2. amps-preamps
  3. 168440-163947

Rotel RA-1592 MK II or something else to deliver around 200W to B&W towers around $3000?

So I just purchased a pair of B&W CDM-9NT and am now going deep down the rabbit hole trying to find an amp that’s going to let these speakers sing to their fullest. I keep coming back to Rotel as the consensus appears to be that these amps pair very well with B&Ws. I was trying to keep the budget to $1000...then $1500...now I’m looking at $3000 options...I’m not willing to go up to the McIntosh prices at the moment so I’m capping myself at $3k new or used.

I was thinking that going integrated was the best option when looking at the $1500ish options. Now maybe separates would make sense at $3000?

Goals in sound are excellent imaging and separation. Strong and tight bass is a must. Music selection is mainly very bass forward genres like hip hop & EDM. I also enjoy jazz, rock and sometimes classical as the mood strikes. A must have is digital connectivity for hi-res streaming. The room is 14x18 if that matters.

Any help is appreciated.
yukispier
kennyc
1,652 posts
 
@yukispier
capping myself at $3k new or used
I was thinking that going integrated
A must have is digital connectivity for hi-res streaming.
I’m having difficulty nailing down your requirements.

Are you asking for an amp or an integrated amp? If amp, what’s your preamp?

Do you have a DAC and/or streamer, or is it budgeted in the $3k?

No direct experience but Peachtree seems good for the $, but you can do better sonically within your budget such as a Hegel.
yukispier OP
26 posts
 
Are you asking for an amp or an integrated amp? If amp, what’s your preamp?

Do you have a DAC and/or streamer, or is it budgeted in the $3k?

I apologize for the confusion here. I currently have the B&Ws but nothing else.

When I started the thread I thought that buying something like the Rotel 1592 was the way to go but now I’m more sold on building a better system with separates for the same price.

I’m now leaning more towards putting most of the budget into a very good power amp and getting a pre & dac that will be OK for now but upgrading those components in the next year or so.

Budget is still hovering around 3K (in the process of purchasing a new home) but it could be expanded in the next few weeks if some other anticipated expenses work out to less than anticipated.
maxinvalrico
14 posts
 
Michi is Rotel’s high end brand. If I had the cash I would have went with the M8 monoblocks but alas I too am building a new home.

Https://Rotel.com/michi
terry9
2,354 posts
 
Yuki, I think that is an excellent tactic. For lots of reasons. Concentrate on getting the big stuff right. Don't spend more than a few bucks on cables until you have the big stuff where you want it. Cables are the poorest bang for buck, IMO. YMMV

terry9
2,354 posts
 
As for amps, I know the Bryston SST series, very nice, and just a little mellow. I understand that the SST2 is a little bright, which may be the last thing you need with your speakers. SST3 is reputed to be neutral - but I haven't heard either of the latter series, so consult the factory if you are interested. 

Good luck! And welcome.
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