1075 vs 1080 what's the general concensus for 2ch

[Glen1]

Hi Guys,
I'm just enquiring about opinions of the 1075 vs 1080 for two channel. I have 1075 with 1098 and Epos M22 mains and was wondering what improvements, if any, I would gain from substituting 1075 for a 1080 to power the front channels only. I understand there is a power increase of 80 wpc but other than this what are the improvements in sound quality.

Regards,
Glen

PS: I will go and have a listen myself but won't get a chance for a while.

[Andrew Pratt]

The 1080 has a slightly warmer sound then the 5 channel amps. Its bass is more controled as well with the increase in power.

[Stevebez]

Thats my setup - 1080's have got more headroom than 1075 (which use on surrounds only, 2 channels dedicated to centre in 5.1 setup with one spare channel for zone 2 in mono mode) and agree with Andrew 1080... a little warmer sounding.

Fabulous combo with B&W803D's - although slightly under powered if using for full range - have it running 803's from 60hz up and DD12 running nether regions.

Mids really open up with the unit crossed - but this baby is not shy power wise.

Basically half a 1090 ... but more versatile. Hope that helps.

Rgds Steve.

[tboooe]

for 2 ch what about going to 1090? From what I understand that amp is even better than the 1080 because of the 2 mono amp design. Great reviews. When I upgrade to the 803D I am going to seriously consider getting some monoblocks (Parasound, etc.)

[Stevebez]

500wx500w digital ROTELS !!!!! 8)

Rgds Steve

[htsteve]

1080

Glen1,

I have a 1095 that was powering B&W N804's. I recently bought a 1080 to drive these. The bass refinement and output was increased. The mid's and upper end were also cleaner. The soundstage got more 3 dimensional. The soundstage with the 1095 was good, but more 2 dimensional that the 1080.
If you can get a 1080, I think this is a very worthwhile upgrade for 2 channel. Also, very good for 5 channel. I also like the double binding posts on the 1080. By the way, both the 1075 and the 1080 are both about 40 pounds, and the 1080 is a stereo amp. I think you would like the power of the 1080. :T

Hope this helps.

[Joey_V]

Current amperage is different between the two.

According to Rotel phone rep, the 1080 has a peak amperage of 120 while the 1075 is at 50 or less.

There are also other differences. Other's will and have chimed in regarding this. :T

[ds22030]

I would think the difference depends on your speakers. I had 1075 driving 4 ohm Polk LSi 15s and hated the lack of bass control. Bi-amping helped alot but still not enough. Went to 1080 and sounds great!!!

[Glen1]

I took a leap of faith and grabbed a 1080 at an excellent price of $950 Aust brand new. Anyway it was the improvement I was hoping for. I've never had more than 120 wpc before and must say that now I wouldn't go back to anything less than the 1080's power. Bottom end is much more controlled and top end is so much cleaner. A couple of 1070's to replace the 1075 would be great but I think I'm going over the top now.

Thanks for the help.

Glen.

[bigburner]

Glen, I know it's a bit late now, but did you consider waiting for the new Rotel 1077 digital amp?

[Glen1]

I didn't really know about the digital amps and in Aust the rotel models take a while to get here compared to the US and Europe. In any case for the price I paid I'm more than happy.