Rotel or Denon ?

[len73]

Hello over there !

The fact is that I recently have sold all my audio-systems (HiFi and HT). I will buy some new stuff (Amp or Reciever + Loudspeakers) in a few weeks, but, before making some tests at my dealer, I would like to ear your opinion about my initial choice. Well, after reading a lot (on the Internet but also paper-magazines) I came to this selection :
Either Denon AVC-A11XV (Which should be the 4806-model in the States) or a Rotel Pre and Amp (RSP-1068 + RMB-1075 or 1077) or the Receiver (RSX-1067).

For what box ?? will you ask... (still open) : either Canton Vento series or Kef IQ series (my dealer's favorite choice together with the Rotel Stuff)...

Thanks a LOT for your advice and help !

Len

[miner]

My vote is for 1) Rotel seps 2) Rotel receiver 3) Denon.

I had a Denon 881 and was not happy with 2 ch listening plus every now and then my Denon would magically turn itself all th way up on volume. My then Polk RT20p took the power faithfully.

[aud19]

If music is at all a priority forget about the Denon, Rotel will give you a far better musical performance. If however you're more of a fan of all the latest HT bells and whistles the Denon may be more up your alley.

[storello]

I agree with Jason and came up with my own compromise. While not ideal, I have a Denon receiver which drives my centers, and surrounds and a Rotel 2 channel amp driving the mains (fed from the Denon). This fit my meager budget while improving 2 channel music considerably. The 6.1 surround quality isn't too shabby either. I noticed a big improvement in music, especially at lower volumes, when I added the Rotel. Prior to that I had to blast the Denon to get it to sound OK.

The best improvement to the 6.1 sound was achieved by upgrading the speakers to better match the mains. I have older Energy speakers so I wound up spending quite a bit of time on eBay assembling a matching set, but it was worth the effort :-)

[eddiem67]

I would go with Rotel Canton combo. My ventos sound beautiful, I leave my sub off half the time

[Azeke]

Welcome to the forum Len.

I concur with Jason, Denon is primarily for HT, where as Rotel would satisfy you both with music and HT. I own the Rotel separates and couldn't be happier. (Well, I could but it would cost considerably more $$$$$). However, with that being said, Denon (the newer series) has HDMI (1080P) switching, where the Rotel does not, just another thought to consider.

Peace and blessings,

Azeke

[mattburk]

rotel then marantz

[len73]

Hello !

Many thanks for all your comments and advice ! It's highly appreciated !

Yes, I have to admit that music really does matter to me. Therefore, despite the fact that I will certainly listen to both models, I will preferably go for the Rotel combo (Pre and Amp). To say the very truth I prefer a pure and big sound instead of "trickering thousands of buttons with hundreds of EQ-Possibilites". HDMI is also not what I need most, as my DVD player is very well equipped !

@ eddiem67 : You said you are running Ventos on Rotel Stuff : could you please give me some more details about your system ?

Thanks in advance !

[eddiem67]

actually I am running bryston SP2/6BSST with my ventos. Having denon receiver before, I thought it sounded very good until I upgraded to bryston. Never had Rotel, but I just feel seperates are the way to go, if you can afford it. Not into bells and whistles

[sirbogey]

Len, budget based, but the proper way of making a decision:

1. Proper speakers
2. Rotel separates
3. Rotel receiver :grab:
4. Denon

I bought all my gear in Switzerland 4y ago. Don't forget to check out piega speakers, they sound great with my Rotel RSX-1055 (pre-pre version of the 1057). I move from country to country too much, so a receiver is more than enough. For 60% opcorn: and 40% ;b> , a Rotel receiver is a powerful tool. You could also add an amp later on. Unless you are really a music addict, then go for separates.

Check out www.piega.com, they are from Horgen, close to Zurich. Great quality, great design. I got mine custom painted. :scareboo:

[len73]

Thanks for your help !

At this stage, my choice is almost done for the pre-amp. It will be a RSP-1068 for pre and a RMB-1075 for amp.

The only problem I have now concern the speakers. In fact, the place I will make use of my system for the 3 next years is of about 12sqm. Not that much, I know ! But as I will move in my own house after that, and considering the fact that this is an investment for the forthcoming years, I also do not want to buy "undersized"...

Considering this space, which sepaker do you think would fit the best :

- Canton Vento 809/807/805/SW850
- KEF iQ9/iQ7/iQ6c/PSW3500
- KEF XQ5/XQ1/XQ2c + Sub (???)
- B&W 703/705/HTM7/ASW750

Or would you go smaller (bookshelfs like B&W705*4 or KEF XQ1*4) ?

Budget for the speakers is of about 8-10' US$ (cables NOT included !)

Thanks for your advice !

Len

[htsteve]

B&W Nautilus

Len,

If the budget is $8 to $10K US, then I might suggest the following (I believe these are the list USD prices, i'm going from memory). For an order like this
you should be able to get 5 to 10% off.

B&W 804S - $4000
B&W HTM3s - $2000
B&W 705 - $1500
B&W ASW750 - $1600
Total $9100
w/10% disc. $8190

I currently run the 804's, HTM1 and 705's as surrounds and a Martin Logan Depth sub. They are powered by Rotel 1068 pre, 1095 amp and a 1080 amp for the 804's. A would strongly suggest an 1080 for your mains. Any of these main speakers you are considering will appreciate it. I enjoy my setup immensely. Obviously, I believe the B&W's and the Rotel make a good match. But let your ears decide.

Hope this helps.