RB1080 vs RMB1095?

[macwrede]

I just purchased my first pair of B&Ws, some 803Ss (yeah, I know...I should've held out for the 803Ds...)

I had thought that my next purchase would be either a HTM3S to replace my Polk center channel or an ASW825 to replace a Velo SPL1000, but after reading other threads, it sounds like I need to power-up my 803s instead.

I currently have an RSP1068 pre-pro and RMB1075 (125x5). Would I be ahead to get a 1080 for the mains and leave 2 channels unused on the 1075 (I doubt that I will ever go 7.1.), or get rid of the 1075 and go with a 1095? Or should I stick with my original plan?

Thanks for your input!

[htsteve]

macwrede,

First of all, welcome to the forum. You will find lot's of good information here.

You ask an excellent question. Speakers are the front line items in any setup. So getting those speakers set would be a priority. Then electronics and then sources/cabling. You already have nice separates (1068/1075). So, the recommendation is to match those 803S's with a nice HTM3S. The polk center channel will be very misplaced next to the 803S's. Your sub is pretty good. What are you using for rear speakers? Matching the front three with the same series rears will be very good for system synergy.

As to amps, the 1075 is a very good performer, especially given the price. It will run an HTM3S quite nicely. I've had both the 1095 and 1080 with Rotel separates. A 1095 will make everything sound nicer, no question. But it would be a bit of overkill for the rears and center channel, IMO. The 1080 would be very nice for the 803S's. Very good control of the drivers, excellent soundstage, dynamics and detail. I've learned that a good stereo amp is better than an equivalently powered multichannel amp, for main speakers.


Hope this helps.

[macwrede]

htsteve...thanks for the input.

Rear speakers are Polk FXi50s...replacing them with B&Ws is still some time off.

So, you'd keep the 1075 and go with the HTM3s before adding power to the mains?

[Dmantis]

macwrede,

First of all, welcome to the forum. You will find lot's of good information here.

You ask an excellent question. Speakers are the front line items in any setup. So getting those speakers set would be a priority. Then electronics and then sources/cabling. You already have nice separates (1068/1075). So, the recommendation is to match those 803S's with a nice HTM3S. The polk center channel will be very misplaced next to the 803S's. Your sub is pretty good. What are you using for rear speakers? Matching the front three with the same series rears will be very good for system synergy.

As to amps, the 1075 is a very good performer, especially given the price. It will run an HTM3S quite nicely. I've had both the 1095 and 1080 with Rotel separates. A 1095 will make everything sound nicer, no question. But it would be a bit of overkill for the rears and center channel, IMO. The 1080 would be very nice for the 803S's. Very good control of the drivers, excellent soundstage, dynamics and detail. I've learned that a good stereo amp is better than an equivalently powered multichannel amp, for main speakers.


Hope this helps.

I agree with this reply except having equal power for all channel with matching dynamic range is key for a exceptional sounding home theater. I would go for the rmb1095.

Dan

[htsteve]

So, you'd keep the 1075 and go with the HTM3s before adding power to the mains?

Yes.


I also like Dan's idea. Equal power to all five speakers is very good for system symmetry in HT. But that would be after dealing with at least the center channel. The extra current with the 1095 would be very nice. Also, you can find used 1080's on Audiogon for $600 or so (A used 1095 is about twice that). A used 1080 can be an option. An HTM3S plus a 1080 would be quite excellent.

One thing I found with going to the 800 series with good electronics is that my two channel listening picked up. That's when I started getting stereo amps for my mains. I had then and currently have superb two channel, and the mains are the bedrock of an excellent HT.


Hope this helps.

[macwrede]

Thanks for the input guys. I have enough money now for either the 1080 or the 1095, but that would set me back on the HTM3s for a while. Think I'll keep saving and make that change first.

[macwrede]

If it matters, most of my serious listening is 2 channel. HT is probably less than 25%.

[htsteve]

If it matters, most of my serious listening is 2 channel. HT is probably less than 25%.

In that case, get the 1080 now. You will really notice it with the 803S's vs. the 1075. The 1075 is more than enough for the Polk center and surrounds.


Hope this helps.