Do I need a more powerful amp?

[kudeta]

I currently have an RSX 1055 with RCd 1072 powering B&W 602s3 speakers for stereo listening. I am extremely impressed with low volume listening up to about 40 on my reciever, but over 40 the sound just seems to lack something. I am guessing power. How much difference would an amp like the 1075 or 1095 make to stereo listening and would this improve my desire for louder and cleaner music?
I realise for HT there would be no comparison, its just that when listening to cds on my DVD player at higher volumes it didnt leave me wanting for more. Maybe the 1072 is showing up my systems need for more power. What do you think?
Is the 1095 overkill for 602's?
Or a wise investment for future use with better speakers? 700 or 800 series My other small concern is the future arrival of Rotels digital amps. Will their price/quality be better than what is currently on offer from Rotel?
Thanks
Leigh

[Aussie Geoff]

Leigh,

How much difference would an amp like the 1075 or 1095 make to stereo listening and would this improve my desire for louder and cleaner music?

Both would be noticeably better. In reality the 1075 would be more than enough for 602s3s - the 1095 is more an investment for the future.

I realise for HT there would be no comparison, its just that when listening to CDs on my DVD player at higher volumes it didn’t leave me wanting for more. Maybe the 1072 is showing up my systems need for more power. What do you think?

I'd say so... PS - do you have a subwoofer and do you use it for Stereo?

Is the 1095 overkill for 602's? Or a wise investment for future use with better speakers? 700 or 800 series

Overkill.... an interesting word?
Yes it is a wise investment for the future - I keep dreaming about replacing my 1075 with one "just because"

Geoff

[hired goon]

G'day,

How much difference would an amp like the 1075 or 1095 make to stereo listening and would this improve my desire for louder and cleaner music?

Moving to a dedicated amp like the 1075 would make a big difference, in my opinion, over the output of the 1055. It's a good 75wpc, but the need to stuff the transformer into the same box as the processor means that certain compromises will have been made, and this would not be the case with a dedicated amplifier like the 1075 or 1095.

So I second Aussie Geoff's recommendation to upgrade to at least the 1075 (which should be about AUD$1100 these days).

This would give you 10 channels to play with: use the 1075 to bi-amp the fronts and centre, and the 1055 to bi-amp the rears and add a second zone (or add a second set of rears). How sweet is that?

My other small concern is the future arrival of Rotels digital amps

A valid concern. It was speculated in this thread that the 7x100w digital amp (and possibly a 7x200w amp) may be introduced early next year. If so, it may be wise to delay any amp upgrade until then, just to see how much these amps cost, and how good they sound. It's also possible that the existing analog amps may then be discounted...

...I keep dreaming about replacing my 1075 with [the 1095] "just because"

... and if you get the 803D and HTM2D, I think you won't need a "just because" excuse to replace your 1075/1080 amps. How do you propose to power these speakers?

--Geoff

[Aussie Geoff]

Hired Goon,

... and if you get the 803D and HTM2D, I think you won't need a "just because" excuse to replace your 1075/1080 amps. How do you propose to power these speakers?

You're right - it's a dam good excuse... I'm toying between a second RB-1080 to bi-amp the front centre OR all new (1095 etc) But then I'd need a new rack as the 1095 is way to tall for any of the spaces in my current rack.

Geoff

[kudeta]

Thanks Geoff and Aussie Geoff for your advice, I certainly like the idea of Bi-amping the mains and using the existing amps in the 1055 to power a zone 2. Am about to undergo some major renovations/extension so the opportunity to wire through some zone 2 cabling will be easy.
I do have a subwoofer and do use it for stereo listening. But I turn down the volume level when listening loud as it becomes too overpowering and unnatural. Unless I am listening to overpowering and unnatural music (see Techno) which these days is not often.
I wont be looking at getting one of these for a few months at least until the reno is finished, by then the digital amps may be floating around and we can see how they will go.
Cheers