Hi All. Excited to Join

[dkorbal]

I'm a long-time audio enthusiast since falling asleep at night listening to LP’s through my first set of open back headphone. I was all of 13 years old. Man, I wish I could remember the make and model of those headphones. I thought they were so cool.
Anyway, the years have come and gone along with countless equipment changes. With children through college and firmly planted on the pathway of life my wife and I can now enjoy peripheral things. Her the house me my audio/video system. I’m starting to move up the audiophile food chain with the purchase of B&W 803D3 speakers. WAF played a big part in her buy in.
Just added the Marantz SR7012. Next expected purchase is an amp. Obviously, something on the warmer side to help soften the speakers. I’m considering Bryston, Pass, or Mcintosh and looking for advice or things to consider. This should be a fun ride.

[joeinid]

Welcome to the forum, thank you for joining.

[Audiophilehi]

Welcome to AS......I have no experience with the

B&W 803D3 speakers but have read that McIntosh is a good match with B&W speakers. I really don't think you can go wrong with either of your selections.

[Shadowfax]

Welcome aboard, enjoy your stay.

Can we have a first name to use?

[the professor]

Welcome to AS!

[TigerTEAC]

I'm a long-time audio enthusiast since falling asleep at night listening to LP’s through my first set of open back headphone. I was all of 13 years old. Man, I wish I could remember the make and model of those headphones. I thought they were so cool.
Anyway, the years have come and gone along with countless equipment changes. With children through college and firmly planted on the pathway of life my wife and I can now enjoy peripheral things. Her the house me my audio/video system. I’m starting to move up the audiophile food chain with the purchase of B&W 803D3 speakers. WAF played a big part in her buy in.
Just added the Marantz SR7012. Next expected purchase is an amp. Obviously, something on the warmer side to help soften the speakers. I’m considering Bryston, Pass, or Mcintosh and looking for advice or things to consider. This should be a fun ride.

Welcome to AudioShark! Hope you enjoy your stay!
Ryan.

[Sean]

Welcome aboard!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mr Peabody]

Welcome.

All 3 amps are good quality, Bryston is more neutral, where the Mac and Pass lean warmer. The Pass would have more bass authority and detail over Mac, IMO. This is general as no particular models are compared. We have very happy members with both.

Unless looking to upgrade your sources and move to a dedicated preamp for 2-channel, those amps are really a bit over qualified.

In a more affordable price class you might look at the Marantz amps, or, not really warm, Parasound Halo series would be good.

Though you would use preamp outputs, a receiver's preamp section leaves a lot to be desired compared to a stand alone preamp.

[dkorbal]

Thanks all,

First name is Doug

[joeinid]

Hi Doug!

[Darrel]

Hi Doug, and welcome to the forum.

As far as amps go. Do you have a local stereo store still available in your area. If they have been around for some years they are a great source of information and will allow customers to try various products in home. I purchased a used Bryston amp from the internet. I bought the Bryston based on their reputation, reviews, power and long term warranty. It's a work horse. Buying used on the internet can have its challenges but there are a lot of great used equipment if you do some home work and check feedback etc.

[TigerTEAC]

Thanks all,

First name is Doug

Hello Mr. Doug! Nice to meet you!
Ryan

[dkorbal]

Welcome.

All 3 amps are good quality, Bryston is more neutral, where the Mac and Pass lean warmer. The Pass would have more bass authority and detail over Mac, IMO. This is general as no particular models are compared. We have very happy members with both.

Unless looking to upgrade your sources and move to a dedicated preamp for 2-channel, those amps are really a bit over qualified.

In a more affordable price class you might look at the Marantz amps, or, not really warm, Parasound Halo series would be good.

Though you would use preamp outputs, a receiver's preamp section leaves a lot to be desired compared to a stand alone preamp.

This is a work in progress. I had a 5.1 setup already when I decided to upgrade. Can't afford everything at once so I need to systematical replace items as money becomes available. My plans are not set is stone. Option #1) Create a 2-channel listening room using separate components. Option #2) Upgrade my current 5.1 to 5.2.4. I would add a HTM1D3 center to the 803D3 (L/R) along with B&W rear and ceiling speakers. I would purchase a 2-channel amp for L/R along with a additional 5 or 7 amp to run center and surround sound speakers. Eventually I would buy a matching processor maybe MX122 or SP3 but until than I would use the Marantz’s pre-outs to handle it all.
Most of my listening is done digitally (Tidal, SACD, Vault) but occasionally I spin vinyl. With the Oppo I have the choice to use its dedicated 2-channel DAC or it’s 7.1 analog out. I like options so the downside I see in NOT using a dedicated preamp, is the ability to color the music. For instance, when auditioning different amps my wife like the McIntosh warmth where I preferred the Mark Levinson sound through the 803D3. I have yet to hear the Bryston due to limited dealership in my area. A preamp would allow me more flexibility.
My plan is dynamic which is the fun part. The speakers and amps are a few common components I can concentrate on now.

Doug

[dkorbal]

Hi Doug, and welcome to the forum.

As far as amps go. Do you have a local stereo store still available in your area. If they have been around for some years they are a great source of information and will allow customers to try various products in home. I purchased a used Bryston amp from the internet. I bought the Bryston based on their reputation, reviews, power and long term warranty. It's a work horse. Buying used on the internet can have its challenges but there are a lot of great used equipment if you do some home work and check feedback etc.

Yes, I do have a few shops that I deal with, but they don't carry Bryston. There is Audio Advisor not too far from me, but they are mail order only, no showroom. My wife loves the McIntosh sound (and I'm a fan) but I understand the new cube line is warmer but not as much as the McIntosh which might be a perfect fit our ears. I may end up going the route of buy used.
Thanks Doug

[Mr Peabody]

Hi Doug, you might consider Axpona, not too far from you. www.Axpona.com. Good way to experience a lot of gear and get ideas, etc.