B&W 685 + Nad 326: Ratio of price between Speakers and Amp?

[admin_exported]

Or should I splurge on an Arcam 18 BLA?

The B&W 685s are for around $650.

Just wondering if they justify a $1000 arcam 18 BLA, a $1600 Arcam 28 BLA (choices I heard),

or can i get by with a $350-$500 Nad amp.

Also want to go listen to a Nait 5i...

In general, is there any guideline in terms of the price ratio between speakers and amps?

Thanks!

 

[Anonymous]

My rule of thumb is to spend at least what you do on the amp on the speakers. In other words, go with the NAD for your 685s.

 

[Anonymous]

I ran a Nait 5i and 685s on filled Aurora 6s for about 18 months and loved it - wouldn't hesitate to recommend it as a combo. Not quite so happy with the 685s on the NAD 320BEE amp, but that may just be a comparison to the 5i.

Will admit that it's another leap up though with the 5i and Mission 782s.

FG

 

[matthewpiano]

The Arcam A18 is a very good amp but I think the NAD is a better match with the 685s personally.

 

[Audiofoolius]

The 685 sounds good with budget amps like the NAD 326, but really shines with more expensive amps. My Nait 5i makes them sing like I never heard before.

I would advise you to audition the Rotel R04 too. Very good synergy with the 685.

 

[Cold Roses]

Whilst I have a pair of B&W 685s (now in my second system), I haven't heard them with the particular Nad or Arcam amps you mention and so won't comment on those particular combos.

Though in respect of your general question about price ratio - my is view that there really isn't a rule of thumb, particularly as some kit punches well above its particular price point. It's really more about system synergy and also your longer term aims.

I think an important question to ask yourself at this stage is whether you see the current purchases as something you plan to listen to for the foreseeable future or as a stepping stone to a more expensive system. If you envisage further updgrades in the not too distant future, then a mis-match in price of components at this stage may actually make more sense, i.e., focus on one component which you see as a long-term keeper and build around that. Query then whether it's better to focus on amp or speakers first? There are cogent arguments for both and it's ultimately about overall balance and personal preference.

You'll read it on almost every thread, but auditioning really is all important.

 

[Blackdawn]

The Naim is going to be better but it's more than twice the price of the NAD. As for the Arcam, I think the NAD would go better as it has more punch with the B&W's I would use the NAD as it is in a similar price bracket. Unless you intend to upgrade the speakers and source to a similar degree the NAD 326BEE should be great.🙂 enjoy.

Matthewpiano, good to see you are using Lektor 2's.

 

[Anonymous]

I do want to upgrade at some point in time, but I'll probably do another amp+speaker combo at that point, and move this nad + b&w to my office.

In terms of source, i'm thinking of just feeding it lossless ripped files either straight through my Zune, or probably move the audio through an external dac (the zune does optical out), into the NAD.

Any suggestions on a DAC?