Hey gang,
I'm getting ready to buy my first hi-fi system and could use a little advice from some of the more experienced audio enthusiasts.
The speakers I have chosen are: Martin Logan Aeon-i (4 ohms).
My dealer suggested the following from Rotel combination.
• RC1090 preamp
• RB1080 power amp.
• CDplayer 1072
I felt that the Rotel amps didn't offer the bass response that I was looking for, and overall didn't make the ML's sing. But maybe that will all change once it's actually in my home in the correct environment.
Today I went and listened to Classe Cap-2100 Integrated Amplifier. Whoa! What a difference an amp can make and an integrated one at that. I was suprised at how the speakers seemed to literally come alive and the bass response was drastically improved. I want this one. I wanted it until I found out that it was 4,900 and my wife interjected and said, "Forget it."
The dealer then suggested as an alternative setup, "Musical Fidelity." Which would cost the exact same as the Rotel.
• A308CD
• A308AMP
I didn't get to listen to Musical Fidelity today, but also feel that by looks alone it's not as pleasing to the eye. Sort of bulky and old school industrial.
I also have not really heard any reviews of Musical Fidelity. Are they good? Are they "considered" better than Rotel?
So my conclusion is: Maybe I go for the Rotel, and in 2-3 years come back to the better stuff. Is that the best workaround if you were in my position?
(Please also keep in mind I just moved from the states to Europe and do not have the flexibility of trying these in my home first or looking for used products, as they are very scarce).
Thanks for your time and comments.
I'm getting ready to buy my first hi-fi system and could use a little advice from some of the more experienced audio enthusiasts.
The speakers I have chosen are: Martin Logan Aeon-i (4 ohms).
My dealer suggested the following from Rotel combination.
• RC1090 preamp
• RB1080 power amp.
• CDplayer 1072
I felt that the Rotel amps didn't offer the bass response that I was looking for, and overall didn't make the ML's sing. But maybe that will all change once it's actually in my home in the correct environment.
Today I went and listened to Classe Cap-2100 Integrated Amplifier. Whoa! What a difference an amp can make and an integrated one at that. I was suprised at how the speakers seemed to literally come alive and the bass response was drastically improved. I want this one. I wanted it until I found out that it was 4,900 and my wife interjected and said, "Forget it."
The dealer then suggested as an alternative setup, "Musical Fidelity." Which would cost the exact same as the Rotel.
• A308CD
• A308AMP
I didn't get to listen to Musical Fidelity today, but also feel that by looks alone it's not as pleasing to the eye. Sort of bulky and old school industrial.
I also have not really heard any reviews of Musical Fidelity. Are they good? Are they "considered" better than Rotel?
So my conclusion is: Maybe I go for the Rotel, and in 2-3 years come back to the better stuff. Is that the best workaround if you were in my position?
(Please also keep in mind I just moved from the states to Europe and do not have the flexibility of trying these in my home first or looking for used products, as they are very scarce).
Thanks for your time and comments.
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