Amp/Preamp Asylum

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I have the B&W 801 Matrix S3...

Posted by kootenay on August 22, 2024 at 12:00:30:
I haven't heard the 801 S2 so I can't comment on them. I have experimented with my 801 S3 with different amps and configurations from active to passive with different results. However, it has a frequency response of 24Hz to 25kHz at -+ 6dB with a nominal impedance of 4 ohms and a sensitivity of 87 dB. I have found that they do require lots of power to make them sing properly as they have a swingy impedance that can go as low as 2 ohms. This means it will require a powerful amp with a very stable power supply of 2 ohms.
Presently, I'm driving them with a Krell EVO 402 power amp that puts out 400w/c on 8 ohms and 1600 w/c on 2 ohms together with the Krell EVO 202 preamp. The sound is very dynamic and visceral devoid of brightness on the top end.