adding another set of speakers

[donk93953]

Ok, oh sage ones..weigh in on this quandry.
I have a pair of B & W 803s in my living room just for CD listening. Pushing them is a Rotel 1080, controlled by a Rotel 1070.....I want to place a small pair of speakers ( Polks on top of the armoire, hidden) in my bedroom for background music....oh, but how do I drive them? Do you suggest a quality A-B switch that will allow me to select one, both , or the other speaker combination ( what will be the sonic impact on my 803S listening if I go with an A-B switch?)....or get a small seperate amp ( suggestions, please!) to drive the speakers in my bedroom?
Inquiring minds want to know.....
Gracias in advance....

[Kevin D]

I would probably recommend a separate amp rather then a A/B switch. Most switches wouldn't handle the 200 watts and would probably degrade the signal. If you wanted to stick with Rotel, the RB1050 is a nice performer, otherwise any small amp should do.

Kevin D.

[donk93953]

I'm inclined to favor the seperate amp idea...but, jezz, I figure no more than $150, 30 watts a side (probably plenty) and small in size....I know we r talking low end here, but I'm coming up blank...any suggestions?

[Kevin D]

I've had good luck with the AudioSource AMP ONE A. It's 80w x 2 and can be had for $199 at most internet stores.

You can get some real cheap ones in kit form from Qkits.com if you're so inclined..

Kevin D.

[wkhanna]

I just got an RB-1050 from my local dealer for $300. Or check out the used sites like Audiogon or evilBay for used Rotel, you can find some reasonable prices on the 9 Series amps like the RB-970 (60 watts x2), RB-951 (50 watts x2), RB-960 (60 watts x2). These 'broken-in' models have a reputation for longevity and decent SQ. I have experience with the older 9 Series, and I feel they are a great value, especially for a 2nd zone application.

But as always, YMMV, IMHO and last but not least, Caveat Emptor.

[grit]

I'm voting for a separate amp too... don't want anything (negatively) affecting the quality of those 803's!