Rotel 1068 or B&K REF 50 questions

[ACap]

Hello, I am new to the forum and have a couple of questions that maybe a few of you can help me with.

First, what is the price that I should expect to pay for a new Rotel 1068?

Secondly, I just purchnased a "demo" B&K REF 50 at Magnolia HI-Fi for $1399. This unit is a series one, and Magnolia will upgrade the unit to the newest software and hardware for free (2.02 I believe). I have a month to return the unit for any reason and get a full refund. I called B&K directly and the tech assured me that there should be no longevity issues with the demo unit, and I do have the full five year warranty. I hooked the unit up to my system and it was an astonishing upgrade from what I had been using. (previously Marantz SR-7000 as a processor, with a B&K 7250 II for power).

My delema is, should I stick with this unit, or buy a new 1068.

I would just like some imput from the members in this forum, as it appears that there are some knowledgable folks out there. Thank you.

[bimmer528]

My bro in law has been looking into buying B&K. He has a dealer with these prices new.

*dont quote me but im dam close

125.5 amp 1499
Ref 50 II 1800

The series one has a number of problems that the series 2 fixes. I have read many people say DO NOT BUY THE SERIES 1, get the 2.

As for your upgrade, B&K complety converts it including the front panel. Its not free my friend and imho- if you want a b&K ref preamp, buy it new and spend the extra 500 for the series 2.

If you really want... shoot me a pm and ill give you my bro in law's email. He will shoot you out his dealers info, email him, print it out, give it to tweeter and they will match it although u will have to wait 3 weeks to get it from them :roll: ... or see if your dealer now will. They probally will.

Myself, I have the older version of the 1068.. the 1066 in silver. I absolutly love it.

Both units should be pretty comprable to each other. I dont think u will be dissapointed in either. Really I dont.

The B&K does offer XLR on all their preamp outputs which is a feature I would love for Rotel to change. My old Adcom system was the top of the line (only one that offered balanced outputs). Once I changed to xlr from rca I vowed I would never go back.. Wish I had them in the rotel as I have gone back :{

[ACap]

WOW, that is a great price on a series II REF 50, I'd love to have that dealers info, thanks.

[bimmer528]

check ur pm but I would seriously look into the Rotel as well.