I've been using a D170/D200 to power my 802Ds for over a year now and have experience of the combination before and after the SAM upgrade. All in, they are a great combination. Much better than the far more expensive amps I had before. SAM makes a difference with the B&Ws, but it's far from "night & day". It's worth having as it's free, but I'm not sure I would feel overly compelled were I to have to pay for it. My take on SAM is that the effect is less noticable with well setup larger speakers, but it can be quite impressive with more modest ones. With the 802s the change from D170 to D200 (minus SAM) seemed to make more of a difference.
I've tried a D400 setup too, and that is something that the 802s definitely appreciated. I haven't made the move yet, but I will revisit it in the future. I wouldn't consider a sub with that setup unless you've a massive room or an interest in whalesong.
I've tried a D400 setup too, and that is something that the 802s definitely appreciated. I haven't made the move yet, but I will revisit it in the future. I wouldn't consider a sub with that setup unless you've a massive room or an interest in whalesong.
GorbeSE/SME 309/DV XX-2 & Roon Rock (NUC) > D400 > Wilson Benesch Vectors
