Amplifier for B&W 685

[askii2]

Folks,

The well known upgrade bug hit me hard after our recent audiophile meet at Pune. I am now looking for an integrated amplifier to match my B&W 685.

I was suggested going for a Rotel integrated amplifier. However Rotel doesn't have authorized dealers in India and I am unlikely to go to Singapore or UK in near Future.

I was thinking about a Yamaha A-S700 amplifier, as Yamaha has authorized dealers and service centers in India. Do fellow members have suggestions or a feedback on this combination (Yamaha A-S700 + B&W 685)? If there are other amplifiers which will suit better, do suggest.

Thanks.

 

[BLASTO]

However Rotel doesn't have authorized dealers in India

You mean, in pune?
Because Hyderabad has authorized dealers for rotel.

 

[askii2]

I was under the impression that there are none in entire India.

Thanks. Checked Home Theater System Surround Sound Amplifiers - Rotel just now to learn that there are dealers in Mumbai, which is closer to where I stay.

From what I have heard from other members, a Rotel amplifier will beat a yamaha amp with an equivalent rating.

 

[BLASTO]

From what I have heard from other members, a Rotel amplifier will beat a yamaha amp with an equivalent rating.

That is only one part of the argument. Rotel pairs with B&W very well. I have listened to B&W 603S3 floor stands with rotel RA980 and the matching is impeccable.

See if you can find one around. It should cost like 15k in used market.

 

[askii2]

RA-12 (60W/ch) with integrated DAC appears promising. Anyone tried that?

 

[koushik]

You may try Audiolab Integrated Amp such as 8000A from used market. Will be avery good match IMO.

 

[Vishal]

Askii: AudioVision International in Mumbai is an authorized dealer for Rotel; In fact I auditioned the B&W and Rotel at their showroom yesterday.
Google them up or search our Forums. They are in the Fort area in Mumbai.

BTW: Where did you but the 685's? AVI is quoting 44K for them.

Vishal

Folks,

The well known upgrade bug hit me hard after our recent audiophile meet at Pune. I am now looking for an integrated amplifier to match my B&W 685.

I was suggested going for a Rotel integrated amplifier. However Rotel doesn't have authorized dealers in India and I am unlikely to go to Singapore or UK in near Future.

I was thinking about a Yamaha A-S700 amplifier, as Yamaha has authorized dealers and service centers in India. Do fellow members have suggestions or a feedback on this combination (Yamaha A-S700 + B&W 685)? If there are other amplifiers which will suit better, do suggest.

Thanks.

 

[askii2]

I bought B&W 685 for $700 in US. That comes to approx INR38k.

 

[Vishal]

I am about to buy a NAD 356; would be fun to hear your B&W's pair up the NAD ..

 

[rbalagopalan]

Vishal think twice before pairing / buying NAD for 685s. As I had NAD 372 paired with 683s and the low frequency was fully out of control and boomy. Hence sold the amp just with in two Days by placing it in for sale here. I have been using b&ws right from 300 series. They are power guzzlers so try to pair them with some high current amps which can make them sing rather than shout.

R Balagopalan

 

[Vishal]

Thanks Raja for the advice. I've heard similar feedback.

Bought the NAD 356 but not for the B&W's. Looking for good BS to pair with the 356.

Rgds

Vishal

Vishal think twice before pairing / buying NAD for 685s. As I had NAD 372 paired with 683s and the low frequency was fully out of control and boomy. Hence sold the amp just with in two Days by placing it in for sale here. I have been using b&ws right from 300 series. They are power guzzlers so try to pair them with some high current amps which can make them sing rather than shout.

R Balagopalan