I can pick up a used 400xi for a little more than the RC-1070/RB-1080 combo and was wondering if anyone has directly compared the two? Is there a significant difference? Looking to use with B&W 703's. Thanks.
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I think the KAV-400xi is a little brighter, but only a little. Cables can change that. Outside of that, the Krell is better. The KAV-400xi is really good. A customer of mine has one on a pair of 803D's and it sounds fantastic. The Krell does a great job in the bass. It's really quick and controled.
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Krell will have the upper hand in overall image focus and detail retrievance. The preamp of the Krell integrated is cleaner than the RC1070.Analog: VPI Scoutmaster w/ Steel Delrin clamp + Dynavector 20XH cart
Digital: SB3 + PS Audio Digital Link III DAC
System: Cary Audio SLP-98P Tube Preamplifier w/ Sylvanias -> Plinius SA102 Class A amplifier -> Martin Logan SUMMITS/Strata Minis -> 8O (me)Comment
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There was a similar discussion on this topic. Both are pretty fine systems. Have you listened to the combo you listed? I love Krell products, i had a chance to audition them couple years back, and the sound quality was amazing. That said i have not heard the 400xi. Both systems have great built quality. Great 2ch sound. I guess it comes down to which system sounds good to you. With the speakers you have tough, maybe i would lean more towards Rotel RB 1080 and the 1070. Though choice, good luck.
ILKER A.
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I prefer my rb-1090 over the 400-xi both compared with the same source. Haven't compared it to the rb-1070/rb-1080. 400-xi sounded strained to me at higher volumes compared with the rb-1090 and not as fluid.Comment
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Krell 400 is much more simple and you saving one intterconnectComment
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I prefer the separates over the integrated for the simple reason of upgrading one piece at a time AND not cramming components into one small case. I listened to the Krell before I bought my Rotel and I thought the Krell was great but a bit too bright for my B&W N804.Comment
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I prefer the Rotel RC-1070/RB-1080 over the Krell 400xi any day! My brother had the Krell 400xi and we both compared it side by side with the Rotel RB-1080 and RB-1090 and we both prefered the Rotel setup more. The Krell just flat out sounded brighter, leaner, and without the beef of the Rotel RC-1070 and RB-1080 setup and dimension/resolution was better with the seps of the Rotel. He sold his Krell 400xi on Audiogon and is a very happy owner of the Rotel RC-1070 and RB-1080 for about almost a year now. I also own a RC-1070/RB-1080 and RC-1090/RB-1090 and I'm very happy as well. He said he loves the Rotel sound, so do I. Of course with sound, it's always subjective to what sounds best to you.Comment
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how big of a difference is there between the two setups?Originally posted by mpeakComment
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Driving what speaker?Originally posted by mpeak
Hi.Comment
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Hmmm.
I'd PROBABLY take the Krell 400xi over the Rotel combo.
I *HAD* a Rotel 1068 and Rotel 1095 powering B&W 703s. I switched to Aerial 7b's (a very neutral/natural speaker). I was forced to make a switch and ended up with the Krell 400xi powering them. Personally, I think the Krell has a bit more detail and wider sound stage, but then again, the 1068 is a DSP where the 400xi is an analog integrated.
B&Ws are bright. So, assuming that the Krell is more detailed, you may feel that it, combined with the B&Ws, is too bright. For a more neutral speaker (Thiel, Aerial, etc.), I'd recommed the Krell.
All that aside, I'd spend MORE time being concerned with your source. I also switched from a Rotel 1072 CD to a Krell Showcase DVD. The Krell beat the Rotel, hands down IMO. However, the Rotel was only $700. Just for "apples to apples", lets add another $900 for a Rotel DVD. The Krell is $4000 new, more than 2x the cost of the Rotel players. So, the Krell SHOULD be better.
One last thing. Ever seen a B&W add? Or a Rotel add? Ever looked closely at the products? B&W speakers are always pictured with Rotel products, and vice versa. Synergy.
Either way, you won't go wrong.Comment
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Or marketing. Especially when BW owns Rotel.Originally posted by gritAnalog: VPI Scoutmaster w/ Steel Delrin clamp + Dynavector 20XH cart
Digital: SB3 + PS Audio Digital Link III DAC
System: Cary Audio SLP-98P Tube Preamplifier w/ Sylvanias -> Plinius SA102 Class A amplifier -> Martin Logan SUMMITS/Strata Minis -> 8O (me)Comment
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Is is good idea to try difenrent amp Krell and Rotel
Why not try different speakers, are you sure 703 is the best ?Comment
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LOL! True true.Originally posted by Joey_VComment
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I just got my pair of 802D from a local dealer who used them as his demos for about 6 months or so. I had Rotel RSX-1056 (used as preamp) + RB-1070 to drive my 704s before, and need to get a new power amp and preamp in the near future.
I'm strongly considering Krell 400Xi integrated... -
I had the opportunity yesterday to audition a pair of Paradigm Studio 100s with the Rotel RC1070/RB1070 preamp & power amp combination. My ears were very pleased. However, I am curious about the audible difference that the Rotel RC1082/RB1080 would make with these same speakers. Or maybe going with... -
I am in the process of ordering the RC1070 stereo preamp and RB1080 power amp, and am curious if anyone has any recommendations for interconnects and speaker cables. I currently own a pair of Mirage OM10 speakers. My music tastes run from rock (Metallica, Guns n Roses, Tool, etc) to female vocalists... -
how you doing guys ?since rb 1090 is hard to get (at least for me ) i was thinking to go with his little brother Rb 1080 and rc 1070 but few days ago i ran into nice review of krell's integrated amp 400xi as wellasrotel 200 watts i was wondering which one would make me feel better does any one... -
I spent the better part of the day comparing the Rotel RCD-1072 and the Krell SACD standard.
Both were running on the Krell 400Xi integrated amplifier and B&W 804s speakers.
Here are some of the music I used to compare the 2:
1) Diana Krall
2)...
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