Best speakers for Rotel gear.

[doodleboytoy]

Yes yes, Rotel can make any speakers sing but what ARE the best speakers to match with Rotel equipments.

Just for fun- would you like to share your Rotel set-up too?

[Danbry39]

Well, I've loved my Klipsch Reference speakers using the Rotel 1066 and a Parasound 1205A amp, but I was thinking of pulling the trigger on some ACI's, which are supposed to be wonderfully musical speakers with an absolutely great reputation. Something came up tonight which is going to drain away all the money I put away for my next upgrade, so I may have to put that plan on hold. The ACI's I was thinking of getting have compared more than favorably to some pretty high-end speakers, but I can't give an opinion yet until/if I get them. Sometimes, life just takes sudden, unexpected turns.

But, for slam, the Klipsch are absolutely fantastic, although a love them or hate them kind of thing exists. Which brings me to my main point: I don't think there is one favorite match for the Klipsch, given the range of ears we got around here.

That said, I'd also love to hear what floats each of your boats sonically as far as speakers are concerned. There was a similar thread a while back, but we have a bunch of new people here, so this should be interesting. I already know there are some big Paradigm fans around.

All that I ask is that each and every one of us respects the tastes of all that post. Whether they like the brand of another or not is not the point. I'm pretty sure most owners did pick out what they considered the best speaker for them, given factors such as their pocketbook, tastes, and what's available to them. Most people around here, I"m sure, would just as soon avoid the type contentious thread that so often infects certain other forums.

It might also be interesting to hear other equipment they love. For instance, I love my Arcam CD player. I love my Parasound amp.

Let's have a speaker and other equipment Love Fest. Hope this is in keeping with what you wanted doodleboytoy.




Keith

[hanser]

I have all B&W and am very content

front CDM 7NT
center CDM
back Matrix 1/II (old bookshelf model, the first with the inner matrix structure)

[Bill Blank]

I'm very happy with the way the sound with my Vienna Acoustics system:

Mozart
Maestro
Haydn

Bill




Rotel RSP-1066
Rotel RMB-1075
Rega Planet 2000
Denon DVD-2900
Mitsubishi WS-55411
Paradigm Reference Studio 100 v3
Paradigm Reference Studio CC-470 v3
Paradigm Reference Studio 20 v3
Velodyne CT-120

[Mats]

i run four paradigm studio 80's, the studio center channel and a pw2200 on my 1066/1075 combination. couldn't be happier.

b&w sure is a great matchup, i auditioned that lineup as well back when i was making my decision.

[thedarklobster]

I have Energy Veritas 2.4's for the mains, Energy Veritas 2.0 CC, Energy Veritas 2.0R rears, and a Paradigm 2200 sub. They sound amazing and I'm glad that I made the jump from Paradigm to Energy. What a difference!
Shane

[Rock Dog]

One Word!
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BOSE :T




-Thomas-

The easiest way to find something lost around the house, is to buy a replacement.

Hey You! Make sure you stop by the HTguide Off-Topic section. It's FUN!!!

[Rock Dog]

I love my Mirage gear.

OM-6 (mains)
OM-C2 (center)
OM-R2 (rear surround)
BPS-400 (BASS)

Rotel 1066/1095 feeding 'em

I had a Yamaha RX-2095V prior to the ROTEL gear. I had a Sony ES receiver as a demo for a bit, and even hooked my friends Denon receiver to check it out with the Mirage stuff. Both the Sony and Denon were comparible spec wise, to the Yammie.

Slight differences with all 3. I was very happy with my Yammie. But once I bought and hooked up the ROTEl gear. 8O It was night and day. I had a whole new set of speakers on my hands. The difference was truly amazing.
I thought they sounded great before, and didn't even know what I was missing.

Again, I love my all my Mirage speakers.




-Thomas-

The easiest way to find something lost around the house, is to buy a replacement.

Hey You! Make sure you stop by the HTguide Off-Topic section. It's FUN!!!

[george king]

I have GR Research AV-1s paired with a 1075 amp (currently using a Yamaha 995 as preamp for a little while longer). These, like the ACI speakers, are wonderfully musical and great for HT. A review can be found over at the Secrets page.

[Andrew Pratt]

I'm using some custom built mains, centre, rear surround and subwoofers. The side speakers are Energy RVSS bipoles.

[Danbry39]

BOSE

LOL. Now I understand what you meant by buyers remorse at my sissy boy buyers thread last night. :LOL: By the way, that post last night was so funny that I dragged my wife over to read it. You had us both rolling.

George, I'm heading right over to Secrets to read that review. I've heard nothing but the best about GR Research. It's really nice to read that you've also heard of the ACI's.




Keith

[george king]

Danbry39

It was a real close call between the ACIs and the GR Research speakers for me. In the end, it came down to cost, as I got a good deal on the cabinents from Brian Bunge, and the pair (with all the upgrades) only cost about $500. I recently added the center (made a big difference, and the Rotel does them justice), and will eventually build some rears.

[Scarp]

B&W Nautilus 804
B&W Nautilus HTM1 center
(without proper rears now, to be replaced by B&W Nautilus 805).

Powered by:
Rotel RSP1066 (to be replaced by a RSP1098)
Rotel RB1090 (for the fronts)
Rotel RMB1075 (bi-amped center + rears).

To me this combination is incredible.

[Azeke]

Doodleboytoy,

I am running the following equipment:

Mirage OM7-Fronts
Mirage OC2-Center
DefTech BPV-Rears
RMB-1095-Heart
RSP-1066-Soul
Sunfire Sub MarkIV-Guts

The Rotel gear provides a vast improvement over my previous gear.
I am indeed happy with this configuration, however my wife has a different opinion (i.e. when are you coming to bed, response: very soon :LOL: ).

I'm with Rock Dog, I love my Mirage gear.

Azeke

[Danbry39]

For anyone interested, I broke down and ordered the ACI's this morning. All who know me, know I'm my wife's love slave. Despite a huge, unexpected hit on our finances last night, she bade me to go ahead and buy the speakers. Not wishing to submit to her scorn, I, teary eyed, gave into her cruel demands. You don't want to be me. ops:




Keith

[Azeke]

Indeed Danbry, Hell hath no fury like a women scorned :twisted: .

Azeke

[Jeff Hartford]

Rotel RSP-985/Rotel RMB-1095/NHT SA-3 to bi amp NHT VT-2.4's with surrounds and center VS2.4's. Very pleased with the combination. Believe they are a very musical pairing.

Jeff

[Entice]

Arcam CD Player (mmmmmm pure delight)
RSP 1066 Processor (mmmm not too shabby, but excellent value for money)
RMB 1095 (Nothing succeeds like excess)
Dynaudio Contour Mains
Dynaudio Contour Centre
Dynaudio Audience Rears (couldnt afford the contours for the rear!)
Dynaudio Audience Sub (Have you guys priced the contour sub? Yummy!)
Definitely a system set up for 2 channel, but with capability of decent 5.1!

[pbarata]

I think that the right combination is difficult to achieve, as Rotel gear can really drive easily many branches of speakers, and different models in the same branch. Once I read that we should spend twice the price of the power amp in speakers but I've some doubts about that "rule". I've Monitor Audio Silver 8i for fronts, Silver 5i for surround and Silver 10i for centre and I'm quite happy. Monitor Audio are know for their transparency and detail, which I need for the type of music I love to listen to (mostly Jazz and acoustic music in general).). But I confess I still evaluate the chance to replace my speakers.

[gshisme]

Ah Yes..Rotel 1075/1066 with Polk LSi15's for mains, Polk LSiC center and Polk LSiFX's bipole/dipole for surrounds. IC's are Transparent Musiclink Plus. Digital links are Tranparent Digital Link Coax and speaker cable isTransparent Musicwave Plus.

Even at 4 ohms and sensitivity of 88 the Rotel drives them with a smile. Not quite as big as mine however.




suds, suds, and more suds

[Matt Sprouls]

Rotel 1055
Rotel 1095
Thiel 2.4 main
Thiel MCS1 center
Paradigm Reference SA-25 rear
MartinLogan Depth sub

[Ryan_MF]

RSX-1055 (to be used as pre/pro until I go 7.1)
RMB-1075 (on order, arriving Fri)
RDV-1060 (whenever I can get one)
Dynaudio Audience 122 mains
Dynaudio Audience 122 center
Dynaudio Audience 42 surrounds
Velodyne FSX-12

[wng]

B&W is generally known to be one of the best matches with Rotel.

My setup (5.1, only approx. 10 by 15 ft room) is

RSP-1066, RMB-1075
B&W CDM 7NT, CDM CNT, DM600 S3, ASW600
I use Nordost Flatline MkII biwire cable for all three front channels. (Considering moving up the Nordost line.)

Just as a side, there seems to be a few Arcam CD player owners on this board (Danbry, entice, energeezer more recently...). My favorite component is my DiVA CD92. I have Kimber Kable KCAG between the Arcam, pre/pro, and power amp. The Arcam and pre/pro are also plugged into a PS Audio Ultimate Outlet.

What floats my boat... hmm, transparency and clarity more than anything else. I'm not very concerned about gut-punching bass, just as long as it's tight and tuneful along the spectrum. I also like detailed highs. I think all the components in my setup make a sound that's headphone-like in detail and transparency, although upgraditis makes it a work-in-progress still.

[Danbry39]

wng,

I have the 72T ( a lower model than yours). I did a whirlwind couple of days of intense auditioning at several places when I couldn't live with my Harman Kardon anymore. The Arcams were just that, perfect for me, blend of crystal clear detail, forward without being harsh or fatiguing, open, well defined sound that really made me just enjoy my music so much more than before. I listen much more frequently to CD's now. I'm also noticed how many Arcam users there are here and am proud I can be among your ranks. I might consider the 92T upgrade down the line, but, if I get my new speakers, that will have to wait.




Keith

[SomaJoe]

What exactly IS the relationship between B&W and Rotel (if any)?
Their brochures, websites, etc. seem to show pictures of the other, and it seems like dealers of one are also dealers of the other.

-j




Joe's HT

[Andrew Pratt]

I believe B&W and Rotel both share the same distributor (equity audio) at least here in north america...not sure if the links go higher then that (I get the feeling they might)

[ZX 6R]

I believe B&W and Rotel both share the same distributor (equity audio) at least here in north america...not sure if the links go higher then that (I get the feeling they might)

The links go quite a bit higher. Classe has been added to the stable as well. The synnergy between the products is good now but it will be even better in the future.

[Rock Dog]

My understanding of the link between B&W and ROTEL. Is This.

Each brand uses the other when tuning their equipment. So ROTEL uses B&W speakers mostly (probably because they are readily available through the distrubution deal) when fine tuning their gear for the "ear," outside of the test equipment bed. Like wise, B&W uses ROTEL gear to fine tune their drivers in the same manner. So there is a developement relationship, that makes the 2 products very compatible.

That's my understanding of it anyway... :huh:




-Thomas-

The easiest way to find something lost around the house, is to buy a replacement.

Hey You! Make sure you stop by the HTguide Off-Topic section. It's FUN!!!

[Jsapp]

I have RSX 1055 with Paradigm Monitor 7 fornts CC370 center, Mini Monitor rears and a PW 2200 SUB. For home theatre it is very good. For music (I run the monitor 7s as small in 2CH and let bthe PW 2200 which I think is a fantastic value in canada take the bass load of the the RSX) I give them a good. I have heard B&W Rotel setups at the dealear and admit they are far superior on music to my setup but probably more than double the price.

I'd love to upgrade mine to maybe Paradigm studio series. I think Rotel gear is so clear that they probably is no best match. If the speaker is better then it will sound better if it is cruddy it will sound cruddy where as with some lower quality recievers you need to get speakers that won't reavel flaws of the reciever or pre pro.

I'd love to hear a nice KEF Rotel setup I heard the Kefs powered by a yamaha and they sounded great so I bet Kef and Rotel would be smooooth.

[banzaii]

Rotel RSX-1065
Opera Operetta (front)
Opera Voce (center)
Opera Mini (rear)

Stunningly beautiful speakers, visually and sonicly. Extremly smooth midrange and great imaging.

[spiffnme]

Hmmm...I'm surprised I'm the only owner of Axiom around here. Here is my setup.

RSP-1066
RMB-1075
Pioneer 656A (dvd/dvd-a)
Axiom M60ti (mains)
Axiom VP150 (center)
Polk LS f/x (surrounds)
Hsu VTF-2 (subwoofer)

Super clear, clean and detailed. I've been very, very happy with my Axiom products. The Hsu is a real champion as well. Upgraditis has me sniffing around a new surround speakers, and a better dvd player. Though my wallet says otherwise.




www.funnyfarmcomics.net
All Daredevil, All the Time!

[Danbry39]

spiffnme,

Many want to buy speakers that they've been able to audition in-shop.

Buying off the internet with products you haven't even auditioned can be intimidating. What happens if I don't like them? Then I'm out-of-pocket the shipping costs and back to ground zero as far as finding new speakers. I guess that's why there are places like Audioenvy.com.

As to people like you and me who are willing to go the internet-only route, I personally have a hard time auditioning speakers I might want to buy in a showroom. They always seem to sound so different when I get them home, so I'm willing to risk shipping costs to try out speakers in my home, with my equipment, for 30 days. Of course, you'd better do as much research and groundwork as possible before going this route to minimize the chances of making a mistake. But, I feel people who go this route can be rewarded very nicely, both sonically and in the pocketbook.

For what it's worth, I almost ordered Axioms and a couple of other internet-only brands, before deciding to try out the ACI's first. Like you, I bought a Hsu VTF-2 and have been really happy with it - despite the fact that I had never heard it prior to purchase.

There's a section in HTGuide where Lex is asking for suggestions on possible new clubs here at HTGuide. My suggestion was a club for internet-only companies like Axiom and ACI.

I guess this is another of those different strokes for different folks kind of deals. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.


George, and perhaps Andrew, go the extra step and build their own from kids.

By the way George, if you're still with us here, have you heard the GR Research A/V 2's? If the ACI's don't work out due to the fact that the Sapphires aren't magnetically shielded, I might go that route in that you can order them shielded.




Keith

[Andrew Pratt]

George, and perhaps Andrew, go the extra step and build their own from kids.

Keith i think you might be a little mistaken on the materials involved in DIY speakers...its not these :baby:

[Danbry39]

ops: All I want to know is if you're denying it Andrew. :rf




Keith

[george king]

Danbry39,

Still here. I have never heard the AV-2's but everyone says they sound even better. There are several pairs touring the country for demo. You can contact Danny at GR Research to get the details, but essentially, you get the speakers for a week, and then send them to the next person on the list.

[Danbry39]

Thanks George,

My ACI's are in transit and should be here next Thursday. The Sapphires are not magnetically shielded and they recommend they be placed 18" from the TV. Still, I've heard that the guts of RPTV's are buried so deep that it hopefully won't be a problem. If that doesn't work out, I think I would try the GR Researches next, unless I could get a great deal on Taylors over at Audiogon. I've already checked it out and she absolutely fell in love with the looks of the A/V II's.




Keith

[Danbry39]

Double post.

Sorry ops:




Keith

[Lex]

Anyone using Sonus faber?

Lex

[Blue-Eyes]

I believe I'm the only JBL lover here

I have as fronts the Ti-K10, rears the Ti-K2, and for front and rear center the Ti-K1.

Hooked on RSP1066, RDV1080, RT1080, RB1070, RB985MKII and the RDC991AE.




------------------------------------------------------
Never drive faster than your Angel can fly!

[Danbry39]

Well, I don't own Sonus Fabers, but, if it's any consulation, your excitement when you got your Extremas infected me. Over the past month or two I have done an exhaustive search for new speakers. Next Thursday, my new ACI's arrive. In my search, they were compared many times to the Sonus Faber Concertos, with a very musical, seductive sound. I know they're not in the league of your babies, but I've never been so excited about new gear. I'll see if they live up to expectations during the thirty day trial period (recommended 60 hours break-in), but I suspect they'll be keepers.

So, I guess your enthusiam inspired me Lex.




Keith

[george king]

Danbry,

I hope the ACIs work out for you, a lot of people really like them, especially over at HTF. Like I said it was close.

Danny at GR research is a great guy to deal with, in case you have to go that route. And Brian Bunge's work on the cabinets is first rate (you could order the AV-2s direct from him at www.rutledgeaudiodesign.com) or direct from Danny). My cabinets for the AV-1s must weigh 12 lbs apiece, and are completely inert. I love them, but hope the ACIs work.

[Danbry39]

Thanks George.




Keith

[Rock Dog]

Anyone using Sonus faber?

Lex

Only the wealthy, or well to do.


Oh yeah. I hear John Gacy, and Ted Bundy were big Faber fans.




-Thomas-

The easiest way to find something lost around the house, is to buy a replacement.

Hey You! Make sure you stop by the HTguide Off-Topic section. It's FUN!!!

[Patrick TX]

I LOVE the B&W / Rotel sound! Nothing sweeter.

B&W CDM 9NT's
B&W CDM CNT
B&W LM1's
SVS 2531PC+ (soon to be a PB2+)

[SomaJoe]

I am currently using 5 B&W VM1's. I'm in the process of shopping for new mains for left and right, and my current top choice are a pair of B&W 805s. Anyone have these?

-joe




Joe's HT