Calling al Rotel and NAD gurus - power amp

[kingo102]

Hey guys,

I've been researching power amps for my 2 channel stereo setup. My problem is that here in Australia, it is very hard to audition these amps where I'm based now, so will need to rely more upon reviews/opinions as such to base my decision. Anyway, I have managed to narrow my choices down to basically 3 amps. These being (in no order of preference):

1. NAD C272 (roughly $AUD 900)
2. Rotel RB-1070 ($AUD 700)
3. Rotel RB-1080 ($AUD 1200)

I should probably state first here that my budget was initially ~$1000AUD ($1AUD = $0.75USD). Also my music tastes are very much towards modern style, energetic music (ie. hip hop, rock, a little rap, pop, and even reggae). Never really listen to classical tunes... In other words my preferences in sound would be:

1. punchy
2. detailed
3. realistic (i'm not sure of the proper term for this but "live band" would probably describe it best)

The current speakers I am using are some restored KEF Concertos with excellent bass and fairly neutral mid>highs. Although these will probably be replaced soon so is of little influence really.

Given these criteria, what are people's thoughts/opinions on these candidates?? Also is anyone aware of any design faults/quibbles with these guys?

For example I've heard (with much dispute) that the NAD C272 suffers from poor bass response - maybe due to the same reason the C352 lacked bass initially as some may have heard.

On the other hand I've heard that the Rotels can be too bright...

As a freshman to this game, the opinions of people on this forum are highly appreciated. If I haven't provided enough information let me know also.

Cheers,
Dave

[Aussie Geoff]

Kingo102,

You have some good candidates - I'm sure you will like one of them.

I'd describe the NAD C272 as a warm, rythmic and driving amplifier - well worth hearing. Has a sweet valve like sound (a NAD characteristic).

Equally the Rotel RB-1080 is a powerful, detailed and musical amplifer, also slighty in the bright side. Very clear and details while still slighly in the warm side of neutral.

I wouldn't get the 1070 - it is a good amp but not likely to have the punch that you need...

Personally I ended up with the RB-1080 for the extra transparency it offers, but it is a very personal choice between these - you really should listen...

For my ears I would describe the Rotel RB-1080 as meeting your "Punchy, Detailed and Realistic" criteria - but everyone's ears aare different and there are so many other sound characteristics at play - FOr example we have members who passionatley believe that the Rotel amps "have rolled off treble" and others that equally believe that they a re "too bright"...

So make a trek if you can to hear them...

Geoff

[NMG]

I haven't heard the NAD, but I do have an RB-1080 paired to my Paradigm Reference Studio 80's. I listen to allot of rap, hip hop and other sources with lots of punchy bass and low end.

The 1080 does a great job of controlling my speakers and yes it has lots of punch. I've heard that NAD in general is a little warmer sounding and that the bass may be a little more emphasized, but like I said, I haven't heard that particular amp.

My 1080 sounds very natural to me. The highs have nice extension, I don't find it bright at all. The mids are natural and like I said, the low end is nice and controlled without sounded bloated or anything like that. I find it very well balanced not the mention the fact that it has lots of jam The word effortless comes to mind when playing at high levels.

[kingo102]

Thanks guys,

I think I can at least safely narrow it down to the 272 and the 1080 now... Will probably tend toward the 1080 due to it's increased power - but like you said an audition will be necessary. By the way, I have read problems with the fuses blowing on the 1080, and the subsequent fuse/cap modifications. Have these fixed the problem???

Appreciate your help guys.. Is much more valuable than the advice given by a salesman hunting a quick sale.

cheers,
Dave

[NMG]

I haven't blown a fuse in over 3 years of use, although I DON'T use the 12 trigger either. I just use the old fashioned power button

Some people have reported that it may be an issue with certain speaker cables.