I HAVE A DREAM (and a dilemma) :-)

First a little background:

As a student and have a limited income, but have got a fair price for my old surround system, changing to stereo now. But my pocket doesn't contain limited depths.

For the new system, I have decided to focus on the speakers as the main and heavy part of the setup (and economy) and buy an amp/player, that, while not being completely up to the price/performance standard of the speakers, will get the job done within certain sense.

I have made the decision to purchase a couple of B&W 802d's. - A dream long time coming. I love the transparency and dynamics of them. And they almost look as sexy as my girlfriend:-)

But I am still puzzled in reference to the other side of the coin. How should I fuel the 802's? - As it is right now, I have two options. I have got a sweet offer on the NAD M3/M5 (Master Series) as well as the Lyngdorf TDA2200/CD1. But what to chose...

As of now, I have only listened to the NAD setup. It sounds very good. It seems to have a lot of power for the money (2x180w dual mono) and have a nice sense of detail. It also has a presence that I find engaging.
However, it does not seem have some of the forwardness and punch in the overall frequency spectrum that I would like to get out of the 802d's (in a perfect world).

I have read the review from Michael Fremer, which was reassuring in many ways. But as many other HiFi enthusiasts, I want perfection as the trees calmly grow into the sky:-)

- I am not a laid back listener. I like to have a detail-filled sound with a slightly forward image.

This leads to the alternative which is the Lyngdorf TDA2200/CD1. From my readings and suggestions from friends, the TDA2200 should have an insane amount of correctness and detail from the direct digital pathway between the player and amp (for the price). But is should also lack some "presence" and personality of analogous amps, as the sound has the potential to become too analytical.

I am generally analytical in my listening attitude and like to go "hiking" in the sound-scape, as I have a musical background as well as a great love for auditory spaces and definition (as all you other guys do as well, I suppose:-D).
That is the reason why I am interested in the TDA2200, as I have the feeling it will be a spectacular provider of detail and spark - especially within the budget.

So:

Does anyone have an opinion on this matter? Perhaps a subjective comparison of the NAD M3/M5 setup vs. the Lyngdorf if possible? However, an assessment of the two individually will be very much appreciated, of course! :-D

For instance, my experience tells me that NAD amps are very power efficient, bringing LOTS of muscles pr. watt, which is a VERY good thing in reference to 802d's. But is it enough? And how does the 2x200w TDA2200 compare to power of the 2x180w PD (powerdrive) of the NAD M3?


As previously mentioned, I only have the money to chose from these two, so hopefully, they will be sufficient...


Thank you in advance, if you have even read this far, I appreciate it:-D

Best regards,

Jonzie

Hey Jonzie.

I have never listend to a pair of B&W 802D. But normally B&W have Rotel amplifiers on their system, as far as I know.

But I'am shure that a NAD M3 would do a good job as well, but as I said before, I have never listend to it before. Maybe someone else here has????

I wish you good luck with finding the rigth equipment.

May the sound be with you

Dief  

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Hi

How did you boil it down to these two amp options ?. If you want speed om your 802D you should look at Chord electronics .  2 Used meridian 557 amps bridged could also be a good solution.(they are very powerfull when bridged)

I used Mark Levinson no 334 on my 802 Nautilus with good result , and as you might know allready , abbey road use Classe electronics( Im not into Classe, but I heard it on the 802 D and it sounded rather good)

In fact i also used Holfi with good result on my 802N, but it is not the most forewarded sound out there and it might be to mellow on the new D tweeter!!

If you have to choose from the 2 mentioned brands , you know Hi fi klubben have both. Go listen and let your ears decide

But I would strongly advise you to look on the used marked before you decide what to go for

Good luck   

ps: Cables also matters on the 802