RMB-1095 or RB-1080 + RB-1070

[kinjite]

Hi,

This is my first post on the Rotel forum. Great forum btw!

I am considering a RMB-1095 or a combination of a RB-1080 for my front JMLab Cobalt 820 speakers, a RB-1070 for my Cobalt 806 surrounds and a RB-1070 for my Cobalt CC800 center speaker, with one channel left for a future 6.1 upgrade.

Is this just an overkill or the rught way to go? For the moment I can't find a dealer who can show me the difference :-(

Thanks!

[Azeke]

Here are my quick thoughts, purchase the RMB-1075 for the rears and purchase the RB-1080 to drive the fronts. The rears don't need the dedicated power, but based on your speakers, the fronts could use them.
Then calibrate your speakers, I believe this will achieve what you need.

If possible you should listen to any combo in your own home environment for a true evaluation.

Hope this helps,

Azeke

[eelco74]

Hi,

I have had the cobalt 816 at home as fronts for demo. But eventually went for the electra 906.

I drive them with a RB-981 and RB-985MKII combination. The 1070 is the successor of the 981.

If I were you, I would go for the 1080 and 1075 combo. Your cobalt 820 deserves a good amp. And it will sound better in stereo this way.

[kinjite]

Thanks for the info, I think I will go find(search) that dealer for some demos :-)

One question, I like the DSP-1098 very much... so I thought I'd buy that too :-) However, I was wondering when the next updated model would arrive... maybe its better to ways a few months, or would that rather be years?

Regs

[Aussie Geoff]

kinjite,

My understanding is that while firmware updates to the RSP-1098 for the next while are certain (a good thing), design work on new / upgraded models is still at the planning / thinking / what should we do stage. So given all the normal hardware lead times (usually 12 months from concept to production in Processors / Receivers etc) you would be safe to buy now - we are talking about a product that was only released in July / August 2003 - it has a significant model life ahead of it. If it was my money I'd listen to the RSP-1098 and RSP-1068 very very carefully and make my value for money pick on how much the differences were worth to me. Both are very good - and with a high quality set-up like the one you're concidering, my money would be on the RSP-1098 for that extra edge in transparency and sound stage - especially for stereo. But you'ld need to hear it to know in your mind that the difference was worth the price for you

Geoff

[Darren M]

I don't know - the 1095 is a mighty fine Amp and drives 200 * 5 at the same time. The only upsides I see to the other solution is the possible 6.1 option (of course could buy one 2 channel amp later and have a 7.1 option) and the better stereo sound. If you're using it mostly for home theater, I'd seriously consider the 1095. BTY - regarding the stereo sound - I've found the 1095 to be extremely capable in stereo. I run Klipsch Ref 7 speakers which are very sensitive (102db I believe) and they show any "flaw" in the electronics. I've been very happy with the 1095.

[dave]

I'm inclined to agree with Darren on this one, the stats on the 1095 are very good. A true dedicated stereo amp will yeald more depth and seperation for
stereo listening, however if the use of your system falls primarily into the
HT use then I would be more inclined to listen to the 1095 closely. I use mine for both HT & Music and have been very satisfied with the results.
The best thing to do however is let hearing be your decision maker.

Regards,, Dave..