Old Rotel amp question

[Black7]

Hi
I have an older Rotel power amp model RB 870BX - I believe it's from the late 80's. I've had it for a few years and use it to power the fronts on my RSX 972 receiver for 2 channel listening - 100 w x 2.
My quesiton is (for those that know this amp), will it be much of an upgrade if I were to step up to a newer model around the same power (100 to 120 w x 2)? Has Rotel made any big advances in their amps that would warrent the cost of upgrading to a newer model?
Appreciate any feedback

[Black7]

Nobody?? I was sure there would be some one on a Rotel forum that could answer this question.
The reason I ask is that amps are sometimes tough to compare, especially old vs new - many would argue that the amp sees the least in developmental growth from year to year (as appossed to the pre / processors). I'm not sure there is much to be gained in a newer amp, or to rephrase, maybe not enough to warrant the $'s. I don't have a limitless budget so I have to be careful where I steer my upgrade money - I was hoping this knowledgable crowd could lend a hand.

[PewterTA]

I'm sure the sound and clarity coming from the new amps IS better...but I have not heard the older amps to say for certain. I would think jumping to something like the RB-1080 would be a decent improvement!

[gianni]

I know the guys over at high-endaudio.com prefer the earlier Rotel's ( early to mid 90's ) to the current ones. Granted, these guys are tube die-hards, but something to consider.

I would take your unit and compare it side by side with a new one. Don't assume the new one is always better. Trust your ears.

[Black7]

Thanks for the feedback - I guess I'll wait until this one crashes before looking for a replacement. Probably not much difference anyway.
thanks again

[Taito]

If your waiting for it to crash, I think you could be waiting for a long time. But, that's a good thing. If you are happy with the performance it delivers, then there is no need to upgrade that component. If not...

When initially using an RA 870BX (60WPC integrated) and adding an RB-1080 (200WPC power using the preamp in the RA) the difference was not subtle. The sound stage got larger, there was a greater sense of scale, and (more noticable when the 1080 was disconnected from the system) the 1080 delivered a warmer sound. When the RA was taken out of the system completely (pre replaced by RC-1070), the difference was staggering. The improvement in detail and dynamic ability just blew me away.

So, if you are looking to get that bit extra from your system, perhaps you should also consider upgrading your preamp. There are improvements to be gained in both areas. If you can get to a dealer, the best thing you can do is compare new amplification to yours, to combinations of yours and new. But the preamp is just as important a component as the power amp (and generally less expensive).

-Ben

[eelco74]

Hi,

It probably all depends on what kind of speakers you are using. I had a relatilvely simple 2 way transmission line on my older RA-840Bx3. These older amsp ran on pure class-A up to 5 watts. And it sure did sound marvellous.

However I changed to a quite hefy 50kg 4-way transmission-line system. I first ran it with my 840bx, but later on upgraded to a rc-972 pre-amp and a RB-981 poweramp. This was a hughe improvement. The 840 could hande the older speakers, but was underpowerd for the big ones.

However on my current JMlab electra 906 monitors I would not be so sure. I suspect the 840 would have sounded excellent. So I might suggest that the RB-1070 will sound a bit better, the RB-1080 would be a major improvement. But you need the right speakers to gain any quality.

[Black7]

My speakers are very efficient - Klipsch KG 4.5's in front, 3.5's in the rear and KV 3 center. The Fronts / rears are 96 db speakers - doesn't take much to make 'em sing

[Marcel B]

I noticed a big difference between amplifiers from the same era. I didn't like the RB991 with my speakers, but the (less powerful) RB981 is a very good match.

[eelco74]

Actually I am trying to find a nice used RB-991 to replace my RB-981.

But I have not found one yet, at least not for a decent price....