I own W8 (std) and use a heavily breathed on Musical Fidelity A5 integrated (level 2 mods) which now throws out well over 500w into 4ohm, we have also used a John Wood KT88 amp (200w/4ohm) to great effect at the 2x Kegworth shows.
Do they rock? Oh yes, our demo choice for this was Pete Tong with The Heritage Orchestra Conducted version of Killer, cue a room full of grinning listeners (one visitor came back 4 times). Were trousers flapped? Well no, but really how many of us play at that level at home, I'd hazard a guess, not many.
My current preference is good vocal material such as Loreena Mckennitt, / Jennifer Warnes / Natalie Merchant, which can have great backing musicians displayed in a great sound stage. My vinyl collection starting around 1970, does have heavy doses of Bowie, Springsteen, Chris Rea, Mark Knopfler, however I also have around 30% post-2000 and hence lots of indie bands and electronica. I don't do noodley jazz
As to 'run in', well I'd advise caution here; yes they a need minimum 200 hours but that can be quickly achieved running non-stop with say radio or a CD on repeat turned down low (I have run 2 pairs in). However, the full bass only develops after 6 months use!
The W5s are very impressive and I have heard both W8s and W5s in the same system and I say which you chose would depend upon your room, the W8s need a LOT more space around them, particularly space between the speakers. My muso friend Mark heard the W5s for the Cranage show and now has serious want (he has a challenging small room for his system).
My W8s with custom swing bases driven this time by the A5 with both vinyl and streaming sources will be at the 'wam show in Stoke on Sunday 2nd October, come along with requests. There is an
outside chance that I might be able to borrow a pair of W5 for Stoke, will post here if that happens.
kind regards,
Paul