[blackhawks6]

Could use an opinion or more....

downsizing from SP3 and 6B SST (300 wpc) to B135 (135 wpc). I would like to keep my B&W Nautilus 803S floorstanders as my stereo speakers. Is the B135 adequate or should I replace with B&W N805 or CM5 bookshelf? thank you, tony

[srb]

An interesting question.  Even though the B135 might be a bit on the low side of wattage to get the most out of the 803s that they are capable of, I have to think having a dedicated midrange, dual woofers and a floorstanding cabinet will still give better and more pleasing overall performance than you would get from the 805 or CM5.

When you also factor in the 90dB sensitivity of the 803 vs 88dB for either the 805 or CM5, the available power will either be able to drive them louder with less distortion or drive them to the same loudness with less effort and greater headroom.

Steve

[blackhawks6]

Thank you Steve. I think I will hold onto the 803s speakers and if they need more may add a bryston 2 channel amp  (at 100 wpc) into the mix. Thanks again! Tony

[stereoal]

When I purchased my 803Ds in 2009, I ran them for almost a year with an Arcam A32 100-watt  intregrated amp coupled with an Arcam 100-watt power amp. It sounded good and I would expect your B135 would sound even better. Prior to the 803s, I had a pair of B&W 805 bookshelf speakers. The 803s were a huge improvement.