B&W 805S - Which amp does suit them? Budget up to 800 £

[loirevalley]

Hi all, I am a newbie (here)

as time keeps running, I was going to find a good match for my beloved B&Ws.

With the 20 yrs old MF I feel more and more uncomfortably with the soundstage, the bass and the trebles ..

I might opt for the ARCAM IRDAC as the unit for the digital input, though it very much suits my needs, but I can't make my choice for the amp.

I took into account the ARCAM A19, obviously, but also the REGA Brio-R and the MF M3i.

The listening conditions are:
Speakers on Stands, distance in between about 12 feet, having nearly a perfect triangle to my Armchair at the opposite wall.(12:9-9 feet), room size 17 x 11 feet.

Music listened to: From Hilliard Ensemble to Slayer/Ice-T

I would be happy to read about some experiences withe the combos or have some suggestion what else to look for.

I live about 150 miles away from a big hifi-store in the outskirts of Paris, where i could find nearly everything exept Creek.

After I made up my list, I would consider to pack the speakers in my car for an audition.

The arena is open now for your comments. Thank you in advance

Tom

 

[plastic penguin]

Welcome to the madhouse.

I've only heard the 805S once, about 18 months ago, with a Naim XS... sounded terrific.

If you can't get a s/hand or ex-dem MKI XS for that price then look at 5si. Otherwise, I would guess at Roksan kandy would sound fab with 805S. That is only my personal opinion, though.

 

[Vladimir]

The Naim integrateds don't have enough juice (power, current, damping factor) to run B&Ws to their full potential. They just seem loud and exciting and its going to be a short honeymoon once you take them home.

IMO best to shoot for Roksan Kandy K2 BT new or Electrocompaniet, Hegel and Rotel pre/power second hand.