Amplifier for old B&W Speakers

run_Forrest_run · 12-05-2026 07:57AM #1

Hi Folks, a friend of mine is giving me his Bowers & Wilkins XT4 speakers. He said they were rarely used. Anyway, after too many years from selling my powerhouse NAD amp (originally purchased from your Dublin store back in 2001), I am in the market for an amp to drive these speakers. Can you please offer some advice on options. I was originally intending on just a stereo amp (CD mainly) but is it the norm these days that amps mainly support Network streaming also whether you want it or not?

Thanks!

Richersounds.ie: Kenny · 12-05-2026 09:33AM

Hi Run Forest Run.

Many thanks for the post.

You can still get a straight up stereo amp.

Like the Sony STRDH190 priced at €299

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-203318-sony-strdh190-black-stereo-receiver.aspx

Taga have a nice little valve amp priced also at €299

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-209974-taga-harmony-hta25b-black-6yr-stereo-amplifier.aspx

If you wanted to add in some streaming features then there is the Fantastic Wiim Amp priced at €349

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-15225-wiim-streaming-amp-space-grey-network-stereo-amplifier.aspx

If you wanted an all in one, AMp, cd player and streamer then Maratnz have the MCR612 priced at €518

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-13704-marantz-mcr612-melody-x-black-streaming-mini-system-exc-speakers.aspx

Let me know if any of these might be of interest.

run_Forrest_run · 12-05-2026 10:10PM

Thanks Kenny, I like the idea of the all in one Marantz but do you think that amp is enough to drive those speakers? Would something like the Cambridge Audio AXR100D be better (no CD player granted)?

Richersounds.ie: DavidS · 13-05-2026 04:11PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124463935#Comment_124463935

Thanks for getting back to us Run_Forrest_Run,

The Marantz should be enough to drive them as they're a quite capable 55W per channel but a more powerful amplifier would give more scale and punch with a pair of floorstanders.

If you can build up a separates system, starting with the Cambridge AXR100D would be a great option!

Please don't hesitate to drop me a post if you'd like to go ahead with either of those.

Kind regards

David

Amplifier for old B&W Speakers

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