B&W DM602 speakers with Tripath amp?

[Ulysses]

I’ve bought a pair of B&W DM602 speakers to tide me over and I need an amplifier to match.

I was wondering if the tripath amps (e.g. Amptastic T-Amp Mini-1, or TK2050 etc) would be suitable. They are certainly appealing due to the low cost, but I have reservations due to their lowish power especially as the sensitivity of the speakers is 90dB spl (2.83V, 1m).

Would they be able to power the 602s, or should I look elsewhere?

[walpurgis]

My inclination would be to opt for something like this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Denon-PMA-250SE-Phono-Integrated-Amplifier-/171810387078?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2800b27486

It'll drive the B&Ws well and sound decent. You may be a bit short of oomph with a TriPath.

(a PMA-350SE is even better, but they tend to cost more and are scarcer)

[Macca]

Look elsewhere - Geoff's recommendation is good. I've used 601s with Cambridge and Marantz amps successfully. They're not that fussy but they do need a proper amp to get the best out of them.

[Ulysses]

The denon would be a good candidate especially as it has the Phono.

Alas, as I'm temporarily exiled in Australia fleabay uk isn't an option. I now realise how lucky we are in the UK to have such great availability of second hand goodies for our perusal. Out here it's thin pickings.

[Ulysses]

Look elsewhere - Geoff's recommendation is good. I've used 601s with Cambridge and Marantz amps successfully. They're not that fussy but they do need a proper amp to get the best out of them.

Thanks Martin and Geoff, not the answer I'd hoped for as the tripath route would have been a cheap and convenient solution but if it's no good, it's no good:)

[walpurgis]

A bit of advice. If you opt for a Denon, be aware that the built in phono stage was an option and is not always present. Best check it's included before buying one if you're going to use vinyl. The Denon phono stage is pretty good by the way and worth having. They're a good amp at sensible money.

[Ulysses]

Thanks for the tip Geoff. I'll keep a look out for these as jap gear tends to be more readily available out here than other producers wares

[walpurgis]

Keep us posted. I'd be interested to hear how you get on. Good luck! :thumbsup:

[pitadavespa]

I’ve bought a pair of B&W DM602 speakers to tide me over and I need an amplifier to match.

I was wondering if the tripath amps (e.g. Amptastic T-Amp Mini-1, or TK2050 etc) would be suitable. They are certainly appealing due to the low cost, but I have reservations due to their lowish power especially as the sensitivity of the speakers is 90dB spl (2.83V, 1m).

Would they be able to power the 602s, or should I look elsewhere?


Hi John,

When I bought my Temple Audio monoblocks I still had a pair of B&W 602 and they sounded wonderful with them. Even though I was using a passive pre (with no gain), I found these sensitive speakers to truly sing at their lungs with these little amps.
In fact, these were the best amps I listened these speakers with, since I was never a good fan of them with my previous amps (Rotel) - too "bummy" and live for my taste.
(I know this may sound a bit forced, since I'm selling them, but if you happen to be interested, PM me)


I don't know those tripath amps, so I can't comment, but they may be a good match for your speakers, considering the price. Just make sure you use a good (linear) power supply.


Good luck with your search.

Cheers,
Luis

[Ulysses]

that's good to know they worked well with the monos, but I'll pass on the offer as logistically and practically it's not feasible and I'd need to buy a pre and a phono as well

[Ulysses]

Keep us posted. I'd be interested to hear how you get on. Good luck! :thumbsup:
will report back when sorted, even if I end up with a surround sound receiver...

[Macca]

, even if I end up with a surround sound receiver...

Try not to ;)

[Ulysses]

Now fixed up with Onkyo integra A8170 amp; does the job of driving the B&Ws perfectly adequately, so 100 pounds well spent. Now need to get a turntable....

http://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/onkyo/a-8170.shtml

[agk]

The Amptastic would have been fine with 90db. Not illegal rave type volume but very handsome all the same.