Rotel with b&w 805S

[Alex999]

I just purchased a new pair of B&W 805S. I have a Rotel RMB-1095 amp and a Rotel RSX-1066 preamp. I tried listening to as many speakers as I could but fell in love with B&W 805S and decided to treat myself .

My question is, should I set my new speakers as small or large? I don't use a sub and I'm not planning to get one as I'm dealing with limited space.

Will my Rotel amp and preamp drive 805S well enough? Any other suggestions when setting up my new speakers?

One more thing, can we talk about cables for my new speakers here or not? I'm planning to purchase Transparent Music Wave 8 cables ($410 for a par of 8 foot cables with banana plugs). Any other suggestions?

I'm not sure if I should post this in B&W thread too or not. It's kind of confusing.

Thank you guys for your help

[Kevin D]

The 1095 should be plenty for the 805's. With no sub, definitely set them to large. Your speakers will do what they can with the full signal provided.

Probably best not to discuss cables at this point in time. While Cat cables are no longer being sold, they still fund the site and haven't made an official stance yet.

You will probably get more opinions in the B&W forum (probably with a more adverse effect on your wallet ). I'll move the thread over there, but leave a redirect here.

Kevin D.

[htsteve]

Set as large

Alex999,

Since you have no sub, you'll need to set it as large. Also, the Rotel combo is nice, and should drive the 805's nicely.

As always, better electronics can improve the 805's, but you need to go up the food chain, like McIntosh, Classe, Krell etc. You can find used versions of these for decent prices, and occasionally a good deal.

Your pre-amp would be the next area I would look to upgrading.

I had Rotel but now have Mac's. The Mac's are definitely better (in all aspects), but do cost more.

I'm not sure of the rules on cables now that Catcables has suspended operations.


Hope this helps.

[Alex999]

Thanks you guys so much for your input. I won't talk about brand names regarding cables. However, is it reasonable to spend $410 for a pair of cables (I'd rather purchase some new CDs and spend $150- $200 on cables :roll: )? I invested $2700 on 805S plus I purchased the original B&W stands? I'm so confused when it comes to cables, it drives me crazy right now.

My next upgrade will be replacing my preamp but I will need to save some money first .

[beden1]

Thanks you guys so much for your input. I won't talk about brand names regarding cables. However, is it reasonable to spend $410 for a pair of cables (I'd rather purchase some new CDs and spend $150- $200 on cables :roll: )? I invested $2700 on 805S plus I purchased the original B&W stands? I'm so confused when it comes to cables, it drives me crazy right now.

My next upgrade will be replacing my preamp but I will need to save some money first .

Buy the CD's, and take a look at AVSforum.com for ideas about cables.

[Mig17]

i THINK PROCESOOR IS IMPORTTANT TOO
bUY rOTEL 1098 IF YOU CAN AFFORD

[bigburner]

Hi Alex,

Do you believe in the Bermuda triangle, alien abductions, the Loch Ness monster or séances? Is pride of ownership important to you? Do you experience status envy? If you've answered 'yes' to any of these then buy those $410 cables because they will sound so much better than a pair of $40 cables. If you've answered 'no' to all of those things then go for the $40 cables and spend the rest on CDs because they will sound just as good.

It's a funny old hobby.

Nigel.

[kobestonecold]

i spent a lot on cable. have a look on my profile

[artv4]

Alex999 i would just ask your dealer to take home and audition various cables. check my profile for the ones i ended up purchasing.

[Horacio]

Alex,

I have little experience with cables, so I will leave that for others. Same for setup with an HT processor as I focus on stereo.
Now about your question regarding the 1095: it does have plenty enough power, that's definitely true. I'm on htsteve's camp, though: your speakers are good enough to get better with better electronics. I used to drive my 804s with a Rotel 1080 and moved to a McIntosh MC275 (tubes) and couldn't be happier. Try to audition Mc, Classe, others with 805s and decide for yourself.

Over at the McIntosh forum at audiokarma a member has nothing but outstanding comments about integrating monitors + subs with nice amps and an outboard crossover. You might want to take a peak (note he has expensive gear). Here's a link: http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/sho...d.php?t=180604

My two cents. I hope it helps.

Horacio

[Alex999]

Thank you all for your friendly comments. I realize that I need to replace my preamp but I can' do it atm. I'm listening to 2ch music most of the time, and watch some TV. I'm happy with my Rotel 1066, it's been great last couple of years.

As for cables, I'll probably try to demo few of them in my home environment and see If I can notice a difference.

So far everyone agrees that I should set up my new 805S speakers as large. The reason I asked this question is that I read few years ago that all speakers should be set as small. I'm still trying to find this article. This was advised by one of the 'experts'.

One more thing. I'm planning to fill my stands with sand. Where do I get dry sand? Sorry if it's a stupid question but I'd appreciate if you guys can tell me what's the best way to do this. Thanks again. Everyone is so cool and friendly here :T .

[artv4]

Thank you all for your friendly comments. I realize that I need to replace my preamp but I can' do it atm. I'm listening to 2ch music most of the time, and watch some TV. I'm happy with my Rotel 1066, it's been great last couple of years.

As for cables, I'll probably try to demo few of them in my home environment and see If I can notice a difference.

So far everyone agrees that I should set up my new 805S speakers as large. The reason I asked this question is that I read few years ago that all speakers should be set as small. I'm still trying to find this article. This was advised by one of the 'experts'.

One more thing. I'm planning to fill my stands with sand. Where do I get dry sand? Sorry if it's a stupid question but I'd appreciate if you guys can tell me what's the best way to do this. Thanks again. Everyone is so cool and friendly here :T .

home depot, ask for playground sand. leadshot would be better

[Zoran]

I just purchased a new pair of B&W 805S....

Be happy with them, my friend. I used to be, throughout last three years. But I recently bought the Focal Utopia Micro Be, also auditioned the Revel M22.

Must say something unpopular for dedicated B&W club: both models clearly beat the 805S, in almost all aspects. While not surprising regarding Micro Be (twice more expensive than 805S), this outcome emerged out from the blue with Revels - in USA even cheaper than 805S, here in Europe slightly costlier.

M22 showed such a remarcable dynamics and punch, such a densely saturated midrange, immensely transparent and vivid, so bum-bum bass, almost like my beloved Dyn Confidence C1... After Revels the 805S sounded like purely average monitor, a good class below.

I write this being annoyed sometimes by the 805S's aura as top-notch monitor, of course overwhelmingly nurtured overhere, in the HTG's B&W Specialty Club. Just to know the truth: 805S is good monitor, but there are a bunch of better ones out there... Even in the same price range: Revel M22.

[beden1]

Zoran,

I didn't realize your country was called Macedonia again?

I just looked it up, Macedonia since 1991. A country name from the past when I learned about ancient civilizations in grade school.

[Zoran]

My country' name is (Republic of) Macedonia. But our neighboring country Greece denies our right to (feel and) call ourselves Macedonians, in country named Macedonia - considering themselves as sole descendents of ancient Macedonia/Macedonians (lead by Alexander the Great)...

FYROM is some compromise name in UN, lasting almost 17 years. USA, Russia, China, other 50-60 states recognise my country as Rep. of Macedonia. But EU members don't, keeping the Greek (EU member)position...

Long, IMO somewhat comical story...

[Alex999]

Be happy with them, my friend. I used to be, throughout last three years. But I recently bought the Focal Utopia Micro Be, also auditioned the Revel M22.

Must say something unpopular for dedicated B&W club: both models clearly beat the 805S, in almost all aspects. While not surprising regarding Micro Be (twice more expensive than 805S), this outcome emerged out from the blue with Revels - in USA even cheaper than 805S, here in Europe slightly costlier.

M22 showed such a remarcable dynamics and punch, such a densely saturated midrange, immensely transparent and vivid, so bum-bum bass, almost like my beloved Dyn Confidence C1... After Revels the 805S sounded like purely average monitor, a good class below.

I write this being annoyed sometimes by the 805S's aura as top-notch monitor, of course overwhelmingly nurtured overhere, in the HTG's B&W Specialty Club. Just to know the truth: 805S is good monitor, but there are a bunch of better ones out there... Even in the same price range: Revel M22.

I auditioned so many different speakers. I did not check out Revel M22 . One thing that separated b&w and everything else I was auditioning was imaging. I think that they are just amazing. Now, we all have different preferences, different taste etc. I auditioned some speakers that some other guys thought were fantastic and I didn't like them. It's all good tho :T.

Now, I'll be getting my new speakers in a week or 2. I can hardly wait :drool:

[Russ L]

I used a Rotel 1057 for 2ch/home theater use. Its great for HT but I couldn't believe the difference when I demoed Classe , Moon, Arcam or Creek amps. Then your 805s will shine. Absolutely a night and day difference.

As for cables there are only certain brands that make a difference. And you need to spend big $s as in = to a component $s. I've spent over $2,000 on speaker cables and interconnects in my 2 ch system. Alex, you have a PM.

[Briz vegas]

Hi Alex,

Do you believe in the Bermuda triangle, alien abductions, the Loch Ness monster or séances? Is pride of ownership important to you? Do you experience status envy? If you've answered 'yes' to any of these then buy those $410 cables because they will sound so much better than a pair of $40 cables. If you've answered 'no' to all of those things then go for the $40 cables and spend the rest on CDs because they will sound just as good.

It's a funny old hobby.

Nigel.

Funny you should mention cables, I was talking to the lock ness monster last night via one of those weegee boards and she was saying (yes she, and I love her scottish accent, its to die for) that she can't hear differences in cables either.

Oh, and the fact that cables are 1/4 of my hifi outlay is purely to impress you guys.

I only wish I was like bigburner, it would have saved me a fortune.

[Russ L]

Funny you should mention cables, I was talking to the lock ness monster last night via one of those weegee boards and she was saying (yes she, and I love her scottish accent, its to die for) that she can't hear differences in cables either.

:rofl: Ahhh, thats how you talk to her. My mistake. When I tried she got really crazy mad.

...and the fact that cables are 1/4 of my hifi outlay is purely to impress you guys.

Well I certainly was...which is why I blew alotta dough on my cables. Thx.

[audioqueso]

I only wish I was like bigburner, it would have saved me a fortune.

That's funny. :lol:

[bigburner]

Funny you should mention cables, I was talking to the lock ness monster last night via one of those weegee boards and she was saying (yes she, and I love her scottish accent, its to die for) that she can't hear differences in cables either.

Oh, and the fact that cables are 1/4 of my hifi outlay is purely to impress you guys.

I only wish I was like bigburner, it would have saved me a fortune.

Briz, please reassure me that they didn't do anything 'unpleasant' to you up in that spaceship. You need to be able to sit comfortably to enjoy those 804s.

Nigel.

[Briz vegas]

If you think cables are expensive check out the prices for high end "post alien abduction cushions" on the Robby Williams website.

[Alex999]

Guys, you are ruining my thread :lol: .

I'm still waiting for my speakers, getting really impatient here plus you people are giving me this itching urge to upgrade my preamp :M . I need a new CD player first as I'm still using RDV-1040 for music (I'm after a used Rotel RCD-1072 and I'm having a hard time getting it shipped to Canada from the States, I might just get a new one, not sure).

As I said before all I care is 2ch music (classical, jazz etc.). I did purchase an RMB 1095 hoping to get into 5.1 setup at the time. Things changed and I realized that I listen to music 95% of the time and watch a little bit of TV. All I want is a superior sound when I play my CDs. Having said that, feel free to advice what kind of preamp you would look to pair with my 1095 amp and B&W 805S speakers. I'm hoping to purchase a used one in maybe few months (price range $1000 - $1350).

Honestly do you really think I'll get a much better sound if I replace my RSX-1066 preamp with something else? I'm really not sure it's worth it. I'd appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks guys :T

[Briz vegas]

Sorry about the diversion Alex.

This is really a Rotel question so the Rotel forum may be a better place for your question. I would try and compare all the options by auditioning. Rotel/B&W dealers must exist in your area (or maybe not, we have none here).

Its really hard to say what is the weakest link in the chain unless someone has had the exact same gear and upgrade path as yours. I will say though that your 1095 is not the most cost effective amplification for 2 channel, but I am sure you know that already.

If you are a pure 2 channel kind of guy I would also consider selling the 1095 and getting a pure 2 channel amp with a bit more sophistication, maybe even something with tubes would be the go.

[Russ L]

The pre in your receiver is only up to the task of running the amp section of that receiver. It will not do justice to even a 1095 and degrade the sound of a more expensive seperate amp. Best thing if 2 ch is your goal is to sell both receiver and 5 ch amp. Buy an quality 2 ch amp (integrateds are fine these days) with a quality Cd player. Cambridge Audio 840C is a good choice for a source. But I would stay away from their amps.

[Horacio]

I agree 100% with Briz.
If you are dead set on Rotel, ask over at that forum. Beware Rotel is not the best suited amplification for your speakers (in my opinion), though.

Intgrateds are a good alternative. I know McIntosh has some great integrateds (check out MC2275 and MC6900 on Audiogon). Classe might have too.

I wish I could sell you my RCD1072, but I'm really, really too far away. Come to think about it my next upgrade would be replacing the pre RC1070. One step at a time (says my wallet).

[Alex999]

I agree 100% with Briz.
If you are dead set on Rotel, ask over at that forum. Beware Rotel is not the best suited amplification for your speakers (in my opinion), though.

Intgrateds are a good alternative. I know McIntosh has some great integrateds (check out MC2275 and MC6900 on Audiogon). Classe might have too.

I wish I could sell you my RCD1072, but I'm really, really too far away. Come to think about it my next upgrade would be replacing the pre RC1070. One step at a time (says my wallet).

I'm open to replace my Rotel preamp with a different brand name. Sorry if I wasn't clear enough about that. The thing is I was going to build a 5.1 HT system at the time but as I said changed my mind. I'm not sure I want to replace my Rotel amp and a preamp with a receiver. I think I want to replace my preamp only (possible replace my amp too).

That's why I didn't post my question about replacing my preamp in the Rotel thread. So, what preamp will give me a superior sound? I thought that a Rotel 1095 was a good enough to drive my new speakers. As I said, I prefer separate components, so I'll either replace both of my amp of preamp or stick with 1095 and replace my preamp only.

Before I do anything I want to listen to my new speakers with what I have right now. I'm going to purchase an RCD 1072 very soon (I made up my mind already I think ).

Thank you all. I'm very open for all suggestion so don't hesitate to tell me what you think. I appreciate it.

[htsteve]

McIntosh

Alex999,

I will second the recommendation of McIntosh. That is what I have driving my 802D's, HTM2D and N804's. This is a very special combination.

Good idea to get your speakers in, let them break in, and simply enjoy. After that you can really evaluate upgrades. The 1095 is a good amp (I used to own one). You could find a very nice McIntosh preamp in your price range on Audiogon. I even saw some nice HT preamps as well. The 2 channel capability in the Mac AV pre-amps is outstanding. I have the MX-120 right now and the two channel section is a definite step up from the Rotel RSP 1068 that I had prior to the Mac.

After a pre-amp upgrade, you can then think about what you want to do with the amp.

As always, try to demo any of these ideas yourself. Hopefully, you can find a dealer willing to let you demo equipment at home. That's the best solution.


Hope this helps.


PS The 1072 CD player is excellent. You will enjoy it.

[wgriel]

PS The 1072 CD player is excellent. You will enjoy it.

:T

I recently replaced an older Denon CD player with the 1072 - it's an excellent CD player, the best I've heard anywhere near that price point.

In fact, prior to replacing the Denon, I probably listened to vinyl 90% of the time. Since the change, I'm back to about 50-50 vinyl/CD listening.

[Alex999]

Alex999,

I will second the recommendation of McIntosh. That is what I have driving my 802D's, HTM2D and N804's. This is a very special combination.

Good idea to get your speakers in, let them break in, and simply enjoy. After that you can really evaluate upgrades. The 1095 is a good amp (I used to own one). You could find a very nice McIntosh preamp in your price range on Audiogon. I even saw some nice HT preamps as well. The 2 channel capability in the Mac AV pre-amps is outstanding. I have the MX-120 right now and the two channel section is a definite step up from the Rotel RSP 1068 that I had prior to the Mac.

After a pre-amp upgrade, you can then think about what you want to do with the amp.

As always, try to demo any of these ideas yourself. Hopefully, you can find a dealer willing to let you demo equipment at home. That's the best solution.


Hope this helps.


PS The 1072 CD player is excellent. You will enjoy it.

I love your suggestion. I think that's what I'm going to do :T . I'll try to enjoy what I have now. I'll get a RCD-1072 and replace my preamp later. I'm definitely going to look into Mac. Thank you.

[Alex999]

:T

I recently replaced an older Denon CD player with the 1072 - it's an excellent CD player, the best I've heard anywhere near that price point.

In fact, prior to replacing the Denon, I probably listened to vinyl 90% of the time. Since the change, I'm back to about 50-50 vinyl/CD listening.

Thank you. As I said RCD-1072 is going to be. I really can't afford anything better right now. I'm afraid I would need to spend significantly more money to get a better CD player.

[specialized]

Thank you. As I said RCD-1072 is going to be. I really can't afford anything better right now. I'm afraid I would need to spend significantly more money to get a better CD player.

U are wrong .. U can spend less money for much better SACD Player..


Pioneer PD-D9-J..

Amazing what Pioneer done for that money..

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/6739/pioneer20pdd9internofa8.jpg

http://www.studioalkmaar.nl/FotoVerspreid/pioneerCD.jpg

http://www.passion-tube.fr/sacd-passion/pioneer-pd-d9-j.jpg

I have RCD-1072 and got a chance to have this Pioneer for few days, and i can say it sound better then 1072.
Too bad that i have to return it back today

Greetings

Darko

[bigburner]

Guys, you are ruining my thread :lol: .

I'm still waiting for my speakers, getting really impatient here plus you people are giving me this itching urge to upgrade my preamp. I need a new CD player first as I'm still using RDV-1040 for music.

...

Honestly do you really think I'll get a much better sound if I replace my RSX-1066 preamp with something else? I'm really not sure it's worth it. I'd appreciate your thoughts.

...

I'll get a RCD-1072 and replace my preamp later.

Hi Alex,

Apologies for hijacking your thread.

I'm a 2-channel chap and I can highly recommend the RC-1082 preamp. Prior to buying that preamp I obtained a good performance improvement by incorporating an external DAC (LFD DAC3). I therefore think that you are on a sensible track with upgrading your source first and your preamp later.

Best wishes,
Nigel.

[Briz vegas]

I'm open to replace my Rotel preamp with a different brand name. Sorry if I wasn't clear enough about that. The thing is I was going to build a 5.1 HT system at the time but as I said changed my mind. I'm not sure I want to replace my Rotel amp and a preamp with a receiver. I think I want to replace my preamp only (possible replace my amp too).

That's why I didn't post my question about replacing my preamp in the Rotel thread. So, what preamp will give me a superior sound? I thought that a Rotel 1095 was a good enough to drive my new speakers. As I said, I prefer separate components, so I'll either replace both of my amp of preamp or stick with 1095 and replace my preamp only.

Before I do anything I want to listen to my new speakers with what I have right now. I'm going to purchase an RCD 1072 very soon (I made up my mind already I think ).

Thank you all. I'm very open for all suggestion so don't hesitate to tell me what you think. I appreciate it.

How about a Conrad Johnson PV14LS2. It is a hybrid tube (only 2) pre with a really nice sound and great looks. I had one with my 804s. I had been using a Marantz7300OSE as my preamp and the CJ was a very significant upgrade. I only replaced it when I went progressed to a CJ CA200.

[wgriel]

I'm a 2-channel chap and I can highly recommend the RC-1082 preamp.

That's next up on my upgrade list!

I, too, am predominantly a 2 channel fan and I do listen to a fair bit of vinyl. The phono section in the 1082 is very good and one of the reasons I'm heading in that direction.

[Orb]

Thank you. As I said RCD-1072 is going to be. I really can't afford anything better right now. I'm afraid I would need to spend significantly more money to get a better CD player.

Not sure if you knew but there is a new Cyrus product being released that is bespoke design - using their own designed mechanism and software and is meant to be better than the off the shelf mechanism found in most low-mid priced CD players (those not using Philips Pro2 mechanism).

I mention it because it has had very positive reviews when compared to CD players and CD Transports that cost quite a bit more.

It is of interest to me because the bespoke CD mechanism makes it superb in the longer term as a transport only player, combined with a very good external DAC that has say USB/network/digital/combination of interfaces.

For me this is important as this gives flexibility beyond just a CD player and opens other avenues for quality listening solutions that will possibly become more mainstream (digital streaming from internet or desktop PCs,etc).
So this path provides me with one of the best current transport devices and one of the best external DACs long term, while short term I still have a good CD player.

Not sure if this is relevent but thought it worth mentioning, and I appreciate the audio quality of the Cyrus Servo is unknown until personally listened to (reviews only go so far).
Link for the new Cyrus:
About Servo Edition:

http://www.cyrusaudio.com/product.asp?ProductID=98&text=indetail

CD player:

http://www.cyrusaudio.com/product.asp?ProductID=96&text=overview

CD Transport:

http://www.cyrusaudio.com/product.asp?ProductID=95&text=overview

Cheers
Orb

[Alex999]

Thanks Orb. I'll look into it.

OK. I picked up my speakers few hours ago. Oh boy, they can sing. I played Norah Jones "I've got to see you again", "Come away with me" etc. I closed my eyes and she was right there in my small living room. I'm so speechless. I didn't know what to expect as I have a small condo with an open living room.

I haven't placed my speakers on the stands yet. They are just sitting on my shelf under my TV. I just can't stop listening :B :sn .

I'm so happy right now :T :B ;x(

[htsteve]

Thanks Orb. I'll look into it.

OK. I picked up my speakers few hours ago. Oh boy, they can sing. I played Norah Jones "I've got to see you again", "Come away with me" etc. I closed my eyes and she was right there in my small living room. I'm so speechless. I didn't know what to expect as I have a small condo with an open living room.

I haven't placed my speakers on the stands yet. They are just sitting on my shelf under my TV. I just can't stop listening :B :sn .

I'm so happy right now :T :B ;x(

Alex999,

Congratulations. The 805S's will be awesome. Wait till you properly place them. They will open up more, especially in the mids and highs.
Then after awhile, they will break in and be even more revealing.


Sit back and enjoy.

[Orb]

Thanks Orb. I'll look into it.

OK. I picked up my speakers few hours ago. Oh boy, they can sing. I played Norah Jones "I've got to see you again", "Come away with me" etc. I closed my eyes and she was right there in my small living room. I'm so speechless. I didn't know what to expect as I have a small condo with an open living room.

I haven't placed my speakers on the stands yet. They are just sitting on my shelf under my TV. I just can't stop listening :B :sn .

I'm so happy right now :T :B ;x(

Grtz on the speakers and great to see your really enjoying the sound

Have fun and happy listening
Orb

[Alex999]

Guys,
I can't believe the sound coming out of my speakers. I just wanted to thank to everyone for taking their time and trying to help me out (I got over 10 PMs). Huge thanks to htsteve for taking his time to share his own experience with me :T .

I did end up getting more "expensive" speaker cables (My dealer gave me a great deal so I couldn't resist. I was told I could return the cables if they didn't make any difference). They did make a huge difference. I don't want to start any cable discussion here. I just wanted to share my own experience.

I said I was going to get a Rotel 1072 but I'm not sure any more. I'll try to audition few players next weekend.

You guys are great. Thanks again. I'm so happy right now :B .