New Amp Recommendation

[mike_l]

Hi Guys,

I recently posted this note in the Parasound group, but I am definitely interested in Rotel and would appreciate additional opinions. I hope you don't mind.

I am close to purchasing speakers/separates and would appreciate everyone’s input. The speakers will either be Paradigm Studio 100's (v4), Signature S8 (v2) or Signature S6 (v2). The Studios are available now and the Signatures may be available in March. My interest is 60% movies - 40% music.

Amp characteristics I seek:
New product
Class A/B - Minimum 200 WPC
Price - Between $2,000 - $5,000
Class D - I am unsure and need input.
Use - 5 channels, monoblocks are acceptable
Sound Characteristics - Clarity, neutral, more than enough clean power. If there is slight coloration, it would smooth out the upper end of the Paradigms.

I am strongly considering the following amps:

Parasound A51 - I assume the A51 has adequate power at 250 WPC. I have read good reviews discussing sound and build quality (except for the back panel?). Downside, how much is heat generation an issue?

Rotel 1095 - 200 WPC. Good price/value ratio.

Bryston 4B SST & 6B SST - 300 WPC

1.) Can you comment on the positives and negatives for each above? Which would you choose?
2.) Do Class D amps have comparable sound quality to Class A/B? Enough to choose over Class A/B? What is your recommended WPC for Class D? The small size, less heat and lower electricity draw are secondary benefits, however, sound is my primary interest.

Thank you very much guys, I appreciate your expertise.

Mike

[wkhanna]

Why Class A?
Are you a hard core 2ch type listener, with a TT and looking for good music SQ?
Class A means you deal with the heat and position your equipment accordingly, and are prepared to cope with the fact that tubes in a power amp will wear out faster that you like, especially if you use your system a lot.

What are the other components in your system? Synergy plays a key role.

If space and ‘fiddling’ (comparing tubes can get expensive) are issues, class D offers great advantages, IMHO.

That said, the best sounding systems I have ever heard were valve based, and some day I hope to have such a system. Currently, I use a tube pre for 2ch, and it has taken my listening enjoyment to a much higher level.

What are you using to process your signal? What are your goals? What are you willing to live with?

[Kevin D]

Judging from the 200w minimum, I guessing he meant class A/B.

Kevin D.

[gianni]

Going by your post, I would suggest that you include Primare on your list of prospective auditions. Check out the a30.5 or an a30.2/a30.3 combo.
You will find - uncommon build quality and a nice smooth sound for a SS amp.
Not all that different from the Rotel sound, just a little more refined and an absolute work of art to behold.

[mike_l]

Sorry wkhanna, Kevin D is correct. I meant to say Class AB. Regarding the overall system, I've already mentioned the speakers. The Pre/Pro will be an Anthem AVM 50 and sub will be a JL Audio Fathom 113. I hope this gives some insight. Thanks

[mike_l]

Thanks gianni. I know nothing of Primare products, but I am anxious to find out!

[DL86]

I would recommend a RB-1092 for your front speakers and a rotel RMB-1077 for the rest of your speakers you can bi-amp all of them with this amplifier. If you dislike the Digital amps then you could try and find a RB-1090 and a RMB-1095 for the rest. I have never heard the digital amps but I have the RB-1090 powering paradigm studio 100's and find it an excellent match, an RB-1080 is also a good match but sounds a bit strained at the higher listening level's. If you end up with the S8's I would definatly go for more power than 200watts.

[miner]

My dealer has a RB-1090 in their clearance center for $1400. The Home Theater Store in Houston. If you need a number PM me.

[mike_l]

Thanks for the recommendation DL86. Do you know if Rotel is considering a higher WPC beyond the 1095? 300 WPC would be nice.

[mike_l]

Thank you miner.

[DL86]

I don't think rotel is releasing a 300wpc 5 channel amp, but if you want that kind of power the Cine Nova Grande would be awesome, link here: http://www.federalstereo.com/earcingran5c.html

[wkhanna]

I think a used Bryston off of Agon would be something I might look into, if it were me. And the Rotel 1090 or 1092 is hard to beat for the $.

[RoMan]

I just purchased an RMB 1095 and find it more than adequate for my small living space. It's pushing a Def Tech home theater system and it sounds amazing. Best thing I did- get into separates. These speakers have a high sensitivity rating too at that but I cant listen to them at ear bleeding levels because of my neighbors but I believe when I move into a house than I crank it up...

Anyways, just my humble opinion but I think the RMB 1095 would suit your taste well. Go and have a listen and see what you think. Try audiogon.com and see if they have Rotel on there. I'm sure they do.

Happy searching. Hope you find what you're looking for.

RoMan

[mike_l]

Thanks for all of your responses guys.

[qm456]

PRE ROUGE66 AMP BRYSTON4BST ROTEL 1072 CD PLAYER SPEAKERS DALI IKON 6 or 7 OR AUDIOPHYSIC TEMPO OR YARAFLOORSTANDERS SUB RELSTORM3 OR THE B1 THIS SET UP WILL PUT A SMILE ON YOUR FACE

[ghostbuster]

I use Vincent monoblocks (sp-998) with my Rotel RSP-1098 processor. This is magic, best i ever had.

[Rampant]

You may want to do a little research on the Rotel RMB-1077 class D amp before making a final decision.

Great reviews in Home Theatre & Sound, May 2006; Audio Video Revolution, April 2006; Ultimate AV, May 2006 and the newest review in Absolute Sound, March 2007. Running at over 90 percent effiency it produces almost no heat but at 100WPC outclasses 200WPC amps. Pretty remarkable!

The Absolute Sound article compares it as a worthy replacement to the reviewers A51.

Using Bang & Olufsen's ICEpower technology the reviews compare its sound to a tube amp.