Amp for B&W 685 S2

[pushtiulk]

Hi guys,

I'm in the market to buy a pair of B&W 685 S2 to build a stereo setup (listen music, watching movies - i know that for movies is recommended 5.1 systems, but will be ok for the moment with stereo system). The music and movies will be played from my computer (Asus Xonar D2 sound card). At amps I'm thinking Rotel RA-12 or Yamaha A-S500. Witch amp do you recommend?

Thanks in advance!

[madmac]

Well, the folks at "What Hi fi" liked the Yamaha better than the Rotel sonically. However, Rotel has always been perceived as a 'step up' from the Yamaha, Denon's etc. I had a high end Yamaha receiver and switched to Rotel. Right out of the gate, the Rotel blew it away! I couldn't believe the difference to be honest.

I would seriously consider before buying a 2 channel amp if you EVER want to get into 5.1 or 7.1 surround. You could always save your pennies for a little longer if that is the case.

[pushtiulk]

Thanks for your answer. I want go to 5.1 in the future, but at this time can't afford a rotel receiver. I could buy an yamaha receiver instead of a rotel stereo amp.


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[madmac]

Thanks for your answer. I want go to 5.1 in the future, but at this time can't afford a rotel receiver. I could buy an yamaha receiver instead of a rotel stereo amp.


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Another thing you could look into would be buying used? I've seen many Rotel products being sold on sites like Craigslist. However, that being said, there's nothing wrong with watching movies in 2ch stereo. I did that for many years happily.

[SoundEngine355]

Arcam, Cambridge Audio are good with the 600 series


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[Stoney]

Have you looked into Emotiva?

[pushtiulk]

I found an one year old pair of 685 S2 at a friend and I'll buy from him the speakers. About the amp, I've decided to go with Rotel and I'm between RA-12 or RA-1570. The amp I'll buy new from the local dealer, they told me that RA-12 is very OK for 685 S2, but I can go with RA-1570 also, some more watts are not bad . The RA-1570 has a price double of RA-12.

@stoney: there is no Emotiva dealer in Romania.

[pushtiulk]

I've bought today my first B&W speakers - 685 S2 sh, but in perfect condition and Rotel RA-12 brand new from local dealer. The sound is amazing, I still need to buy 1 analog cable from my comp to amp (1 jack - 2 rca). I'm thinking to put the speakers in biwire with the amp. Do you think that I will hear any difference?

[wkhanna]

the only way to know for sure is to try it yourself.

[pushtiulk]

I've done it yesterday, and the only difference is that the speakers are louder.


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