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Adding a Rotel RMB-1075

I have a Rotel RSX-1057 5.1 Surround Sound A-V Receiver used primarily for music and less for HT. I now have a Marantz SACD player and am absolutely loving this new format in multi-channel 5.1. Fabulous. Am building my collection of SACDs now. The RSX-1057 is conservatively rated at 75 watts/ch x 5 in to 8 ohms at 20hz-20khz all channels driven. My two main speakes are the B&W DM603-S3 with the full complement of B&W center channel, surrounds, and two powered sub-woofers. Sound is out of this world. I'm thinking of my next upgrade and am considering adding the Rotel RMB-1075 multi-channel 5.1 amp at 120 watts/ch in to 8 ohms all channels driven and use the RSX-1057 just as a surround sound processor. What would I get out of this addition? Would I get more out of my mains and center channel because they're now being driven by more raw power? Would I realize more of the potential out of my B&W speakers? WOuld I really hear a considerable difference going from 75 watts/ch to 120? More slam and punch, more detail, more information, greater soundstage? Thanks all.
pdn
mekong56
137 posts
 
I had a RSX-1056 receiver, and added a RMB-1075 amp. In my experience, and this is only my opionion based on that, it was not that big of a difference to the stand alone RSX-1056. Maybe a bit quieter/cleaner with a bit more low level detail. Volume wise, it is more power, but 125wpc isn't going to be a night and day difference to 75wpc internal to the 1057. You are nearly doubling the cost of the 1057 by adding the 1075, which for me didn't end up justifying the investment. I think you need to go up to the 200wpc RMB-1095 to really hear a significant difference. Now, when I eventually replaced the RSX-1056 with a standalone processor (RSP-1068), I did find that more of a jump in sound quality. My advice would be to save a little longer and get a used RMB-1095 here on Agon. As always, your mileage may vary.
pdn OP
438 posts
 
Mekong56:

Thanks for the feedback on your very similar upgrade and the results you obtained. That's excellent info. The only issue I would have is that my main speakers have a max power rating of 150 watts each. If I went with the RMB-1095, could I blow them out with too much power?
mekong56
137 posts
 
That shouldn't be a problem. As long as you aren't pushing the speakers so hard that they distort. You would probably have to have them cranked well beyond normal reasonable listening levels to do that. If you are concerned or uncertain about that, check with B&W or your B&W dealer to get their recommendation on your particular speaker and the output of the amp.
mmarvin19
157 posts
 
Hi Pdn

If you want to stick with Rotel, I recommend the RMB 1095 (200w x 5)as you would need that much power increase over your 75w x 5 to make a real difference. Your speakers will handle 200w so long as you do not play at rediculously high volume.

An altrernative would be to upgrade by going to a seperate proecessor/amp set up. Like the RSP 1068 pre/pro or, if you need HDMI, the 1069. Couple that w/ an RMB 1075 (120w x 5). I used to drive my surrounds with the 1075 and found it to be a great amp.
pdn OP
438 posts
 
Mmarvin19

Thanks for the advice. You are in agreement with Mekong56 so that would be the way to go. I guess going up to 125 watts x 5 from 75 x 5 will not produce a noticeable difference. That's what I needed to know and why I started this thread. Thanks guys.
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Mmarvin19:

You mentioned if "I want to stick Rotel....." Are you suggesting another brand? What other suggestions would you have and why? I would love to hear back from you. Appreciate it.
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