Rotel integrated Amp RA series

[stanleyleecm]

I am a newbie to rotel but I am going to get a entry level integrated amp very soon. I am currently using yamaha RXV1300, Denon 1910 pair with NHT SB2.

I would great appreciate if anyone could suggest a rotel integrated amp to me. I was thinking about the RA 01. But my local dealer do not have them in stock so I was not able to listen to it. Anyways, anyone have experiences with the RA01 or 02 and I would love to know. I am a 100% audio guy and that's the main reason I am going with a 2 channel amp instead of keeping my yamaha.

And finally is it worth upgrading from a RXV1300?

[thyname]

I would suggest my (RC1070/RB1080) combo. Separates are much better than integrated amps/ receivers, especially in 2 channel music listening. I had RX-1052 Stereo receiver before I sold it to get the separates, and noticed a decent improvement. The difference in price is not that huge. In that case you better wait until you get the money, rather than suffering from "upgraditis" later.

[fordster]

I love my Rotel RA-01, it's my first "proper" hifi having previously had midi/mini systems and AV systems. I guess difference in price/affordability is relative but in the UK an RA-01 is £250 which is a lot cheaper than a combo. The sound is far better than my AV system (Denon 1602 receiver with Rotel RDV-1060) so I'd say you'd certainly notice the difference.

[opt-e]

I too own a RA-01 and am more than happy with it. The difference between a mid-fi consumer system and the entry level hi-fi RA-01 is quite significant. Being a student, going with separates as previously recommended is out of the question--the difference in price is pretty big, and IMHO, the increase in fidelity is no where close to as big as audiophiles tend to make it sound. Speakers choice has a much larger effect on overall fidelity of your system so I say get the RA-01 and if you have more money to spend, put it into some good speakers.

My system is composed of a RA-01, RDV-1040, NAD 533 turntable, B&W 600 S3's, and a HSU STF-2 sub. Honestly, I don't think i'd be a whole lot happier if i spent twice as much money. But that's just me; I don't have no golden ears, but it's head and shoulders better than any consumer system you can get.

[stanleyleecm]

Couldn't get it now, just called the local dealer and they said the 01 and 02 has been discoutinued. For now, I could only go for a RA1060. Or any other suggestion, my buget is about 500-600.

[jim777]

I listened to the RA-1062 on many B&W's and I was impressed for it's price. I would recommend it for any FST-less B&W (600 series, CM series and 704) if the price of the RC1070/RB1080 combo is out of question. I even listened to the 703's on the RA-1062 with a RCD1072 and the RC1070/RB1070 combo with a RCC1055 and it may sound funny, but the 1062/1072 was way better! Was it the cables or the CDP, I don't know...

By the way, "separates are better" is not *always* true (well I wouldn't change my MA6500 for any Rotel separates )

[stanleyleecm]

Thanks, I will take a look on te RA1062.