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Best Amp for my new B&W PM1's and old B&W 620's

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sjmbyrne
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I am upgrading my ageing stero system and just bought PM1's which I really like. I am looking for recommendations for the best amp to pair with these and to also drive a pair of B&W620 floor standers in a second room. I would also appreciate any suggestions as to a CD player, and/or streamer? Being a relative novice please don't assume I have lots of existing knowledge or expertise! Thank you in advance

Big Chris
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RE: Best Amp for my new B&W PM1's and old B&W 620's

First thing we need to know is how much are you looking to spend per item?  You've gotta be looking at £1k as a jumping off point I reckon for kit which is gonna do justice to your speakers.

Also, are you happy to look at second hand stuff or is it brand new you're after, bearing in mind it's hard to demo second hand gear?

 

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sjmbyrne
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RE: Best Amp for my new B&W PM1's and old B&W 620's

Thanks. I'm expecting to pay somewhere in the region of £1k to £1.5 for the amp. I'd prefer new only because I wouldn't be confident assessing second hand. 

I have an old Denon PMA720AE at the moment and it is not too bad, would you expect a noticeable difference in the sound for this kind of budget?

CnoEvil
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RE: Best Amp for my new B&W PM1's and old B&W 620's

My choice would be (in order of my preference):

- Electrocompaniet PI-1

- Musical Fidelity M3i

- Leema Pulse

- Harman Kardon HK990

I think you will notice a big step up in performance.

My streamer of choice would be a Linn Sneaky.

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mpapo
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RE: Best Amp for my new B&W PM1's and old B&W 620's

I wouldn't be scared to go second hand, it offers sooo much more value for money. Got my amp at less than a third of the new retail price. FYI I've had a HK990 in the past & the difference is almost night & day.

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sjmbyrne
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RE: Best Amp for my new B&W PM1's and old B&W 620's

Many thanks, I'll look into these recommendations. The current Denon PMA720AE has speaker ooutlets for two pairs, with a selector switch for either or both to play at any one time. Would I be able to achieve this with amps that have only outlets for one pair? Thanks again Smile

sjmbyrne
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RE: Best Amp for my new B&W PM1's and old B&W 620's

Thanks MPAPO, I'll look around once I settle on a particular amp.  Smile

Leehallam
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RE: Best Amp for my new B&W PM1's and old B&W 620's

I had the same issue and I went for the Roksan Caspian M2 to power my PM1s.  I am not dissapointed at all it is a great amp.  I did listen too about 6 amps with these speakers but the M2 worked best for me.

 

Good luck let me know how you get on and what you go for.

 

Lee

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Ketan Bharadia
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RE: Best Amp for my new B&W PM1's and old B&W 620's

I think a Roksan Caspian M2 works really well with the PM1s. Also take a listen to Naim's Nait 5 XS too. The vast majority of amplifiers at this price level don't have speaker outputs that can be switched, so you may have to make other arrangements for the second room.

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sjmbyrne
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RE: Best Amp for my new B&W PM1's and old B&W 620's

Many thanks Leehallam and Khetan for comments and recommendations. The Caspian comes up regularly as a suggested partner in other searches so it is leading choice at the moment.   Smile