Config decision to make: rb-980 or rb-976 for FRONTS help

[maxwebster]

Hello,

I have been using a bridged rb-976 3x150 for years to power my fronts + centre and a rb-980bx 2x120 to power my surrounds

Now I find that the 980bx has significantly less distortion and better signal-to-noise than my much newer 976

Stereo is still very important to me and my question is - should use the the 980 for the fronts instead of the 976?

or is it a wash and I should just by a new 2-channel amp?

Thank you

[hifiguymi]

Just try it and see what you think. My money would be on the RB980BX sounding better but try it for yourself. As far as a new amp, it would depend on which model you would pick. Something like an RB-1080 or one of the new RB-1572s would out perform both of the amps you have.

Eric

[maxwebster]

Thamks HiFiGuy

I knew this was the answer, was just hoping to hear that one of these amps would be the spectacular choice.

Now, which one to get?????

If not one of these two, it will have to be the Byrston 4B

btw - I have the snipped rsp-1066 paired with Studio 140s by ProAc

[wkhanna]

I am V familiar with the older Bryston 4B.
A true classic, IMO.

I wish I could compare the RB-1090 that I am now using to a 4B head-to-head in my system. I would guess the results might be V close.

As always, JMVHO

[maxwebster]

Went with two powerpacks (300 sst)

Thanks guys - now, I need to upgrade from 1066 to 1570 - my 1066 is firmware upgraded and hardware snipped - any takers?

[Nuthed]

Hello,

I have been using a bridged rb-976 3x150 for years to power my fronts + centre and a rb-980bx 2x120 to power my surrounds

Now I find that the 980bx has significantly less distortion and better signal-to-noise than my much newer 976

Stereo is still very important to me and my question is - should use the the 980 for the fronts instead of the 976?

or is it a wash and I should just by a new 2-channel amp?

Thank you

Anytime you bridge an amp you're going to get some distortion and harshness, so I would avoid that.

The RB-980BX is one hell of an amplifier. I wouldn't hestitate to use one, in fact I still have 2. I would use it on my fronts before I rushed out and bought anything else as hifiguy suggested. I don't think the 10 series gear sounds any better or even different. No offense hifiguy. :T

If 120 wpc will do ya, you're all set.