You’ve got speakers that are operating in a higher performance realm than your amplification and it’s my impression that what you’re considering is a parallel move, not an upgrade. The PS Audio amp/preamp you’re considering is going to sound different and if you want a brighter, more illuminated sound you’ll initially think you’ve made an upgrade but you’ll probably get the itch to upgrade again soon. That merry-go-round proves to be more expensive in the long run than saving and getting appropriate level gear in the first place. (Spoken from experience, LOL.) If I was in your shoes, I’d think about a good compromise between financial reality and appropriate level upgrades being a used higher level integrated. Something like a Gryphon Diablo 120 (which allow integration with an AV processor on input 3.) The savings on appropriate cabling between an integrated vs. separates is a factor too.
Well said and I tend to agree. The Stellar line will provide a different sound than what you have, but isn’t necessarily an upgrade. Ron nailed it asking what is the primary motivation for change?
I am a big fan of mono block amplifies and “headroom” when it comes to amplifiers when “substantial” speakers are in use. But I tend to lean toward SS amplification (Class A or A/B). Although I really love my little AGD Productions The Audion GaN MOSFET mono blocks in my office system.
I don’t have the experience to compare your current integrated at 200 wpc with the PS Audio M700s but the demo and return policy of PS Audio is generous enough (along with their trade in discounts) that I recommend you just give them a try.
But, I agree with others in suspecting this might be a sideways move. Nominally, you are only getting an additional 150 wpc out of the M700s. On the other hand, the dedicated power for each speaker might increase the magic a bit.
I suggest you offer the Mc on trade and try out the M700s. If you are not impressed, you get to keep the Mc and return the M700s. Only issue is you might need to borrow a preamp. (Or, can you bypass the amplification in the Mc and use it just as a preamp?)
Thanks everyone for the comments - I actually popped out today to listen to a set of M700s some reflections:
Now that I have heard them I am very aligned that this is a sideways move and while they are great I think it’s the wrong decision
I heard a set of BHK 300s which I think are a far more fitting match
On the other questions:
Problem to solve: I felt that the Mc was a bit below my current setup in terms of power and the flexibility from a pre-amp / separate power amp setup. The governing thought having heard the 802s on other setups is that power is the big unlock for them to sound their best, not that I listen very loudly, but to have the right level of headroom and bass control.
Phono pre-amp I run a Valve Audio Whisper (made locally here in South Africa) which has been fantastic.
I think the dual mono’s might pick things up a bit, but keep in mind you are only grabbing and extra 100 wpc. The rule of thumb is that, all things being equal, you have to double the power to get an extra 3dB in loudness. That’s just one consideration though, and the ability to drive the speakers with ease at any volume setting is the key.
I can give you my experience with the M700s, the BHK 250, and 300, and the Stellar 1200s.
The first three are now older amps. PS Audio is expected to come out with newer amps. Of the group I am now using the 1200s in two of my systems, one with the Aspen 30s, and one with the Aspen 10s. The 1200s blow away the first three. I had a lot of difficulty selling the 250 and the 300s, but finally did sell them.
I am also using two pairs of M1200’s to drive my speakers. One pair are driving the bass drivers and the other pair are for the mid-range/tweeters. I am very happy with how well they sound.
As another PSA M1200 owner, my concern would be that the character of those amps in addition to the character of the 802s could be too much brilliance/brightness (depending on one’s room and tastes.) Wise choice of a preamp could mitigate that too large degree though.
I looked up the specs of your speakers as published by B&W. 8 ohms nominal, 3.55 ohms minimum and 90dB, they recommend 50 watts as a minimum for best performance. That should be an easy speaker to drive depending on the size of your room and what volumes you like.
As you search for amps and preamps, I wouldn’t put power as your top parameter.
I have a local dealer that says the B&W speakers like power, lots and lots of power.
According to him, even McIntosh 1.25kw does not drive them properly. Same with Classe and Rotel and Michi.
According to him, the Levinson 536 monoblocks and Parasound JC1+ monoblocks were the only amps in the store that drove the B&W properly.
Gryphon Diablo 300 integrated (potentially from the used market) might be a good choice.
The M1200’s might be a good choice.
