Power amplifier for Eversolo DMP-A10 + B&W PM1s + B&W ASW10CM + SVS Sb2000

[raghavtib]

Hi everyone!

I’m new to the forum and I was hoping for some advice on choosing the right power amplifier for my setup.

I’ve got a stereo system in my bedroom, which is ± 16 ft x 10 ft x 15ft. (160 sq ft with 15 ft ceiling). The system was in storage for 7 years while I was working abroad, and now that I’ve returned, I’m looking forward to getting it up and running again.

I’ve already placed orders for Timber Acoustics panels to treat the room, and I’ve got rockwool packed into the ceiling and the wooden floor. About 60% of the floor is marble, but I’ve got a medium-sized desk and I’ll put a rug underneath it. I’ve got a weights rack and some exercise equipment that dampens the floor too.

The old setup was -

1. Speakers - Bowers & Wilkins PM1
2. Subwoofer - Bowers & Wilkins ASW10CM
3. Amplifier (AVR) - Marantz SR6008 (I know, I know)

I got the speakers as a gift from my uncle who was purchasing a new pair for himself, and I bought the sub and the AVR without really knowing what I was doing. But after 10 years, I’m older and richer (not wiser), and I’m looking forward to building a great system!


The new purchases -

1. Source - Eversolo DMP-A10
I decided to start with the source and ensure that I can get high bitrate audio into the speakers. Since I already use Apple Music, and both Tidal and Qobuz aren’t available in India, Eversolo seemed like the obvious choice. I chose the A10 because of the subwoofer control and the (supposedly) great DAC.

2. Subwoofer - SVS Sb2000
It turned out that my ASW10CM isn’t performing properly - it is missing the thump and failing the buzz test. I’ve sent it to the distributor to see if it can be repaired. If it’s a problem with the driver, I’ve already found an original replacement. But in the meantime, I’ve bought the SVS Sb2000 so that I can have a 2.2 channel setup when the B&W is returned.

3. Television - Kodak Matrix Series 65 inch QLED
I found this TV for Rs. 43,000 on Amazon during the republic day sale. It seemed fitting to also upgrade the TV for the occasional Hotstar binge.


Power Amplifier suggestions -

As you can see, the only thing missing is a great power amplifier to make the PM1s shine. I’ve made this shortlist -

1. Rotel Rb-1582 mk2 - 200W RMS
2. Rotel Rb-1590 mk2 - 350W RMS (overkill?)
3. Parasound NewClassic 2250 - 275W RMS
4. Parasound A21+ = 300W RMS
5. Musical Fidelity M6s PRX - 230W RMS

I’m open to other suggestions too, these are just the ones that seemed most interesting.

 

[Arvind Singh Lodhi]

Eversolo AMP-F10

 

[rwnano]

Aniket das onb monoblocks

 

[Phew]

@raghavtib Any particular reason for choosing power amplifier only? I would suggest going with a good high current integrated amplifier and avoid the issue of this preamp not matching that power amp. Power is not really what the PM1 needs, it needs good quality amplification. The simpler you keep it the better it'll sound. A few suggestions:

Norma IPA-80 intergrated
Rogue Pharaoh II integrated
Unison research unico Due

 

[DB1989]

1. Speakers - Bowers & Wilkins PM1

The new purchases -

1. Source - Eversolo DMP-A10
I decided to start with the source and ensure that I can get high bitrate audio into the speakers. Since I already use Apple Music, and both Tidal and Qobuz aren’t available in India, Eversolo seemed like the obvious choice. I chose the A10 because of the subwoofer control and the (supposedly) great DAC.

Power Amplifier suggestions -

As you can see, the only thing missing is a great power amplifier to make the PM1s shine. I’ve made this shortlist -

1. Rotel Rb-1582 mk2 - 200W RMS
2. Rotel Rb-1590 mk2 - 350W RMS (overkill?)
3. Parasound NewClassic 2250 - 275W RMS
4. Parasound A21+ = 300W RMS
5. Musical Fidelity M6s PRX - 230W RMS

I’m open to other suggestions too, these are just the ones that seemed most interesting.

The DMP Eversolo A10 is an excellent piece and so are all the Power Amps you've shortlisted. However, none of the shortlisted power amps are guaranteed to match your speakers (its pretty much a shot in the dark) as well as the Marantz M1 - it was developed to be a synergistic match with B&W speakers and therefore, sounds exceptional with them right down from the 6xx series to the 8xx series.

The best part is that its an all in one solution that can stream hi-res music directly into the unit. Alternatively, you can ditch your B&W's and get some grown up speakers so that the investment in the rest of your gear is worthwhile.

 

[isoton]

Eversolo AMP-F10

 

[raghavtib]

My apologies for the late response, I’ve been dealing with a damaged subwoofer - my ASW10CM was smashed during transport from the distributor (I had sent it for repairs). It was in mint condition when I sent it for repairs and now all the corners are completely smashed. The repair itself was a power issue leading to the woofer not having the “thump”.

To do a repair worth Rs. 9,000, they damaged my subwoofer worth 1.5L+, and now they’re trying to wash their hands off the situation.

Perhaps it feels more egregious because I’ve been living abroad, but the incompetence and dishonestly is frankly astounding.

Otherwise, I did go through with the amp upgrade, but I didn’t get any one of these power amps nor did I buy the Eversolo. I bought the NAD M66 + M23, which was just delivered today. I’m thrilled to open and install them tomorrow!

I held off on the subwoofer when I saw my damaged sub.

 

[DB1989]

My apologies for the late response, I’ve been dealing with a damaged subwoofer - my ASW10CM was smashed during transport from the distributor (I had sent it for repairs). It was in mint condition when I sent it for repairs and now all the corners are completely smashed. The repair itself was a power issue leading to the woofer not having the “thump”.

To do a repair worth Rs. 9,000, they damaged my subwoofer worth 1.5L+, and now they’re trying to wash their hands off the situation.

Perhaps it feels more egregious because I’ve been living abroad, but the incompetence and dishonestly is frankly astounding.

Lodge a complaint in the consumer court if they don't resolve the issue adequately. The cost of defending the suit will get them to settle the dispute.

Otherwise, I did go through with the amp upgrade, but I didn’t get any one of these power amps nor did I buy the Eversolo. I bought the NAD M66 + M23, which was just delivered today. I’m thrilled to open and install them tomorrow!

I think you overcompensated vis-a-vis the SR6008. Now you must upgrade the speakers to extract even 50% of the potential of the combo.

I held off on the subwoofer when I saw my damaged sub.

all the better for it as those funds will be better allocated towards upgrading the speakers.

 

[raghavtib]

Lodge a complaint in the consumer court if they don't resolve the issue adequately. The cost of defending the suit will get them to settle the dispute.

I think you overcompensated vis-a-vis the SR6008. Now you must upgrade the speakers to extract even 50% of the potential of the combo.

all the better for it as those funds will be better allocated towards upgrading the speakers.

Yeah, I’m starting the grind to save up for a pair of speakers. Perhaps in a couple of years…