recent member made first purchase

[luszer]

Very excited and happy with my pickup of a Rb-991. Recently purchased a pair of 601 s3 for a secondary listening room, so I went back to my local dealer regarding Rotel equipment. I was interested in the RB1070, but the dealer had a used RB991, so for around the same price as a new 1070, I figured it was a better investment, ie more power, damping factor. I have asperations for 604 s3 in my main room so I can't wait until the 991 will be firing those babies up, hopefully soon.
Question: trying to leverage an exsisting HT AVR, but listen to 2 channel around 60-70% and HT the other 30-40%. With the 991 and either a RMB 1075 or a bridged RMB 1066 be limited by the Marantz AVR pre/processing section. Meaning the power amps are only as good or limited by what your using as the processing piece? Please advise
Thanks, this forum has been so informative and has allowed me to make some wise decisions
Thanks all

[Danbry39]

The RB991 has a great reputation and I think you'll appreciate that extra oomph. Damping, I think, is rated at 1000, which is well beyond what you'll need. As far as the RB991 vs the 1070, amp technology doesn't evolve at the speed of light like some electronics do, so I'd personally have made exactly the same choice as you, given the circumstances.

Now, with regard to using the Marantz's preouts, I can't address that personally as I don't currently own any Marantz products. When I used my old Onkyo receiver's preouts to my Parasound amp, I think it did a good enough job, but really I was biding my time until I could get a dedicated pre-pro. I have heard and read that some manufacturers preouts are of poor quality, but haven't heard this with regard to Marantz. Given the Marantz reputation for good sound quality, I'd bet that it will do a very acceptable job, although, if you get the bug like a lot of us do, a dedicated pre-pro is probably in your future somewhere down the road.

Furthermore, I do expect that you'll hear a very noticable improvement in sound by using the 991 over the onboard amps in the Marantz.

But, I do hope you share your experiences with us after you get the thing set up.

One final note: I love your excitement and enthusiasm. You're gonna be one happy camper me thinks.

Oh well, one final, final note: Welcome as an honored member to Club Rotel. ;b>'>




Keith

[gd]

The Marantz / RB991 combination should be great!... the Marantz pre-pro section makes sweet music, whether you connect your source components via digital or analog.

I had a comparable setup with a Marantz SR5000 and an outboard amp (dbx BX1, 2x200w) for the fronts, and the difference was considerable... but to illustrate the above concern, the pre-outs in the Marantz developed some kind of short which couldn't be fixed after a couple attempts... it was an inexpensive refurbished receiver, well out of warranty, and not worth pursuing, so for the time being only the Marantz internal amps are used.

Every manufacturer experiences occasional production problems, and Marantz is no exception... just be aware that a problem can happen... otherwise, you should really enjoy the music that results from this match.

[luszer]

I am using the SR8000, so I was concerned the DAC was getting a little outdated, 96kHz/24-bit D/A. Basically I am trying to postpone a dedicated pre/pro purchase and invest money in higher quality speakers and clean power. What were/are you using for interconnects?

Thanks

[luszer]

I picked up the 991 this past Fri and immediately got it up and running. The amp was already run-in, so I did notice a change, faster pace and tighter bass. Just sounded like a blanket was lifted off the speakers. I thinking the 604s will complete the set up.

[Danbry39]

I have Signal, Rhino, and Quantum cables, all of which I like. If I had to choose one though, it would easily be the Quantum. If you're interested, Lex (Doug) the owner of Quantum and Catcable runs this site. If you'd like unbiased reviews of his products, there have been a couple of formal reviews over at Audioasylum.com the last few days. And, those guys are very demanding of what a cable should deliver. Everyone will mention how Doug will work with you to pick out the best cables for your system.

Hope this helps and glad you're enjoying your new beast of an amp.




Keith

[gd]

What were/are you using for interconnects?

Nothing special... analog interconnects are mid-level Monster, digital coax is StraightWire, speaker cable is mid-hi-level Monster... and they're all pretty old, at that... I don't believe in using exotic cable, but certainly get cable that's equal to your components... A lot of people on this forum like Lex's CATcables with their Rotel gear.

I'm pretty sure a much greater difference in sound quality will be realized with speakers than a new AV pre-pro... Marantz's x000 series was a big step up for them in HT... those pre-pro sections are solid and very musical.

I'm glad you're hearing the improvement I thought you might... enjoy these now, and save up for the Rotel RSP-1098, which promises to be a world-beater pre-pro... one that WILL be a big step up from the SR8000.

[ZX 6R]

Congrats on your purchase. The 991 is a pretty sweet amp. It does have one quirk though. Sometimes they like to blow fuses on one side(I seem to remember it being the right) if they get dirty power(like in rural areas). You may want to stock up on a few fuses just in case. I don't want to make it sound like this happens frequently cuz it doesn't, but it does happen more than with other Rotel amps for some reason.