Looking For Opinions On The B&W 805N

[velociti]

Originally Posted by callas01

most of the class d that peachtree runs has a tube buffer in them, so they sound tubelike

Have you listened to them? I thought the same thing before I actually heard them (currently running the Peachtree Power 220 and Nova Pre), but in reality they are a little cooler and more strident than I thought they would be. I also thought the tube buffer would substantially alter the sound, but in practice it's minimal. The benefit of their designs is that you can just turn the tube on or off at will. Super convenient.

[callas01]

I heard them before, the Nova and it didnt sound like the Rotel class D stuff, I liked the Peachtree much more.

[DerrellB]

Originally Posted by velociti

Have you listened to them? I thought the same thing before I actually heard them (currently running the Peachtree Power 220 and Nova Pre), but in reality they are a little cooler and more strident than I thought they would be. I also thought the tube buffer would substantially alter the sound, but in practice it's minimal. The benefit of their designs is that you can just turn the tube on or off at will. Super convenient.

Yeah that is a great convenience. I was looking at the grand pre before. Very impressed by their product.

[aces high]

Originally Posted by velociti

Not sure if you're looking to integrate into a HT or use strictly for two-channel, but how about Peachtree? They'd be a good fit for the warmer sound of the B&Ws, are attractive, and have enough power to handle the relatively efficient 805s. Built-in DAC might be convenient as well.

No these wouldn't be integrated into an HT system, two channel only. Peachtree, nice suggestion. I think there's a local dealer as well, I'll check them out.

[aces high]

Originally Posted by DerrellB

Man did you hit it on the head with peachtree. I heard the 802 diamonds on MC501's which were spectacular. But for giggles, the dealer had just started carrying peachtree and hooked up a peachtree integrated. Man did the sound blow us away. We were all in there with our bottom lip on the floor. The MC501 were great but for what they cost, they should be. Peachtree was amazing and at the price it cost, we didn't expect it to compete so well with the mc501's. If you want mcintosh, there is a way. If you want Peachtree, there is way.

I think that rotel that you mention was before rotel went to class d amps. I like the older stuff better than the new class d. They havea nice nuetral to warm sound to them. Mcintosh will be warm as well. Peachtree is class d but man you could not tell at all. I havent been a big fan of class d but that changed my mind a little.

Good eye Darrell.

I've listened to the new Rotel amps and am not a fan. The older Calss AB amps are supposed to be good though, if I went with Rotel it would only be one of the older amps.

Good to hear that you liked the Peachtree, which one did you listen to? What's the list price on it?

[aces high]

Originally Posted by velociti

Have you listened to them? I thought the same thing before I actually heard them (currently running the Peachtree Power 220 and Nova Pre), but in reality they are a little cooler and more strident than I thought they would be. I also thought the tube buffer would substantially alter the sound, but in practice it's minimal. The benefit of their designs is that you can just turn the tube on or off at will. Super convenient.

Are you able to change the tube for a different one?

[DerrellB]

Originally Posted by aces high

Good eye Darrell.

I've listened to the new Rotel amps and am not a fan. The older Calss AB amps are supposed to be good though, if I went with Rotel it would only be one of the older amps.

Good to hear that you liked the Peachtree, which one did you listen to? What's the list price on it?

It was the grand integrated and list was around 4k if I remember correctly. 400 wpc. It also has the same dac that the oppo 95 has in it.

[aces high]

Originally Posted by DerrellB

It was the grand integrated and list was around 4k if I remember correctly. 400 wpc. It also has the same dac that the oppo 95 has in it.

$4k? Ouch, that hurts man.

Not really looking to spend $4k to run some older 805's. Would like to spread out the funds a bit more so I'm able to maybe grab a couple more sets of speakers.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by velociti

Have you listened to them? I thought the same thing before I actually heard them (currently running the Peachtree Power 220 and Nova Pre), but in reality they are a little cooler and more strident than I thought they would be. I also thought the tube buffer would substantially alter the sound, but in practice it's minimal. The benefit of their designs is that you can just turn the tube on or off at will. Super convenient.

Maybe that is why the guy was trading in his Focals for Dynaudios? He said they were too bight of a speaker to pair with his Nova, so we got to hear the Focal 807Vs and Nova, then the Nova and DM2/6s. I thought it all sounded good. However I didnt spend 6 months living with the setup.