How much power do i really need?

[baumer]

I'm upgrading my system and have decided on Rotel this time around. I'm replacing a 20 year old, 35 watt Yamaha RX-300U that drives a pair of B&W 601 S2. My room size is approx. 22'x12'.

I listened to the RB-1080/RC-1070 combo at my local dealer, but i don't know if i really need 200w of power. I was thinking about going with the RB-1070 but the salesman said for the difference in price most people just go up to the RB-1080. I know that he will be pushing the more expensive amp, but this got me thinking, how much power do i really need?

I've decided on separates because down the road i will be moving into a house that has a great room that is approx. 33x40 with an 18' vaulted ceiling. More than likely i will be buying larger speakers and a more powerful amp. This move will happen roughly 10 years from now.

The price difference between the two is not an issue. However if i only need 130w, or even 70w with the RB-1050, i might look at getting a new CD player as well!

Thanks in advance,

Doug.

[hifiguymi]

There are two different ways to upgrade IMO.

If you don't plan on upgrading the speakers in the near term, I'd get the RC-1082 and an RB-1050 for close to the same money as the RB-1080 and RC-1070. That will allow you to upgrade the amp and speakers later on and keep the front end (which has a huge impact on sound quality) stable.

If your are going to upgrade the speakers soon, then look at a bigger amp like the RB-1070 or RB-1080.

Give the RC-1082 serious consideration. It's noticeably better than the RC-1070.

Eric

[baumer]

Thanks Eric,

I have been trying to figure out a way to get the RC-1082 over the RC-1070. The difference in price is pretty large, but i didn't think of the 1050/1082 option. Knowing that down the road i'll be getting a more powerful amp makes the 1050/1082 set-up something i'll look into.

Thanks,

Doug

[Dmantis]

I'm not going to suggest a amp rather then just answer you question. In your room with your speakers I'd say 50w or more is plenty of power. Your speakers are easy to drive.

[Mig17]

I think you should remove yuor speakers
If\s is very far behind hifi

[baumer]

I think you should remove yuor speakers
If\s is very far behind hifi

I may be upgrading speakers sooner than i thought. I've been looking at Ascend Sierra's as well as what my local dealer has to offer, (B&W, Paradigm, Klipsch).

I understand speakers are subjective, but what do you recommend i listen to? Right now my price range would be up to $1500.00.

[DL86]

Paradigm signature S2 v2 and you could still run them with a rb-1050 and sound great.

[Mig17]

listen some months more before decide
I use Dynaudio Audience which is I think their price very resonable in USA

[cfrizz]

Listen to as many speakers as you can get your ears on & get the ones that you like the best.

I'm a huge believer in the more power you feed speakers the better they will sound. I started out with a 2 channel 200wpc Parasound, it really showed me what my then 15 year old speakers were capable of! From there I added an Outlaw Monoblock for my center channel. Then last year I finally got what is in my signature now & am one very happy camper.

I will never have less than 200wpc driving any of my speakers from now on.

If you get more power now, you won't have to upgrade the amp later on down the line & your current speakers will benefit from the power now.

I also believe in getting a 5-7 channel amp for all speakers if you have a HT & being done with it.

Do it once, do it right, then sit back and enjoy for years to come!

[baumer]

I do like the idea of getting everything now and enjoying it! I bought the Yamaha twenty years ago when i first got married. I added the B&W's roughly ten years ago.

Now that i can afford some better quality gear, and the fact that my receiver is dying, i'm looking to upgrade for the next twenty years!

I'll take some extra time to save some cash, and listen to a lot of speakers.
Unfortunately quite a few of the speaker manufacturers aren't in my area.

Thanks for everyone's suggestions!

Doug

[zmanbands]

Klipsch RF-7's used

Exceptional and about $1000 used. Do a local pick-up tho. I would not have them shipped. Work very good with Rotel Amps.

[sirbogey]

"How much power do i really need? "

I always say, as much as you can afford...