457]

My local shop has them hooked upto the pioneer vsx-lx52 sounds much better than that denon.

 

[Frank Harvey]

Now is the right time to buy (if you're quick) as most manufacturers are, or are about change their amps to be 3D compatible. If you're not bothered with 3D, snap up a good price on an outgoing normal one. There are some silly bargains out there with a bit of searching.

 

[Anonymous]

Yeah, at the moment I'm not interested in 3D.

I know from old that the Onkyo 805 was superb, has anyone got any thoughts on buying one of the remaining B stock Onkyos which I'm told are fully refurbished by the company and come with a full 12 month warranty?

Or is this a false economy are the newer models (from the other players) a better investment?

 

[Anonymous]

Any other suggestions? I've seen the Onkyo 876 for a fairly reasonable price, but just don't know.

Anyone out there with the MT 30s, what Amp are you using?

 

[Big Chris]

I use an Onkyo 875 with my MT-30s, and have done for about 2 1/2 years. No complaints what-so-ever.

The M1s have a quite low sensitivity of 85db/w/m. I'd make sure your amp of choice is a powerhouse.

I would think you'd be looking at amps in the £700/£800 area to get the most from the speakers.

 

[Anonymous]

I paired them with the Yamaha RX-V1800 and they are great. I agree that you have to go with a lot of power. The Yamaha is rated at 7x130W and even more would be okay I think.

 

[Anonymous]

I have it in my head that I'd like to get one of the last remaining Onkyo 875s, as at £599 I don't think the price is too bad, but for the same money I can get hold of an 876.

Any thoughts as to whether the 876 superior to the 875?

 

[Big Chris]

I've not heard the 876 myself, but over the last couple of years I've read posts from different people who've heard both who state that they sound identical. I've also read posts from others saying the 876 is better than the 875.

I believe WHF's review said that the 876 moved things on slightly from the 875, but not dramatically so. I wouldn't call the 876 an upgrade if I were an 875 owner, but I also haven't read of as many issues with the 876 as the 875 had (875 had to have firmware upgrades to cure a HD sound issue, they also (and mine did) were prone to the display packing up). Although this may just be down to the sheer popularity of the 875.

In all, between the two. I'd say go for the 876. Although If you find a well looked after 875 at the right price, I wouldn't rule it out.