Best Receiver to Pair with B&W?

EGM · 07-21-2004, 08:00 PM

I just received B&W speakers from my wife for my 30th birthday. Now I am planning on upgrading my receiver from my five-year old Sony 925.

I was looking for any insight into what would be the best receiver sound-wise to purchase to go with my new toys...er I mean speakers.

I've heard that Denon receivers pair well with B&Ws, however would like to have other options to choose from.

Thanks for your help!

GM

Rob Kramer · 07-21-2004, 09:12 PM

You again?

I compared the Onkyo 801 with the Denon 3803. I bought the Onkyo (but went with the 800).

Denon = warm, B&W = warm, not a good match.
(Denon and Kilpsch are a good match)

I will say that I went back (not too long ago) and listened to the 3805 and the 600s. The sound was completely different. It was very bright this time. Must be the room-correction on the new Denons.

If I could do it over again tomorrow, I would compare the Pioneers to the Onkyos. Having ilink at the same price point ($1000) is very tempting (especially since universal players still cant get analog BM & TA right).

07-21-2004, 09:30 PM

The obvious choice with those speakers is Rotel since the two companies work together with each others gear during their testing phase. Theres also a hugh number of Club Rotel members using B&W speakers and I know several of the Rotel staff members are also running B&W speakers in their homes.

Drew_W · 07-21-2004, 11:08 PM

Denon is warm? I agree with your second impression that they lean to the bright side. They have never in my mind been considered warm...

And B&W + Rotel will do nicely. Which one though depends on what speakers...

EGM · 07-21-2004, 11:16 PM

I got 602 S3s for my mains. I am not sure that makes a difference.

I also have to say, I have seen more reviews stating that the Denon is more bright than warm...but that also depends on your personal impression hearing them.

I will take a look at the Rotels. Any suggestions on what model?

GM

**HTF Ads**

Mark C. · 07-22-2004, 12:32 AM

Rotel makes a fine receiver, the RSX-1056. It's rated at 75 watts per channel, but they're real watts and are more than plenty to run 602s. The Rotel is pricey, I think about $1,300 US. But it's a quality product that can serve as the brain of your home theater for many years. You can simply add separate amplifiers to meet your power needs as you add speakers. If the Rotel is too pricey, consider Marantz. Their receivers can be a little bit on the high side price-wise, but their lower end models are very competitive with Pioneer, Denon etc.

Drew_W · 07-22-2004, 12:36 AM

$700-800 for the older 1055 on eBay/Audiogon/etc.

Wayne Ernst · 07-22-2004, 02:33 AM

Galen,

Since you are in the DC area, you should check out Myer-Emco. They sell B&W speakers. They also stock/sell the following receivers:

- Rotel
- Marantz
- Yamaha
- Sony ES

You would be able to hear the B&W speakers with each of those receivers in an attempt to hear what might sound good with your speakers.

Best of luck to you.

EGM · 07-22-2004, 06:38 AM

Wayne,

That's actually where I got my speakers. They had them paired with a Marantz receiver. They sounded good, but had nothing to compare it to.

GM

Rob Kramer · 07-22-2004, 08:19 AM

I did say that my impression of 3805 was that it was bright. However, I found my listening session with the 3803 was warm - so maybe that was the exception and not the norm, or perhaps just the newer models are producing the brighter sound.

I would like to comment on the Rotel+B&W combo. Yes, I know that this is considered a standard paring, and a whole lot of people have this combo, however (here goes), the "combo" is not "Rotel+B&W" but rather "Rotel+B&W 800 series".

The 700 series is more detailed than the 600 series, and the 800 series is more detailed than the 700 series. At the 800 level, you need a warm amp so that the detail stays controlled and doesnt get away from you. I feel (and I know others do too) that the 600s are too laid-back for the warmer Rotels.

I dont think that there are many CLUB ROTEL members using 600s (or CLUB B&W members with 600s using Rotel equipment).

Am I wrong?

07-22-2004, 08:37 AM

Actually there are a few using 600 series speakers I believe. Since your dealer has a few different lines go and given them a listen and see if what your ears tell you...and then see you in club rotel