Quote Originally Posted by stevos2005
I've decided to get a good stereo power amp, and then get a decent pre-amp later on. I have an old yamaha RX-V990 receiver that has a discrete input with pre-amp outputs and I'll use that as pre-amp for the B&W's.

PS Audio is a bit above my price range. If it's true that the CDM's are more like the nautilus line than the 700's, then I'd like to base my home theater on the CDM's as well. I'd like a similar sound, so I would want a line that also carries multichannel (3 or 5ch)amps. Do the 7NT's have enough bass to be used as full range, or would the 9NT's be more appropriate? I have no way to listen to these, but I do like the general B&W sound.

As far as amp's go, I can most likely audition a Rotel RB-1080 (200wpc with 1000 damping factor) from my local store, and I can also try NAD, Bryston, and B&K. Would any of these go well with the CDM's or do you recommend I look elsewhere?

Any thoughts on the RB-1080 with the B&W's?

Thanks!
The 7NT's have more than enough bass for me and in fact, when listening to 2 channel I'll turn my sub off. Don't be fooled by the 9NT's extra driver, it doesn't add as much low energy as you'd think. The main difference is the FST midrange. I can't directly contribute it to the mid-driver but to my ears the 9's are somewhat more forward sounding while the 7's are more neutral. Obviously, you'll have to listen to both to decide which you prefer.

All of the amps you listed are very capable and from respected companies. I've heard all but the NAD with the 1NT's and found the Rotel to offer the best compromise. I sold a B&K to get the PS Audio so that should tell you something right there. The Bryston was a Mack truck of an amp but lacked a little of the sweetness I prefer, although at least it wasn't as cold and clinical as a Krell. The Rotel isn't is energetic as the Bryston, especially in the bass, but it was warmer and more musical in my system. A lot of it is taste and perception so please make sure you audition on your own. There's a good chance your conclusions could be completely different from mine.

FWIW, I found the PSA to offer truly astounding bass (better than any amp I heard) along with liquid mids and really sweet, extended highs. The upper end reminds me of great ARC tube amps, one of my favorites. It's microdynamics aren't as crystal clear as an Odyssey or Bryston, but it wasn't nearly as smeared as the B&K or Anthem. PSA is coming out with a multi-channel HCA in August which will allow the user to plug in as many channels as they need and each will have it's own dedicated power supply. Pretty trick but it won't be cheap as Paul is guessing aroun $1K per channel. Here's a used HCA2 on audiogon and two just sold for $950 so there's clearly room for negotiation.
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....ran&1090323400

Other options I'd check into would be Parasound Halo, Conrad-Johnson, and BAT. Used is a great way to buy amps because they don't have moving parts, are extremely durable, and many come with transferrable warranties of impressive duration (i.e. Bryston and Odyssey are 20 years!)

Good luck and let us know how it works out.