RB-1090 too powerful for B&W 703s?

[orangebull]

I have a pair of 703s for my main speakers. I am looking to buy a new Rotel amp for my main speakers. I currently have 1098 processor and RB-1075 130w x 5 amp).

I am trying to decide between the RB-1080 and RB-1090. From reading the specs of the 703s it indicated power handling of 50 - 200 watts. The RB-1090 is rated at 380 watts per channel.

Does this mean that since the amp is capable of 380 watts that it is too powerful for the 703s that seem to have an upper end of 200 watts?

I found a 6 month old RB-1090 for $1,200 slightly used, but in mint condition. A new RB-1080 is about $1,000.

thanks,

[shadow]

Without a doubt at that price get the 1090. Best amp Rotel makes. You will almost never damage a speaker with too much power, but you can easily damage one with too little power. Both the 1080 and 1090 are great and more than enough to drive your speakers, but at the price you can get the 1090 its a no-brainer purchase decision :T

[soundhound]

I recently upgraded from the 1080 to the 1090, using Klipsch RF 7's. At lower listening levels (up to 50-55 on my RSP-1068) the 1080 stayed with the 1090 identically. Very similar sonically. Deep prominent bass, mids and highs were right on. Now, push the RSP-1068 up to 65 and the 1090 starts to creep away. The 380 watts of the 1090 would not be to much, as I would doubt you would EVER push it that far. The 1080 is a beaut of an amp, as is the 1090. I chose to keep the 1090 , solely on the fact that one day I may want the extra snort should I ever change speaks. My take is, let listening level (amongst $$ and other variables) guide you, sonically at reasonable volumes, they are quite similar, if your'e going to run full throttle because of a huge room, grab the 1090. On a side note, if your'e in the states, dealers can do better than 1K on the 1080.

[orangebull]

thanks

You said that US dealers can do better than $1k on the 1080. What would be the best discount I could expect...say from a high end dealer like the Home Theater Store in Houston.

thanks,

[soundhound]

I bought mine about 6-8 mos. ago and got it for 820. My dealer has given me 10% minumum w/o even having to ask. I don't know if it has taken an MSRP hike, but 10% should be a gimee....

[orangebull]

other opinions

Still a little worried about the specs saying power requirements on the B&W 703s being 50 watts to 200 watts and the RB-1090 putting out 380 watts per channel.

Anyone out there share my concern or is it a non-issue as long as I don't peg out the volume control.

I usually listen to mid to low volume and only rarely crank up the volume.

thanks,

[junior77blue]

Don't worry about the max power, let your ears tell you when enough is enough. If you can afford the difference in price...and you think you might upgrade speakers later on down the road you will still have the amp to drive them.

[soundhound]

My 7's are reated @ 250, and I would push the wall they are facing out in the yard with spl before damaging them with to much power. shadow nailed the long and short of it with wattage ratings.

[DrJRapp]

My 7's are reated @ 250, and I would push the wall they are facing out in the yard with spl before damaging them with to much power. shadow nailed the long and short of it with wattage ratings.

Actually the 7s are rated 250 continuous, 1000w peak so we know it can take the 1090s peak power output of approximatly 560 watts. Do we know what the 703s peak power rating is?

[Kevin D]

We used a 1090 to demo our speakers for 2-3 years. Everything from $99 in-ceilings to 802's. You'll blow your ears before your speakers.

Kevin D.

[aud19]

1090!!!!! :banana: :P

In this (or really any hobby) there's no such thing as too much power :twisted:

[orangebull]

thanks

Thanks to everyone for the advice.

The 1090 it will be!

[Aussie Geoff]

Orangebull,

Good choice. FYI the RB-1090 operates in Class A for more of the first few Watts than the RB-1080 and has a more detailed / nuetral sound at lower volumes than the (still very good) RB-1080 - so even if you never use the full capabilities of the RB-1090 - enjoy its awesome sound for the $

Geoff

[Dmantis]

Agreed,
Buy the rb1090 and don't look back. have to much power is way better then not enough. Honest the RMB 1075 have enough power as well as all Rotel amps for your speakers. The Rb1070 is a nice choice. But at the price your able to buy the rb1090 for, it's a home run.

Insanely as people get , I have ran some inwalls with B&K 200 watt amps before and as they did sound there best, they took every but of power the B&K could throw at them. You will give up before the speakers will.

mantis

[miner]

You said that US dealers can do better than $1k on the 1080. What would be the best discount I could expect...say from a high end dealer like the Home Theater Store in Houston.

thanks,

With an additional purchase THS will discount up to 10% - if only buying amp be prepared for retail. No other Rotel dealer in Houston.

[abqnmusa]

The RB-1080 drives the 703's perfectly with strong bass & clean midrange & treble. It has plenty of current for the 703's.