[polar316]

Hey Guys,

I have a pair of Bowers and Wilkins 684's and want a new integrated amplifier. Does anyone have these speakers? I want to spend about $700 and am willing to go new or used. I would like substantially more power than my current 45w/ch integrated. Any suggestions for an integrated amp?

Thanks for the answers past and future,

Zach

[srb]

Zach,
 
I am not familiar with the B&W 384.  Could it be that you have the B&W 684s?
 
Can you describe what kind of improvement you're looking for?
 
Do you need/want remote control?
 
Steve

[polar316]

my apologies 684 is correct. i am looking for a cleaner sound, and i have been told that these speakers can be powered by a whole lot more. depending on the price and deal and all i suppose a remote is not completely necessary, although it would be very nice.

[polar316]

i was suggested this by the same store where i purchased my equipment about 8 months ago. any thoughts?

http://nadelectronics.com/products/hifi-amplifiers/C355BEE-Stereo-Integrated-Amplifier/images

~Zach

[srb]

The NAD 355BEE should be a notch up from the Azur 340A.
 
If you really want to get a little more grip on those speakers, don't have a problem with a separate preamp and power amp, and don't mind buying used (preamp new in box/power amp 2 yr old), you could get a lot more bang for your budget buck with something like this, both currently available right now on Audiogon:
 
Parasound Model 2100 Preamp - New in box for $425
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatran&1260458157&/Parasound-Model-2100-Pre-with-
 
and
 
Parasound New Classic 2125 Power Amplifier (125W/channel) - 2 yr old, 9/10 condition for $375
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1262200344&/Parasound-2125-New-Classic
 


 
I think that would be a very nice, powerful, good sounding and fairly sexy new/nearly new setup for $800.
 
I have owned an older B&W 600 series, and found the metal tweeter just a little bright and the bass just a bit boomy.  If you found either of these true with yours, you might consider trying the foam port plug and/or moving the speakers out a little farther in the room, and may want to try Jim Goulding's Touchstone Tweeter Surrounds.  http://www.diffractionbegone.com/newblankcontact.html
 
Steve

Note: The seller of the preamp, Ericus Rex, is an Audio Circle member.  I don't know the seller of the power amp, but he does have 2 positive transactions

[PMAT]

+1, I second the Parasounds. I have had several pairs of B&W's and the room will dictate a lot. With lots of hard surfaces, try 1 or 2 notches down on the treble control on the preamp. In a dead room go 1 down or use it flat. They will sound great with those speakers. Room placement is CRUCIAL. Play around alot! Fun Fun Fun. Those speakers are very capable with 125 watts. Remember that some recordings suck and adjusting your system to them is useless. They just suck.

[polar316]

I purchased a NAD C372 integrated amplifier. At 150wpc versus my old 40wpc these speakers speak like I never knew they could. The highs, the lows, the seperation, everything is beautiful 

[chgolatin2]

You could find a good Jolida 1000RC tube integrated amp

[rollo]

I purchased a NAD C372 integrated amplifier. At 150wpc versus my old 40wpc these speakers speak like I never knew they could. The highs, the lows, the seperation, everything is beautiful 

  Lots of bang for the buck there. ENJOY! A tubed pre may also float your boat.



charles