Rotel 1520 integrated amp with B&W CM1 vs CM5

[j1982]

Hello, I just purchased a Rotel 1520 integrated amp, I am setting it up to my iMac and have ALAC files for music (still searching for a DAC under $500). My system will be in the living room of an apartment (about 12x13). Which speakers do you recommend, B&W CM1 vs CM5, I have listened to both at a local shop but cannot decide if $500 extra is worth it. Thank you.

[srb]

I see that you have received one response over at CA from someone that has used the CM1 with a Bryston B60. The Bryston B60 is a 60W/ch @ 8 ohm amplifier as is the Rotel RA-1520. Bryston also specs the B60 as 100W/ch @ 4 ohms. Rotel does not give a 4 ohm power rating, although I would guess it would be similar.

Beyond the obvious difference of a 5" midbass driver in the CM1 vs the 6.5" driver in the CM5, the CM1 is quite a bit less efficient. The CM1 has a rated sensitivity of 84dB with a minimum impedance of 3 Ohms vs the CM5 with a sensitivity of 88dB with a minimum impedance of 3.7 Ohms.

The CM5 will be an easier to drive load and will most likely make the modest Rotel seem like a bigger amplifier in comparison, with a bit greater control and headroom.

On the subject of < $500 DACs: There is a company by the name of Schiit who build headphone amplifiers, and whose owner/engineers come from Sumo and Theta. Their product line of solid state, tube and hybrid headphone amplifiers is being expanded with several new DACs. http://schiit.com/cart/index.php?mai...&products_id=7

The first one is the entry level Bifrost DAC scheduled to be shipped on September 30. It is built in USA and features a discrete output stage. It sells for $349, or $449 with an optional asynchronous 24/192 USB input.

You may want to keep your ears open at Audiocircle.com and Head-Fi.org for information and comments/reviews after it ships.

Steve

[stuofsci02]

srb,

Where do you get that the CM1 has min impedance of 3 ohms? All specs I have seen have it at 5.1 ohms.

Aside from the obvious difference in effeciency which can be attributed to the smaller drivers, I think that the CM1 would present an easier load to drive then the CM5.

Cheers..

Stuart

[srb]

Where do you get that the CM1 has min impedance of 3 ohms? All specs I have seen have it at 5.1 ohms.

You're right, the B&W CM1 spec sheet and manual both say 5.1 ohms. I got the apparent 3.0 ohm misinformation from the vendor ListenUp webpage Features and Specs (http://www.listenup.com/B%26W+CM1-p-CM1-p-.html).

Steve

[stuofsci02]

You're right, the B&W CM1 spec sheet and manual both say 5.1 ohms. I got the apparent 3.0 ohm misinformation from the vendor ListenUp webpage Features and Specs (http://www.listenup.com/B%26W+CM1-p-CM1-p-.html).

Steve

:^x Cool!