Upgrade from Thule to Rotel for the B&W XT-serie. A good replacement?

[smiletimeDK]

Hi

First and foremost, let me say, that I am satisfied with my Thule setup, but I'd like the ability to listen to DolbyHD and DTS-HD Master in a 7.1 setup. I have the Thule PA350B Surround Processor/Preamplifier and the Thule PA350B power preamplifier, that is connected with an XLR cable, and I am very well satisfied with the 2-channel setup - for both movies and music. My speakers are the B&W XT4 btw, but in the future, I'w like like to buy the new XT8 and the rest of the XT-series.

I've looked at the new Rotel 15 series and I like the idea, that all amplifiers in the series are digital with a stylish design. Does it run cool, because it's a classe-D amplifier?

Well, the amplifier that I've looked at is:

Rotel RSP-1570 Surround Processor/Preamplifier
http://www.rotel.com/NA/products/Pro...ils.htm?Id=474

Rotel RMB-1575 5-channel power amplifier (5x250w)
http://www.rotel.com/NA/products/Pro...ils.htm?Id=475

Rotel RB-1572 2-channel power amplifier (2x250w)
http://www.rotel.com/NA/products/Pro...ils.htm?Id=478

Would this be a good replacement for my Thule setup. I'm not concern about the surround component and movies, but what about the stereo music? Thule has XLR, but Rotel has not. I have some doubt here about Rotel can measure itself with the Thule's stereo music.

Sorry for my bad english.

[kmcheng]

I like the class D amps. Other forum members like the traditional amps. You will really need to compare them in person to decide if you like them or not.

If you cannot find a dealer with both types of amps on demo, stick with your current system, which you are satisfied with.

The class D amps run cool, but i think the processor section (of the receivers) and the processor (1570) still run quite warm.

As for DolbyHD and DTS-HD MA, you can get a blu-ray player to process the decoding and connect the player to your processor via analog. (I assume your processor has at least 5.1 analog inputs.) That will likely be the cheapest way for you to enjoy the lossless codecs.

[smiletimeDK]

In Denmark there are no dealer, who have both types of amps, but I could bring my Thule amplifier with me into the store, så I can compare them in person.

Yes, I am satisfied with my current setup in 2-channel (2x350W), but it does not support 7.1 and has only 5.1-channels of 120W, when I choice surround sound. I want more power in the front speakers in the same time, when I watch movies, because B&W XT4 are hungry and I can only choose between stereo 2x350W or surround 5.1 120W.

The problem is just that I want to run the blu-ray player digital (hdmi) instead of analog, so that option is out.

[jbreezy5]

I too have doubts the Rotel amps will quite measure up to your Thule 2-channel. Most audiophiles in the USA probably haven't even heard of Thule to advise about it, and recently the distributor for Thule stopped carrying the brand. I have heard Thule on the XLR's; some of the cleanest solid-state I've heard! Very transparent, smooth and clear sounding.

Nevertheless, these same things can be said of good class-D, as well. If possible, try to listen to the Rotels so you can be sure you're satisfied. They might just strike the right balance of versatility/sound you seek.

JBreezy