Amp question - Arcam or Rotel for my 804 5.1 system

[JohnAng]

I am looking at purchasing
B&W 804s fronts
B&W HTM4 cetre
B&W 705 rears
B&W ASW750 sub

i listened to this setup with an Arcam AVR300 amp
and Arcam DV79 dvd player
I realy liked the sound in 2 channel mode and since i won't be using it as 7.1 i will use the spare 2 channels to bi-amp the 804s

I am also trying to audition the same speaker setup with a Rotel 1068 and 1095 pre/power setup.

The first setup has pretty mutch stretched the budget to its maximum due to the fact i was originaly going for 703 fronts and HTM7 cetre, that is until i also heard the 804's.

The system will be used propably 50/50 music - HT.

Was just wondering if anyone here has used the 804s with that rotel combo for music, how do you find it.
I want to try and get the most out of these speakers for music.

[akhter]

I am looking at purchasing
B&W 804s fronts
B&W HTM4 cetre
B&W 705 rears
B&W ASW750 sub

i listened to this setup with an Arcam AVR300 amp
and Arcam DV79 dvd player
I realy liked the sound in 2 channel mode and since i won't be using it as 7.1 i will use the spare 2 channels to bi-amp the 804s

I am also trying to audition the same speaker setup with a Rotel 1068 and 1095 pre/power setup.

The first setup has pretty mutch stretched the budget to its maximum due to the fact i was originaly going for 703 fronts and HTM7 cetre, that is until i also heard the 804's.

The system will be used propably 50/50 music - HT.

Was just wondering if anyone here has used the 804s with that rotel combo for music, how do you find it.
I want to try and get the most out of these speakers for music.

I auditioned the N804 with the AVR300 ended up getting the set. Looked at Rotel gear (my dealer carried both), and the only one worth considering was the pre/pro combo and that one seem to cost $800 more for about the same experience.

[JohnAng]

Thanks for the reply.
I may audition them with the Arcam diva avp700/p1000 pre-power combo to see if i feel its worth spending the extra.
Like you i loved them with the AVR300 esspecialy for 2 channel mode, and since i won't be using all 7 channels for a 7.1 setup i noticed you can use channels 6 and 7 to bi-amp your speakers with channels 1 and 2 which will give the 804s plenty of power.

[Stevebez]

I have arcam dvd and rotel amps & pre.pro. The combo I was looking at had the arcam more expensive than the rotel. Think rotel have some good kit and I have had few problems with my kit ... arcam stuff is good too (perhaps margianlly better build)- but it really bugs me how often they come up with new models on their dvd players...

I think it comes down to personal preference - have a listen and also see which allows you most freedom and simplicity in system set-up and then decide.

Rgds Steve.

[weijst]

What about the 1068/1075 combination? It's less expensive than your 1068/1095 option. I had a pair of N804 driven by the 1068/1075 combo and was very impressed to say the least!

[JohnAng]

I have setup an audition to listen to them with both the arcam pre/power combo and the rotel pre/power combo.
the arcam combo is almost double the price of the rotel combo here in Aus so it wants to sound alot nicer for the money.
Will let you know my findings tomorrow
Thanks again for all the help

[atinaebud]

response

I cannot remember exactly if the loaner amp my Rotel dealer lent me while I was waiting for my unit to ship, and I cannot say for certain what speakers he was driving in the showroom, but I used it for about 2 months waiting for my RB1080 , I liked it just as much if not more. I believe it was the model you were asking about so in my not so learned opinion I would give it serious consideration. Knowing what I now know, I would not take a Rotel product for free even if it was guaranteed same day replacement and installation for the rest of my life. I feel like a jilted lover.

[JohnAng]

Auditioned the B&W 804s with the arcam pre-power combo. Sound was extremely detailed, soundstage very precise and width amazing, what let me down though was it tended to get a little bright at higher listening levels. Not sure if this is related to the Arcam or the spakers themselves.
I dare say it could be a combination of both.

[Stevebez]

The 1068 with 1075 Rotel combo is very tough to beat from a bang for buck perspective .... the Arcam might be marginally better but does not justify that price gap in my view.

The 1075 is very reliable unit - the 1068 fixed many of the 1066 bugs - also reliable in my experience - cannot say how this compares to Arcam reliability of their pre-pro / amp. Some have had some dud 1068's but more often than not exchanged with new unit.

I have had a minor fuse blowing issue with a 1080 rotel amp - but there is a fix for it and dealer is sorting it out currently. My Arcam dvd player also blew a fuse and dealer replaced.

So swings and roundabouts I reckon - and given the price gap I reckon the Rotel is the better buy. Make sure though your dealer is established and will offer you exchange of units, for new, if any of them fail within perhaps the first 3-6 months.

The difference may well come down to dealer support than the units themselves - but let your ears be the judge and do blind comparison.

Rgds Steve.

[JohnAng]

This is what i have decided on actualy.
I am going for the rotel 1098 and 1095 power its about $3500 cheaper than the arcam combination here in Australia and knowing a dealer for rotel even more saving

So the final system will comprise of

the rotel pre power
b&w 804s main
b&w htm3s center
b&w 705 rears
still undecided on sub but most likely the b&w asw750

[miner]

This is what i have decided on actualy.
I am going for the rotel 1098 and 1095 power its about $3500 cheaper than the arcam combination here in Australia and knowing a dealer for rotel even more saving

So the final system will comprise of

the rotel pre power
b&w 804s main
b&w htm3s center
b&w 705 rears
still undecided on sub but most likely the b&w asw750

I just bought a brand new-in-the-box discontinued ASW800 for $1400. Ask your dealer if he has any of those in stock. Great sub.

[PewterTA]

JohnAng, I have the 1098/1095/1080 combo and I think it sounds fantastic! You'll definitely enjoy it very much.

[JohnAng]

I just bought a brand new-in-the-box discontinued ASW800 for $1400. Ask your dealer if he has any of those in stock. Great sub.

I wish we could get it that cheap