802D's and Bryston Amps

Glenee · « **on:** 19 Sep 2006, 03:02 am »

I am in the process of aquiring a pair of B&W 802D's and a HTM2D. Have been considering and researching several Amps. Top of the list is a 6-B SST would this be enough amp for these, I some times like it loud, but also have a fetish for the low detail with a good book. I think this is the one but have no dealers in my area. I have heard Classe, Rotel, and ML all are great' but like the 3 ch part. I will be running it on a 15amp circuit any problems there. The Pre is a Outlaw 990.

Glenee

SteveM · « **Reply #1 on:** 21 Sep 2006, 12:01 am »

I have B&W Nautilus 803s and the Nautilus HTM1 center channel speaker. Currently I am using the Bryston 9b-SST to drive them and the rear speakers. This isn't quite enough power to properly drive the front speakers. The perfect match would be the 4b-SST or 3 channel 6b-SST. If I end up going for a 7.1 setup I'll keep the 9b-SST and buy either the 4b-SST or 6b-SST to drive the fronts.

With that said I have heard the 802s on a number of occasions. The 3b-sst didn't drive them at all. The 4b-sst was much better, greater depth and wider sound stage. Still the speaker doesn't open up the why I knew it could. The 14b-sst on the other hand ... wow!

Just my opinion.

Glenee · « **Reply #2 on:** 21 Sep 2006, 01:55 am »

I am scared that I don't have enough amp circuit to run the 14b. In a 24ft cathedral the chances of running a 20amp circuit are almost impossible. I only have 15 amp.
Glenee

amdan · « **Reply #3 on:** 21 Sep 2006, 04:59 am »

I run my 802Ns using a Bryston 14B ST. I use the normal power point. It is a 10A or 15A circuit. I haven't had any issues. However, I can't comment on whether getting a 20A circuit will improve things. I guess I should find out - I will post another thread.
Is there any chance you can home demo the amps? The reason I ask is that there is a thread in this forum (or the B&W forum) where the poster recommended bi-amping the 802 with a Bryston 4B SST and a 6B SST. I also wonder if bi-amping using a 14B SST and a 4B SST will be better.
If you get to try this out, please let us know your findings!

amdan · « **Reply #4 on:** 21 Sep 2006, 05:08 am »

I can't tell what the amperage on my circuit is. It could be a 20A circuit.

Phil A · « **Reply #5 on:** 22 Sep 2006, 02:19 pm »

Quote from: Glenee on 21 Sep 2006, 01:55 am

I am scared that I don't have enough amp circuit to run the 14b. In a 24ft cathedral the chances of running a 20amp circuit are almost impossible. I only have 15 amp.
Glenee

The 20 amp version is probably something better for low impedence speakers. I had them run a separate circuit when the house was built (long before I had the 14BSST) to have an extra receptacle on its own circuit for a big amp. They used a 20 amp circuit but just 14 ga. wire they use for 15 amp circuits. 14 ga. will pass 15 amps. You need 12 ga. for 20 amps. So I had to buy the 15 amp version. I've seen posts about people asking about the IEC connector on back of the amp. It has nothing to do with the amperage version. My 6BSST (I use for the center and rears) has a 20 amp IEC as well. It is just 15 amps.

Glenee · « **Reply #6 on:** 22 Sep 2006, 02:25 pm »

The B&W 802D spends about 50% of its time on a 3.6 ohm load is this considered low impedence. Love to have a 14B or two 7B but I am scared of cash outlay, just to find out that I needed a 20 amp to make all things work like it's suppose to.
Glenee

Phil A · « **Reply #7 on:** 22 Sep 2006, 04:56 pm »

Quote from: Glenee on 22 Sep 2006, 02:25 pm

The B&W 802D spends about 50% of its time on a 3.6 ohm load is this considered low impedence. Love to have a 14B or two 7B but I am scared of cash outlay, just to find out that I needed a 20 amp to make all things work like it's suppose to.
Glenee

I bought both of my Bryston SST amps very lightly used (each around a yr. old at the time of purchase). I wish I could have gotten the 20 amp version (I have Thiel 7.2s). I was not about to rip up walls and other stuff. I had to build a custom amp stand with fans as it gets very hot (and shut off a couple of times) when I play certain things on the loud side or play a demanding movie sound track. I have a huge room about 16x20 ft. with 19ft. ceilings and it opens into other spaces and the Thiels are not the most efficient speakers - so I draw power. For heat dissipation, the mono blocks would be better. My local dealer has never even had the 14B in his store. About 60% of what is in the store is one brand (not Bryston) and he only carries a couple of pieces of Bryston (SP-2 and an amp or two at most - e.g. 9B and the addition of the 4B sometimes) which makes an audition impossible so I went the used route.

caleb · « **Reply #8 on:** 26 Sep 2006, 04:27 pm »

I have been using a pair of 7B SST monoblocks to drive me 802s for about 18 months.

Recently changed to 800Ds and the Brystons still handle these with ease.

I like my music loud and they hardly ever break into a sweat - they are quite warm at the end of a listening session but certainly not hot so they are obviously not being stressed.