anthem MAC-5 or rotel rmb-985 amp for HT/music

[stantheman2]

I have a Rotel RSX-1056 mated w/B&W 600 Series 2 speakers. A local dealer has two used amps for sale:

Amthem MCA-5 $859 USD
Rotel RMB-985 $589 USD

Can anyone tell me wheter either would be step-up sonically, using the Rotel 1056 as a pre/pro? How good are these prices?

[JDH]

I have a Rotel RSX-1056 mated w/B&W 600 Series 2 speakers. A local dealer has two used amps for sale:

Amthem MCA-5 $859 USD
Rotel RMB-985 $589 USD

Can anyone tell me wheter either would be step-up sonically, using the Rotel 1056 as a pre/pro? How good are these prices?

I would say that both would be a step up over the amplification built into the Rotel RSX-1056, I own a Rotel RMB-1075 which I think is similar to the older RMB-985 and I found it to be quite a bit better than my older Yamaha RX-V3000 AV receiver.

As the amps are secondhand, why no ask the dealer if you could borrow both to compare at home with your AV receiver. Can't comment on pricing, however being secondhand it shouldn't be costing you anymore than 25 to 50% of the original retail price. The price from a dealer will generally be higher as he will probably have to offer you some form of limited warranty. If your adding an amp mainly for better 2ch performance then buy a better quality 2ch amp, if however the main reason is for HT then the 5/7ch is the answer.

[soundhound]

As far as pricing I quite often see the RMB-985 mkII go for $450- 500 usd. I see the mkI go for 375-425. Being used I would try to get them to do better on the Rotel price if that is the way you go.